OhGodImLonely said:
Hello guys I was wondering if it was possible to sit down like the buddah and wait until something happens ?
I can't stand still like that for very long before all sorts of negative thoughts start to overwhelm my brains and I have to do something, smoke a cigarette, drink a coffee, or play chess.
I've always admired the idea of meditating till illumination or peace would come somehow. But is it just possible ?
I couldn't possibly sit down a tree a empty out my mind because it would drive me ******* crazy.
The Buddha was not "waiting" until something happened while he was sitting under the tree. He was practicing a very specific form of meditation called Vipassana.
One of the main purposes of this meditation is to alleviate mental suffering. It is an incredible meditation to learn! It's interesting that you brought up this topic because I myself have learnt this meditation in the past. The teaching of this meditation is
completely free and it is in the form of a 10 day course in a "retreat" of sorts specifically for this purpose.
Keep in mind though that this course is
not a vacation, rather it is an opportunity to work on yourself mentally with no outside distractions. During the 10 days you cannot speak or be in contact with anyone outside the course, you are completely disconnected so to speak.
It is not an easy course, however it is free and it is a very supportive environment and you can do it as many times as you want, as long as you abide by the rules, which are:
1. Complete silence for 9 days (on the tenth day after the morning meditation the vow of silence is over)
2. No sexual activity (including masturbation)
3. No killing (this means insects as well)
4. No stealing
5. No intoxication is allowed (this also means cigarettes)
6. No lying
The above rules may sound kind of ridiculous or at least very strange to one who has never done the course, but trust me on this one -- it is quite an experience, and in my opinion well worth it. This course is like performing "mental surgery" on yourself.
I sat in the course twice.
Here is the website so you can find out where and when you can join the course:
http://www.dhamma.org/
Also, if you are wondering anything else about this course, ask away (either in PM or here)