ASD and non-sectarian Buddhism

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Hello,

Walking meditation is well established, one method is to repeat the words, 'Bodhisattva Mahasattva'. With each step, Bo-dhi-sat-tva Ma-ha-sat-tva. This is a Mahayana Buddhist practice.

Or you can count to 21 with each step, and then count backwards from 21. This method can also be used in our sitting practice.

It's important not to judge your practice, in doing this we take the long-term view.
Let the breath remain natural and relax, and relax again!
Dissolve into each breath and let go, and let be..........

Try meditation for 5 mins a day, no judgement.

I have tried the slow walking meditation before, but I need the physical exercise. SO it's fast-paced walking, focusing on each step and listening to my breathing. Of course, I get interrupted by the dog, but I consider that part of the practice. I find that single-pointed meditation, or in this case I guess it's dual-pointed, is more beneficial to me. I have the typical Aspergian mind and analyze everything. I'm acutely aware of all my thoughts, without even trying. What I need is peace, more so than additional awareness. I think with less thinking and less focus on my thoughts, I might be able to get to know my feelings instead.

Sorry I was suggesting normal or fast paced walking or even running.

If we have lots of thoughts we can use a mantra as this brings ease to thoughts as we use verbal thinking to calm the mind.

Anyhow, just a few suggestions, keep looking for what works.

All the best!

I'm so glad to read this thread.
Becoming a Buddhist practitioner greatly reduced my anxiety and benefited me, and by extension, my family.
Now that I am finally diagnosed and know that I am on the autism spectrum and after doing the little bit of research since finding out, I see how significant meditation is for me and those like me.
In fact I would recommend to anyone on the spectrum to try meditation before trying drugs.

I have a problem. I have come to understand that many consider it a bad idea to try the buddhist path without a teacher. However, the number of teachers in any given order are very few here. My problem is I have real difficulties connecting with other people and often feel uncomfortable or distressed in the company of strangers. It's very rare for me to find somebody I feel I can trust, and from what I gather this is absolutely essential when choosing a teacher.

The reason I find it difficult to trust people is mainly that it's difficult for me to detect when someone is insincere and I have difficulties understanding hidden agendas. But more than that, I am both physically and mentally repelled by most people. I prefer them from a distance, I often feel invaded by others. Since meditation practice and following the buddhist path would open up the very core of me, I am afraid I would not be able to handle ending up with the wrong teacher. In fact, just the process of visiting local centers and talking to teachers makes me break into a cold sweat.

Hello,

Please do not worry, it's OK to be different. I understand the difficulty around going to see teachers or a teacher. I have also had my share of avoidance.

Read the books of established ethnic Buddhist teachers across the different traditions, and see which approach you feel agrees with you. Please do study from a distance until you feel it is safe.

When the Buddha was passing he stated that when he was gone let the Dharma [teachings] be the Teacher.

I hope this helps!

All the very best to you!

Grant.

I'm interested in Meditation to. Right now I'm trying college again and I've decided to use Meditation for my research paper.


Personally, I've done something like Meditation to relax at the end of the day. I've read that's not really recommend because you'll fall asleep, but that's kind of why I do it. It's helps my brain quiet down and go to sleep.

Hopefully while doing this term paper I might learn more about "proper" meditation. I recently watched a video of Deepak Chopra talking about it and he seemed fairly straightforward. There are so many vague TM meditation videos that talk about Meditation and it's benefits, but seem to avoid specifics. Deepak seemed to be a straight talker trying to explain it to a western audience.

‎"Don’t Prolong the Past"

The great 19th Century Tibetan master
Patrul Rinpoche wrote:

Don’t prolong the past,
Don’t speculate about the future,
Just dwell in present awareness!

<< Moved from Getting to know each other, by member of moderating team. >>

Hello Grant, Lipstick and other members who have contributed to this thread.

It's been some time since I have been in touch and I wish to send you all loving kindness.

In recent times my teacher Thich Nhat Hanh has visited our community in London and it was very inspiring.

How are you all?

Chris.

Hello Chris,

Wonderful to hear from you and receive your kind words.

Asanga, the great Indian master wrote.

"Loving kindness is the canal through which the river of compassion flows."

I've found these words so helpful in my practice.

Have you ever read Shantideva's- The Way of the Bodhisattva. The original Indian classic on Bodhicitta [Compassion and Wisdom] of the Mahayana tradition. It's so inspiring!

All the very best to you dear brother!

Grant.

This is a little poem on the Loving-Mind.

This present awareness, ever bright.
Tirelessly working for our benefit.
Stable and stainless in its loving work
Throughout the day in every moment
And at night the lucid watcher of dreams
Love is ever present!
In the open experience of all appearance.

Have a wonderful day!

Grant.

If anyone would like to hang out on Facebook, just look me up- 'Grant South'.