NO MIND

 A

• We take a moment to gently focus on our breathing, allowing our mind to settle a little bit. Then we ask ourselves, “Wouldn't it be wonderful if I were able to meditate with a mind free from distracting thoughts?”
• With this wish we stop thinking in a very gentle, very relaxed way. We hold our minds still, as if it is now inanimate, like a stone. We disengage from whatever is arising.
• Thoughts arise but we don't follow them. We stop thinking. We hold our minds relaxed but very still for a few minutes.
• Where before our mind was full of thoughts, there is now an absence or space. Very gently and naturally our mind absorbs inwards towards our heart.
• With our mind a little more settled and centered, we become aware of its peaceful, spacious expanse. We allow our awareness to abide in that space.
• This peace, however slight, is arising naturally, just from allowing our mind to settle, indicating that we are experiencing the peaceful pure nature of our own mind.
• This present peace, however slight, clearly indicates our potential for vast peace and contentment. Our mind has no boundary, no limits. This is my potential for enlightenment, for profound transformation. It is my Buddha nature. How wonderful!
• We can start changing our sense of self, identifying with this peace to impute, “I am a peaceful person with boundless potential.”
• If you wish, within this experience of peace we can know that we are connecting to the blessings of Buddha's mind. Venerable Geshe-la says that every moment of peace arises through Buddha's blessings, so right now we are in communion with the ocean of peace that is Guru Buddha's mind.
• Appearing in that space of our minds, in our life to guide us, and in the space in front, we can mentally see Buddha Shakyamuni and all the other holy beings, like a full moon surrounded by a vast galaxy of stars. Lift our sights.
• We can also feel that we’re surrounded by our family, friends, and everyone else, knowing that, just like us, they have the same potential. We are not inherently samsaric distracted beings. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could actualize our potential for the benefit of all of us? This is what meditation will enable me to do. I am a meditator.
• We can, if we like, recite the Liberating Prayer, letting the words remind us not just of Buddha Shakyamuni’s good qualities but our own future good qualities if we continue along this path.