Noting happens by themselves

yoni cohen, modified 6 Years ago at 10/2/18 2:31 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 10/2/18 2:31 AM

Noting happens by themselves

Posts: 8 Join Date: 10/2/18 Recent Posts
Hi guys,

I started Mahasi noting meditation and after I note the something for some time I can see the noting start happen by themselves. 

After I notice it I can stop the automatic noting and grab control the noting again,  but the question I have for you is:

Should I let it note by himself or I should I note the noting (thinking, thinking) until I gain control of the noting again?


Thank you
shargrol, modified 6 Years ago at 10/2/18 5:30 AM
Created 6 Years ago at 10/2/18 5:30 AM

RE: Noting happens by themselves (Answer)

Posts: 2752 Join Date: 2/8/16 Recent Posts
In general, it's okay to let noting happen by itself... but if it gets too speedy or compulsive or neurotic or out of control it's okay to note "thinking, thinking" and take a few deep breaths to relax and regain some equanimity.

By the way, if you want to know the secret to becoming an advanced meditator, I'll tell you it: whenever there is a question about should I do X or should I do Y, the very best answer is "do X for a few sits and see what happens, then to Y for a few sits and see what happens, then decide for yourself. If you can't decide, then describe the results of your experiment and ask advice. That way you'll know directly what works best for you and/or get the best possible information from others to guide your practice."

I'm being a little silly here, but honestly if you study people who get very good at meditation, you'll see that they do these little experiments all the time. They don't try to "figure out" the right answer ahead of time. Instead they actually run a few experiments and then the answer that works best for them becomes more obvious.