Regulating the Mind

This article discusses how to regulate the mind during meditation.

The author describes two types of mind states that can occur during meditation: sinking mind and floating mind. Sinking mind is dull and confused, while floating mind is restless and unfocused. The author advises meditators to fix their attention on the tip of their nose to remedy sinking mind, and to fix their attention on their navel to remedy floating mind. Once the mind is stabilized, it can be calmed easily and becomes a regulated mind.

Questions

• What are the two types of mind states that can occur during meditation?
• How can sinking mind be remedied?
• How can floating mind be remedied?
• What is a regulated mind?

Answers

• The two types of mind states that can occur during meditation are sinking mind and floating mind. Sinking mind is dull and confused, while floating mind is restless and unfocused.
• Sinking mind can be remedied by fixing one’s attention on the tip of one’s nose. This helps to keep the mind focused and alert.
• Floating mind can be remedied by fixing one’s attention on one’s navel. This helps to calm the mind and prevent thoughts from arising.
• A regulated mind is a mind that is calm, focused, and alert. It is a mind that is not easily disturbed by external stimuli.