In the past, meditation seemed to be of little interest to the general public, with most people thinking that meditation was only for the elderly or monks. However, currently, meditation seems to have become a central topic that is often discussed and practiced at events and training courses in schools and workplaces. In particular, there are many people who have adopted meditation as a habit for living.
“Of course, people today have learned a lot of information, including modern technology, but they have not taken the time to understand what inner happiness is, understanding that the materials around them are part of their happiness, but in reality it is a short-term happiness. Through meditation, we can understand the true happiness that comes from within us.” According to Mr. Neem Chhunny, CEO of ANAKOT Asia Academy, a training institution focused on leadership that combines meditation and mental training or Mind Fitness (Holistic). Mr. Chunny graduated from the Chiang Mai International Buddhist School in Buddhist Philosophy and Humanities with extensive work experience both domestically and internationally in the development of human resources in the Buddhist tradition, including teaching meditation. He also shared the following about meditation:
What is meditation?
Meditation, or in Pali, bhavana, means mental development or mindfulness or concentration, calming the mind, and is divided into two: samatha and vipassana. Samatha is the training of the mind to calm down and increase peace with oneself (how to control anger or the mind), and vipassana is the learning to increase the mind, that is, to cut off suffering (delusion).
What are the benefits of meditation?
Meditation is very beneficial. Meditation can help us live with ourselves and our families in peace, reduce daily stress and tension, and learn to control our emotions when we are angry and improve our mental health. In particular, meditation can help us to be confident in what we are doing by focusing on breathing properly. In addition to demonstrating the benefits of meditation, Mr. Chunny also shared his own experience of improving his own quality of life until he recovered from his illness through meditation. It should be noted that he had kidney disease and had been treated for many years, including surgery, but without good results. Until 2006, he went to study in Thailand, where he really practiced meditation. Later, at the end of 2007, at an event in Thailand, he overcame the consequences and pain of his illness through meditation until he was able to focus on the source of the pain and feel that it had disappeared. As a result, he has recovered to this day. However, he stated that these are just what happened to him, so he will not claim that this will happen to everyone, but he still considers meditation a part of his life and has started to share this benefit by teaching meditation to as many people as possible.
What should a beginner do to meditate?
To get the benefits of meditation, we just need to start meditating (correctly) and gradually without setting expectations or just thinking of practicing it as a habit for daily benefits. In 1 to 7 weeks, until it becomes a habit, we will be able to observe the changes gradually. The first step is to focus on breathing, which means that we start learning to focus on something by requiring us to be mindful and attentive to what is around us, such as breathing, thinking, walking, talking and other things done by ourselves, so that we can control ourselves. It should be noted that proper and effective meditation begins with samatha, which is learning to concentrate the mind to be calm and strong. You may have a lot of thoughts and find it difficult to focus at first, but gradually you can adjust your thoughts to focus on your breathing or on something better. After that, you can ask a senior or experienced teacher for guidance on how to proceed. After you understand how to meditate (correctly), you can do this meditation on your own by looking at additional books and practicing. After learning about samatha, which is mind control, you can move on to the next step, vipassana, which is understanding the root of mental problems in order to find solutions.
Can meditation cause any side effects?
There are no complications in meditation. It is said that numbness in the limbs or fatigue during meditation is not a complication of meditation. It is part of the discomfort from our physical behavior, just like walking, standing, or sitting for a long time. These complications occur only when meditation is practiced incorrectly (majicasa meditation, which is meditation without proper guidance or not according to what the Buddha taught, i.e., imagining). Although we can learn about meditation by reading books, it is better to learn from a coach or a mentor first to avoid some problems. Apparently, there are many people who have too high expectations of meditation when they are practicing.
At first, thinking that they will get mental peace immediately. To get results in anything, including meditation, requires determination, commitment, and time to observe the results gradually.
Who can meditate?
People of all ages can meditate at any time and in any circumstance, but for those who are very stressed or stressed, it is best not to meditate unless there is a teacher with them, avoiding being alone, which can cause suffering.
What are the conditions for good meditation?
To meditate well, the first condition is a quiet place and avoid wearing tight clothes that make it difficult to maintain proper posture, or you can sit on a chair instead of bending over. A good time should be 10 minutes a day, 5 minutes before going to bed, and 5 minutes before going to work or school, or you can start with just 2 to 3 minutes of meditation at a time, but make sure that you have prepared yourself both physically and mentally and have enough time before meditation.
Where can we learn about meditation?
We can get training in meditation in several places such as Battambang, Kampong Cham and Phnom Penh, including VIPASSA, the Lotus Mind Education Center and Wat Langkar. In fact, VIPASSA itself provides classes, teachings and meditation by Preah Monks Koo Sopheap and me every Monday from 6 to 7:30 pm. Participation is only a contribution of 10,000 riels for the fee, snacks and place.
In summary, Mr. Chhunny encouraged those who are already practicing meditation to continue practicing consistently, while those who want to meditate should start learning because meditation is a part of helping life to be prosperous, happy, and good for yourself, society and family. After being happy with yourself, you can also share this happiness with others. The more you meditate, the more you will increase your wisdom and develop your mind and spirit to keep up with technological developments.
Interpreted by: Mr. Nem Chhunny, CEO of ANAKOT Asia Academy
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