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Filmed in India,
Secular Meditation is an introductory class to both the purpose and process of meditation. Of course, the teacher, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, teaches as much with his smiling eyes and laughter as with his words, and the simple wisdom that he shares on this tape will appeal to Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
The framework for the discussion cuts to the root of human experience. All human beings, the Dalai Lama says, want to be happy. This desire transcends all religions or sects, but what is the best way to find happiness? What have our myriad branches of science, schools of philosophy, and spiritual denominations taught us? In his analysis, His Holiness identifies mental and physical happiness as being distinct, with mental happiness being more important. He observes that even if one is physically fit and without discomfort, mental distress can disrupt one's sense of painlessness. Further, as scientists have shown, mental distress can actually cause the deterioration of one's physical being. Therefore, one should pursue a state of mental equanimity. But how does one actively bring peace to the mind? That's where secular meditation comes in. In the final section of the tape, His Holiness suggests several different ways to quiet the mind through single-point meditation with breathing exercises or through the contemplation of compassion. While these suggestions are just a start, they are invaluable for viewers who have never tried meditation before. And for the "experienced" Buddhist or meditator, the Dalai Lama's clear analytical discussion of the path to the cessation of suffering will feel like an energizing breeze that calls one back to "beginner's mind." --Patrick O'Kelley
