In this meditation Q&A Venerable Pomnyun Sunim emphasizes the significance of cultivating awareness during meditation without exerting willpower.
Pomnyun explains that awareness is the effortless recognition or perception of something, unlike willpower, which demands exertion.
He illustrates this concept by describing how one naturally becomes aware of a pebble when attention is directed towards it, similar to noticing one’s breath without any strain.
Pomnyun stresses the importance of staying present in the moment to enhance awareness and accurately understand situations.
He notes that strong emotions, such as greed and anger, can cloud judgment and hinder awareness, often leading to regret.
Moreover, Pomnyun emphasizes that it is essential to have a calm mind and attentive awareness in order to practice meditation effectively.
This procedure necessitates regular practice and firsthand experience, rather than just theoretical knowledge.
Despite initial challenges such as drowsiness, physical discomfort, or a wandering mind, persistent practice leads to progress in meditation.
According to Pomnyun, the teachings of Buddha, while intellectually sound, necessitate direct personal experience to overcome suffering and master meditation truly.
He encourages meditators to let go of striving and simply be aware in a relaxed state to achieve deeper insights and heightened awareness.
