Meditation, the Subsidence of Attention

Let's explore the essence of meditation and prayer: the subsidence of attention. Attention, originating from Latin words meaning 'towards' and 'to stretch,' directs awareness to various objects, be they worldly or mental. In meditation, awareness ceases stretching outward and rests within itself, untouched by objects. There's no need for self-attention since awareness doesn't stretch away from itself. The habit of perpetual attention to countless objects often triggers resistance. Some teachings introduce one-pointed focus (e.g., mantra or breath) as preparation. Our approach invites attention to rest directly in its source, the heart of awareness. We end our exclusive engagement with experience. The world isn't external to awareness; it manifests through perception. Senses impose limitations, creating illusory diversity. However, reality resides in infinite awareness. Meditation reveals that objects and selves are appearances within consciousness. Whether attention rests in awareness or engages with objects, it's all the same – an expression of consciousness. Everything shares the same essence.