From a young age, I was drawn to various meditation techniques across traditions. One of the most intriguing is Tibetan Inner Heat Meditation, developed in the frigid climates of northern India. While it has the remarkable ability to warm the body, mastering this practice can take years—often leaving practitioners waiting for the right season to showcase their skills.
Bhikkhus extreme test
Tibetan bhikkhus often underwent extreme tests to demonstrate their mastery. Imagine sitting by a freezing lake, stripped of robes, and drying three ice-soaked blankets overnight through meditation-generated heat. The sheer challenge of this practice highlights the depth of commitment involved, and it certainly puts our everyday discomforts into perspective!
Perception and meditation
For most of us, meditation isn’t about enduring harsh conditions but about training our perception. Our perception shapes our experience of the world. Even on a chilly day, we can learn to perceive warmth, influencing our body’s reactions, such as sweating.
Cultivating peace and stillness
Recognising and cultivating peace and stillness is essential in meditation. Beginners might find this challenging, but identifying these states is the first step. As we become familiar with peace, it grows stronger within us.
Present moment awareness
Encouraging others to let go of past and future worries often leads to questions: What does it mean to be present? How do we stay there? The present moment can feel elusive, but training our perception to focus on it can make it as tangible as the ground beneath our feet.
Nature as an anchor
One effective way to develop present moment awareness is through sensory experiences. Engaging with nature—feeling the wind or listening to birds—grounds us in the now. Unlike memories, these sensations exist solely in the present.
Embracing silent awareness
Many fear that stopping their thoughts will lead to sleep. However, true silent awareness is a state of being fully conscious without the internal dialogue. This understanding allows us to experience silence in any context.
The joy of relaxation
Perceiving relaxation and delight is vital for meditation. Visualise the comfort of sinking into an armchair or soaking your feet after a cold walk. When we embrace relaxation, our minds remain present, minimising distractions.
Often seen as a discipline, meditation can also be a source of joy. As our bodies relax, our minds follow suit, fostering presence and tranquility. Without joy in the moment, our minds may drift, but finding pleasure in the now naturally keeps us anchored.
Letting go of worry
We often burden ourselves with worries about the future, which are often beyond our control. A memorable moment at the monastery involved a call about an asteroid heading towards Earth—a worry that ultimately proved unnecessary. By staying present, we can release such needless anxieties and fully embrace life.
– The text above is a transcription of a Dhamma talk delivered by Ven. Ajahn Brahmavamso Thera. Follow this video on : https://youtu.be/7 IbpArsn2vY
Join Ajahn Brahm in Sri Lanka
Ajahn Brahm will lead a transformative meditation session at the BMICH, Colombo on May 18, 2025. This session promises to deepen your understanding of relaxation and delight, offering insights that extend beyond the meditation mat.
