Signs of proper Meditation

 

Proper meditation means that we will grasp things a lot less and that our clarity will increase. There is no specific way of grasping clarity or emptiness here. We should just stay in a relaxed state with no grasping. But our awareness(rig-pa) is very present and bright, and we let it this way.

 

Thoughts arise spontaneously and free themselves spontaneously. And the thoughts become less and less, while our awareness is stable and clear. As we practice, there is no special feeling to explain. However, when this immediate sense of presence is very bright, we call it «Vipashyana». These are all signs that we are practicing the proper meditation. Nor is it possible to explain whether a particular sign is a sign that it's the right meditation.

 

If we meditate and our tiredness goes away, that is also a sign. If, while meditating, we suddenly think: «My master is so nice, I am practicing so well and I am satisfied», that is also a good sign. If we practice meditation during the day and then dream at night that we are meditating, that is also a good sign. If our appearance stays young, that's a good sign. If our thoughts stay calm, that's a good sign. Not having strong thoughts when our relatives come to visit is a good sign.

 

These are all signs that our meditation is good. If others insult or praise us and we don't care, that's a good sign too. Even if we receive teachings from the Buddha himself, we should not have any expectations. We are not disappointed if there are no results here. These are good signs.

 

We can see in our bodies, see omens, or practice telepathy; these forces come naturally. We can see the six realms of rebirth and see the sufferings of beings within them. At night it is no longer dark for us and we can see clearly. This is a sign. These are all good signs and there is nothing better than them.

 

We meditate and these results come spontaneously and effortlessly. We feel us comfortable and undisturbed. We always remain at the same level of even determination. We are not disturbed by happiness or sadness.

 

If we continue in a sense of comfort and happiness, it is a sign that our body's earth element has been brought under control. If we meditate and we feel as if we are sinking into the water, this is a sign that the water element is now directing our meditation.

 

Sometimes our meditation is clear and strong and we feel us warm; this is a sign that the fire element is now directing our meditation. Sometimes we feel us light and experience a fluid sensation; this is a sign that our air element is guiding our meditation. Sometimes our experience is very bright, the distractions of the senses do not bother us and we feel us clearer and emptier; this is a sign that the space element is now directing our meditation.

 

When these signs appear, we don't need to worry or speculate about them. There's no need to do anything against it. Just leave everything as it is. And little by little our normal illusions will lose their solidity and disappear.