Hi George,
Welcome to the DhO.
George anderson:
Hi All,
I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself and maybe get some encouragement.
Short story of my life: I am 27. I have been meditating 8 years, but still am really a beginner. No jhana yet.
I was dating a girl for 7 yrs but I decided it had to end so I could devote my energy to spiritual practice, which I felt was not getting anywhere.
I haven't totally let go of the idea of being in a relationship. They are so much fun and are really beautiful, too. I just wonder if I can make spiritual progress while in a relationship at this stage of immaturity, spiritually speaking.
That would depend upon you and how mature you are. What I question is: are you hearing what you are saying above (and below, in the highlighted areas)?
George anderson:
Someone kick me in the ass or something. Tell me, is it worth it to pursue meditation and the solitary life?
What do
you think? Someone else's opinion won't do here. You have to make up your own mind first. Stop and think about it. What are the pros and cons of the matter. Have you taken the time to think about this?
No one can tell you what to think about such things but yourself. What attracts you to meditation and the solitary life? Ponder on that for a while and see what you come up with.
Others here could provide you with their opinions on the matter, but that would only be
their opinions, not yours. Some people enjoy the solitary life; other do not. The question is, at this stage of your life: Which are
you?
George anderson:
Tell me, is it worth it to pursue meditation and the solitary life? That's really what I'm looking for. It's hard to avoid resurrecting this past relationship, as you can imagine. I know that if I jump back in it will not be any better. I will still be egotistical, critical, and avoiding sex (it wears me out). I would rather be matured spiritually, then enter into a relationship, rather than having the relationship as the source of my happiness.
Sounds like you have answered your own question.
George anderson:
Well, recently I've begun practicing Bhante Vimalaramsi's meditation, which is based on forgiveness and metta. For the first time I'm feeling my heart. It is making me want to be back in the arms of my girlfriend.
Don't be fooled by "feeling" (
sanna).
Sanna can cause conflicting thought, especially in someone who is unconscious of its process in the mental sphere. If you examine and penetrate
sanna more deeply, see it for what is actually is, you will discover what I'm talking about. But that is up to you. All anyone else can do is point you in a direction where you can find the answer that you are seeking. You're the one who must do the work. You're also the one who must take responsibility for the choices you make.
If you want to wake up, then WAKE UP! And PAY ATTENTION. If not, then turn over and go back to sleep, return to your dream world. The choice, like always, is your own.
All the best,
Ian