The "best" state

I'm trying to come up with a simple framework to describe the best state/practice for insight at any level of realization.

The best state for insight...

- can be reproducibly accessed
- has few distractions, such as thoughts
- allows dispassionate observation
- is inclusive of a wide range of phenomena (panoramic awareness)
- allows tension/resistance to be observed
- allows tension/resistance to be liberated
...?

At first, the best state that can be accessed may be simple noting of gross sensations.

Later may be Equanimity.

Later may be Rigpa, which allows all phenomena to be clearly seen and and any resistance self-liberated

Later?

The best state is to stick to your meditation object like a life preserver and never miss a moment.

Whatever meditation object that may be, breathe, body sensations, buddho, noting.

You always stick to only one and take it to the end. It will take you the whole path.

-d

"I'm trying to come up with a simple framework to describe the best state/practice for insight at any level of realization.

The best state for insight...

- can be reproducibly accessed
- has few distractions, such as thoughts
- allows dispassionate observation
- is inclusive of a wide range of phenomena (panoramic awareness)
- allows tension/resistance to be observed
- allows tension/resistance to be liberated
...?
"

Fades duality.

Blue84: I appreciate the perspective. It sounds like you know what you're talking about. It seems that some objects make the mind too tight and narrow and may be missing a wider range of phenomena to objectify? Is your experience different?

To throw out a few ideas:

Maybe the best object is one the student resonates with or believes in, so that they are motivated to continue practicing? So for example someone who is very logical and likes simplicity and order may be very motivated and engaged by noting, or by a simple kasina. Someone who is very body-aware (perhaps a dancer, athlete, etc) might do really well by using body sensations. Someone who is very artistic or has active imagination might be more engaged by an esoteric deity. It seems one benefit of having so many approaches is that each person can find one that makes them say "Wow, this stuff could actually work, I believe the accounts I've read, and I'm going to do it and stick with it."

Thoughts?

To make progress you need to be going to retreats. Use whatever object of meditation they are teaching. I strongly recommend the Goenka retreats, www.dhamma.org , while others on here might recommend Mahasi style noting retreats.

-d

"To make progress you need to be going to retreats."

I have to weigh in here and say sorry, but you don't *need* to be going to retreats. Do they help? Yes. Are they necessary? No. There are any number of folks right here in these message boards who are a testament to this, me included. These are choices best left to each individual and a practice, to be successful, has to fit the individual's lifestyle.

I have never gone on a retreat nor been in the physical presence of another yogi.

It seems that I've made some progress...

I've never been on a retreat, either.

Me neither

"To make progress you need to be going to retreats. "

Blue84, I'm curious. Can you explain what you meant in this statement? It seems to conflict with the both my experience, and that of a number of others here, so perhaps I'm misunderstanding what you mean to say.

No retreats from this side either. I use everyday triggers and distractions to identify my ways of becoming. Then I ground them, drop them, let them go, etc.

Never been on a retreat either!

" Never been on a retreat either!"

Although i went on many retreats prior to 1st path, I never went on another one since the last one (where I got 1st path in January 2010). I don't think they will let me sit another course at a Goenka centre (might be on the black list). I did not need further courses to progress. Just a change in mindset. The concrete jungle that was Santiago de Chile was my lonely tiger (smoggy) and bandit (pickpockets) infested forest, and the daily routine of making money and feeding myself and my wife was my daily alms round. Not to mention renouncing many a desire here and there to maintain a loving relationship with her, my whole life was taken to be the perfect situation to progress. No need to retreat from it, nor put on robes.

Note: though a firm base of retreat experience will aid one no doubt, it is not necessary if one can simply shift the mindset from 'only retreats will lead to fast progress" to "any situation regardless of how it is conceptualized is perfect for fast progress".

Mindsets and beliefs condition how we experiecne reality. Question the one you may have to see if it is conducive for your life situation.

I'm glad you brought this up cmarti. If the same determination, vigor, and effort that is normally put forth into a retreat is put forth into daily life you will get the same wonderful results. Thanks for bringing this up.