|
Does anyone meditate blindfolded, and if yes, Why? What sort of meditation experiences do you have when wearing a blindfold and how do they differ from a meditation without a blindfold? Thank You |
|
Many years back when I first started getting interested in metaphysical ideas, I also experimented with sensory deprivation ideas. What I used to do was wear a blindfold - an eye-mask, actually - to block out all light and put in ear plugs (to block out all sound). In fact, if I remember correctly, I even cut a table tennis ball in half and put each half over each closed eye under the blindfold to enhance the light-blocking. My eyelids are fairly thin so even if I shut my eyelids but still sit in a bright room, I still sense the light. That might be a major reason why I feel I am so bad at visualization and why I searched for ways to avoid visualizing. I remember feeling the blindfold did help in picking up visual impressions during those sessions - though sitting in an extremely dark room would also achieve the same effect. Other than that, I don't see what other advantages there could be to wearing a blindfold. |
|
The only time I have meditated with a blindfold, with an eye-mask actually, was on a long flight recently and it was one of the best meditation experience I have had. I remember thinking I should wear eye-mask even at home while meditating. But, more than the blindfold/eye-mask, I think it was the rushing through to get to the airport, through the security and all that stressful stuff and then the eventually settling down on your seat that demands your body and mind to relax. By that time, most people want some shut-eye.. So I guess, I was ready for some relaxing meditation. But I think I should try it at home as well. During the morning meditation, I like the windows open for fresh morning air so this would be a good way to make it completely dark. It cannot harm:) |
|
Recently i've been meditating blindfolded but keeping my ears exosed to hieghten my hearing. It also elevates it seems your sense of touch as your more aware of atmospheric changes in pressure from the wind outside , some1 walikg in through a door in the house etc. It also helps from visual distraction and the journey inward seems more..... not intense but easier. Also i've been performing some daily tasks like making tea, using the bathroom just walking around and you'd be surprised how many times you go to reach for a light lol , or think of looking out a window when hearing something.It feels great to be honest , all external visual distractions are practically gone and your able to confront your inner being i believe and reduce negative habbits. When i meditate withought a blindfold i feel more distracted and aching to just get the session over. the blindfold seems to make it more fun. I say if you try this and enjoy it thats definately a plus. |
|
Meditating blindfolded is the same thing as with eyes close you are in darkness(the window of the house are blinfolded).If you are not able to keep aware with open eyes and see in the light, how will you do it in the dark? If you do it in the dark you can see image comes to you.Like a dream state.where you put your heart and mind also so will you be.It is like seing a 1 hour movie in a fee minutes. Who is the observer? Who is the observed?Who is the house?Who is the temple? Where are the windows?Where is the lamp of the body? The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. http://bible.cc/matthew/6-22.htm You are right White Tiger, why not just close the eyes or wait until dark?
(28 Jan '13, 17:08)
LeeAnn 1
@LeeAnn wait,keep watch, be aware.i have told you what you need to do.And how it relates.It is for you to decide when you do it.I have told you the difference between the 2 meditation with eyes open and with eyes close. Why not just open the eyes and be filled with light?
(28 Jan '13, 17:41)
white tiger
I think the blinfold helps to stop triggered distractions from things and help quiet the thoughts, especially if lately things have been hectic. ya withought a blindfold u could just close your eyes but with 1 if u open them its still dark and more immersive. it also seems to help me retract and apreciate what i see as more of tool than a sense pleasure, example: movies, the opposite sex, style. Hearing seems to be more realized and when not blindfolded it seems i'm also less distracted.
(03 Feb '13, 18:58)
Horseflesh
I'm just saying what seems to be working from my lifes experience. We're all different just trying to find our way. It also seems more of an adventue and less of a chore. @ White tiger, isn't enlightenment working with darkness metaphoricly and literrally than just basking in whats alrdy visable?
(03 Feb '13, 18:58)
Horseflesh
@horseflesh is it not awareness that is important and not having your eyes close or open?You might like becoming more aware through your other sense and the feeling that it induce in you and the learning that you get from it. but can you keep that same awareness with eyes open?Did you try to practice this?Then it is something else for you to practice and experience is it not?is it the blind fold that quiet the though? Or should i say like morpheus do you think it is air that you are breathing?
(03 Feb '13, 19:14)
white tiger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWaxF8jlnm0 If you never saw that movie they are not in the physical world so what as the matter to do with the mind or emotion? added longuer version of it to help free your mind. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=oUBdyntL2Ag&feature=endscreen
(03 Feb '13, 19:15)
white tiger
@white tiger, i know what your getting at, and definately being able to be centered and relaxed without a blindfold in any enviorment is a goal. Lately lifes been kinda hectic for me, thats probably why at this moment it feels great just to be free from most of that. I've come to a point where i'm not purpsely or subconciously seeking to distract myself from myself, with Tv , music etc. Like today i used the blindfold for awhile but not as long.
(05 Feb '13, 00:21)
Horseflesh
1
After i removed it i still relaxed and trying to stay focused. I kinda don't want it to be a crutch. Ya the Matrix is an awesome movie. Know it by heart. I wish the last 2 were as good. Thx for the feedback and stay cool :)
(05 Feb '13, 00:22)
Horseflesh
For myself i prefer with open eyes fixing a spot in front of you that is not there. so the object is nothing but awareness. in meditation they say the observer become the observed. or the observer becomes the object.So by becoming aware not seeking or creating but just being aware.
(05 Feb '13, 00:44)
white tiger
Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature. The way of nature is unchanging. Knowing constancy is insight. Not knowing constancy leads to disaster. Knowing constancy, the mind is open. With an open mind, you will be openhearted. Being openhearted, you will act royally. Being royal, you will attain the divine. Being divine, you will be at one with the Tao. Being at one with the Tao is eternal. And though the body dies, the Tao will never pass away.
(05 Feb '13, 00:48)
white tiger
A good walker leaves no tracks; A good speaker makes no slips; A good reckoner needs no tally. A good door needs no lock, Yet no one can open it. Good binding requires no knots, Yet no one can loosen it. Therefore the sage takes care of all men And abandons no one. He takes care of all things And abandons nothing. This is called "following the light."
(05 Feb '13, 00:51)
white tiger
1
Those are awesome words. I really like the the focusing on the a spot thats not there. I think i'm gonna practice that an see where it takes me. I feel like now in life i'm more ready than ever to really pursue the inward quest.
(06 Feb '13, 00:33)
Horseflesh
showing 2 of 12
show 10 more comments
|
If you are seeing this message then the Inward Quest system has noticed that your web browser is behaving in an unusual way and is now blocking your active participation in this site for security reasons. As a result, among other things, you may find that you are unable to answer any questions or leave any comments. Unusual browser behavior is often caused by add-ons (ad-blocking, privacy etc) that interfere with the operation of our website. If you have installed these kinds of add-ons, we suggest you disable them for this website
