Lecture Notes: Understanding Meditation and Inner Power

1. Introduction

• Personal struggles with distractions at home (TV, computer, etc.).
• Importance of setting aside dedicated time for meditation.

2. Defining Real Meditation

• Biblical Reference: "Be still and know that I am God."
  • Recognizing the divine within oneself.
  • Creative power within can be good or evil.
  • Power itself is neutral; it’s all about usage.
• Analogy: Electrical power
  • Can be used constructively or destructively based on the knowledge of the user.

3. Misinterpretation of Scriptures

• Symbolic interpretation vs. literal interpretation of religious texts.
• Allegories and parables in the Bible are often misunderstood.
• Critique of waiting for a ‘second coming’ when symbolism suggests working on inner self.

4. The Essence of Meditation

• True meditation requires stillness and non-action.
• Techniques involving doing activities (like deep breaths, visualizing candles) are not true meditation.
• Recommended Reading: The Cloud of Unknowing by a 14th-century Catholic monk.
  • Emphasizes total immersion into nothingness.
• Challenges in achieving stillness due to the 'monkey mind.'
• Western religious practices often ignore meditation's true essence.

5. Brain Function and Meditation

• Right hemisphere and pineal gland are often ignored in religious teachings.
• Ancient importance of pineal gland and brain hemisphere balance.

6. Meditation Techniques and Considerations

• Jesus’ Teachings on Thought: Matthew 6:25-34 – “Take no thought”
• Numerology and symbolism in the Bible.
  • The number five representing senses and sacrifices.

7. Corporate America and Meditation

• Importance in customer service and sales training.
• Three Circles of Meditation: Activity, Thinking, and Feeling.
  • Activity: Outer circle; easiest to change.
  • Thinking: Middle circle; not true center.
  • Feeling: Closest to center; subjective experience.
• Goal: Move towards the center (meditation) from the outer circles.

8. Practical Meditation Techniques

• Buddhist Practices: Lotus position and its scientific backing.
  • 90° spine angle minimizes gravity.
  • Closed circuit of body electricity.
  • New technique: separating hands when legs go numb.
• Consistency in practice is key.
• Not tied to any specific religion – a scientific process.
• Focus on electrical energy and consciousness.
• Abandon traditional male/female God imagery; think of God as energy/intelligence.

9. Understanding the Power of the Mind

• Brain wave cycles: Beta (alert) to Alpha (relaxed) to Theta (deep relaxation/meditation) to Delta (deep sleep).
• Alignment between meditation experiences and brain activity.
• Christian practices often remain in Beta (emotional energy). Meditation moves from Beta to Alpha and beyond.

10. Impact of Meditation on Everyday Life

• It's not about grand experiences during meditation, but how it reflects in daily life.
• Strengthening and preparation to face life's challenges.
• Meditation proven to improve health and well-being.
• Historical teachings from Buddha on the transformative power of meditation.

11. Handling Thoughts and Feelings in Meditation

• Indifference (Upeksha): Observe thoughts without engagement.
  • Allows detachment and deeper meditation.
  • Success is determined by impact on life rather than the meditation experience itself.
• Meditation improves quality of life and handling of stress.

12. The Unique Individual in Meditation

• Each person's meditation is unique and tailored to their individual needs.
• Insights gained from meditation affect actions and reactions in the world.
• Contribution to society and nature as one integrates the meditative practice.

13. The Three Circles in Practice

• Use activity, thinking, and feeling to drive towards the center (meditative state).
• Meditative state should influence daily interactions and behaviors.
• Approach life from a different, higher perspective through meditation.

14. The Role of Science in Spiritual Practices

• Brain chemistry and the influence of meditation on health.
• Consistent meditation is required for noticeable benefits.
• Understanding and utilizing the brain’s potential for spiritual growth.

15. Real-world Applications and Community Benefits

• Meditation as a preparation for life's adversities.
• Personal experiences shared about overcoming health challenges through meditation.
• Educating children on inner power and body’s intelligence.
• Encourage non-fearful engagement with oneself and others through meditation.

16. Children's Education on Meditation

• Teaching kids about the pineal gland and brain function.
• Emphasis on understanding oneself instead of fear-based religious teaching.
• Developing emotional intelligence and awareness from a young age.

17. Conclusion

• Highlighting the importance of individual journeys in meditation.
• Encouraging personal growth and contributions to society through meditative practices.
• Affirmation of inner power and the potential for transformative change within each person.