Teachings,+Self+Control+(Meditation+Technique)

Self Control (Meditation Technique)
(By Silmerion Skywalker)

I'm currently reading "Labyrinth of Evil" by J.Luceno and one of Obi-Wan's thought made me think: "The essence of being a Jedi didn't hinge on attaining mastery of the Force, but on attaining mastery over oneself." When I look back at the history of this Order, I'm sad to realize how many times Jedi of any ranks lost their self-control, creating tensions and conflicts. That is why I decided to create this topic about Self-Control.

When a person writes or speaks in an aggressive way, he/she doesn't behave like a Jedi, however the answer we give to this aggressivity should not be rude, I think we should try to help this Jedi who lost his/her self-control and not behave in the same way. Of course, we can disagree, but always expressing our feelings or ideas with calm and diplomacy, it shows how a Jedi should behave as well as his/her inner strength. It is important to realize what our words can provoke, offence, anger or peace and serenity.

Often the aggressivity that comes out of us is rooted in a past suffering, like for Anakin, and for myself. In fact years ago, I lost my father and I felt so much rage in my heart, with time, it had seemed to disappear but I was getting angry easily until one day I realized that it was always the same rage that was going out of me. When I became aware of this, I've been able to get rid of this rage and now I'm feeling serene.

In the tibetan tradition, the simplest meditation technique called Shiné is the most efficient way to quiet the mind and to gain self-control as it is a training to observe oneself, creating a distance between ourselves and our emotions so that as soon as we notice a negative feeling, we can control it, not allowing it to become bigger and overwhelm us.

In fact, the tibetan monks consider the emotions like energy used in a wrong way, they also think that each element is linked with a particular energy. This is a posture that works on the elements:

The position of the legs: crossed with the right above the left and with the knees touching the ground (it is better to sit on a cushion to take that position) The legs work on the element Space which is the element linked with the emotion of jealousy, finding space between ourselves and the people or things we could be too possessive with.

The position of the hands: the right above the left (palms facing upward) with the thumbs touching each other. The hands are placed near the Tan-Tien (4 inches below the navel, it is the point where our energy is stored) The hands work on the element Water and its flexibility, helping us with the emotion of the rage.

The position of the back: the most important part of the posture, that works on the element Earth, and on its stability. It helps us with the emotion of ignorance seen as this kind of wrong certitude which stops us from considering other points of views.

The position of the chin: low (but not too much) in order to open the energy door behind our head. The chin works on the element Fire, and on the capacity to transform our emotions in wisdom, especially attachment.

The position of the eyes: opened, not looking at anything in particular, the look is only resting in the space in front of us. The eyes work on the element Air, and on the capacity to see things as they really are, it helps us especially with pride.

While meditating, you don't have to think about these concepts. Just focus on your breath or any object you choose. If thoughts or emotions come to you, just observe them and let them go without getting involved in them, turn back to your object. If you feel agitated, you can put your hands on your knees, palms facing down, and look a little down, for a while, then turn back to your posture. If you feel tired or sleepy, look a little higher and move slightly.

This meditation helps a lot to find balance.

If you feel you have