Post 4354658 - (ASD and non-sectarian Buddhism)

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ASD and non-sectarian Buddhism

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Wrong Planet Autism Forum Index -> Politics, Philosophy, and Religion

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 3:32 pm Post subject:

Hello LipstickKiller, A warm welcome to the Buddhist associated corner of Wrong Planet. We are the bodhi-foresters of the spectrum. The 'Autisattva's', of our virtual Global Village. Cesar Millan saves lives. he is great! All my very best to you! Grant South. Viva la- 'Autisattva, Bodhisattva, Mahasattva'.

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 12:37 pm Post subject:

Thank you for your kindness. I hope to have some interesting discussions on the things what matter in life. _________________ My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 4:11 pm Post subject:

Hi,

LipstickKiller wrote:

Thank you for your kindness. I hope to have some interesting discussions on the things what matter in life.

That's my pleasure.

I read some of your blog, which I can relate too.

For more discussion I think we could prompt each other with Buddhist study questions, etc.

For example; How do you find meditation helps you on the spectrum?

This is one of my personal interests and will be the subject of my PhD.

I hope to provide our community with meaningful information regarding the personal benefits of meditative intervention.

All the very best!

Grant.

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2012 11:45 pm Post subject:

Is this emptiness?

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 5:40 pm Post subject:

I have tried classic meditation with moderate success. Since I also have ADHD it's quite a strain on me. That being said I'm sure it's good for me, but I'm less sure it serves the intended purpose. I find mindfulness in motion, so to say, to be better. Yoga was very beneficial for me, but unfortunately there is some risk of injury, since I'm double-jointed and can push too far without pain. Right now, my best form of meditation is walking in the woods. I keep the pacec up and focus on my breathing and the physical sensations. That does wonders. I'm in CBT right now, and mindfulness exercises play nicely into a more meditative lifestyle. I'm still looking for a strategy to calm my ever-worrying mind. _________________ My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Thu Jan 26, 2012 7:44 pm Post subject:

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.

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 8:32 am Post subject:

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. _________________ My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2012 10:23 am Post subject:

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!

rarworlds
Tufted Titmouse

Joined: Jan 12, 2012
Posts: 45
Location: Los Angeles

Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:27 am Post subject:

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.

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:45 am Post subject:

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. _________________ My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com

Art-sung
Snowy Owl

Joined: Aug 13, 2011
Posts: 171

Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2012 3:00 pm Post subject:

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.

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2012 6:10 am Post subject:

Art-sung wrote:

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

Thank you. That does help Smile

_________________
My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com

VIDEODROME
Phoenix
Phoenix

Joined: Nov 21, 2008
Age: 36
Posts: 1700

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 1:45 pm Post subject:

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.

LipstickKiller
Velociraptor

Joined: Apr 02, 2009
Posts: 457

Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 2:02 pm Post subject:

VIDEODROME wrote:

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.

If I can make a suggestion I'd recommend you look into Jon Kabat-Zinn instead. He's an American zen-buddhist who runs meditation-centers for stressed out folks and other interested parties. He's very clear and optimistic and has less of a dubious reputation than Deepak Chopra.
_________________
My blog: http://www.letalone.drupalgardens.com