Can anybody give info for a 1/2 day or full day course in absolute beginner's meditation?

Preferably in Bangkok, if possible.

It would be for someone that has never meditated before, but would like to try.

Done in English.

Thanks.

probably too late and too long for you.

Bangkok Vipassana Meditation Retreat
with Steven Smith and Pandit Bhikkhu

Sunday November 8^th – Saturday November 14^th

but anyway, the website provides more events if this one is not for you.

http://www.littlebang.org/insight-and-metta-retreat-with-steven-smith-and-pandit-bhikkhu/

I tried it one time but couldn't concentrate. I ended going to the bar after half an hour.

I tried it one time but couldn't concentrate. I ended going to the bar after half an hour.

Why concentrate?

I tried it one time but couldn't concentrate. I ended going to the bar after half an hour.

Why concentrate?

well, aren't you suppose to concentrate on relaxed thoughts or something !!

I think you could benefit from a class too, Steven.

I tried it one time but couldn't concentrate. I ended going to the bar after half an hour.

Why concentrate?

well, aren't you suppose to concentrate on relaxed thoughts or something !!

Concentration is a very bad translation of the word samadhi. It is often assumed that concentration is required. This is incorrect. It is attention that is required.

1/2 to full day meditation. Not worth the $$$. Try 1 week.

This includes meditation, chatting with the monks & other participants.

I tried it one time but couldn't concentrate. I ended going to the bar after half an hour.

Why concentrate?

well, aren't you suppose to concentrate on relaxed thoughts or something !!

Concentration is a very bad translation of the word samadhi. It is often assumed that concentration is required. This is incorrect. It is attention that is required.

well , I couldn't give it the attention that was needed so I headed to the pub. I sure gave the bar alot of attention after that.

...unbroken attention.

Even if you first can't, you keep at it over many sessions, building capability.

You also notice how much the 'mind' want to do anything but this, and might even 'convince' you to type something on ThaiVisa instead.

...unbroken attention.

Even if you first can't, you keep at it over many sessions, building capability.

You also notice how much the 'mind' want to do anything but this, and might even 'convince' you to type something on ThaiVisa instead.

Not unbroken attention. Another myth. Not necessary. If Steven100 knew that he might not have headed to the bar.

...unbroken attention.

Even if you first can't, you keep at it over many sessions, building capability.

You also notice how much the 'mind' want to do anything but this, and might even 'convince' you to type something on ThaiVisa instead.

Not unbroken attention. Another myth. Not necessary. If Steven100 knew that he might not have headed to the bar.

You certainly don't start out that way (unbroken attention), but nor do you give in to every impulse that comes alone to distract you from siting, watching, and observing what happens.

...unbroken attention.

Even if you first can't, you keep at it over many sessions, building capability.

You also notice how much the 'mind' want to do anything but this, and might even 'convince' you to type something on ThaiVisa instead.

Not unbroken attention. Another myth. Not necessary. If Steven100 knew that he might not have headed to the bar.

You certainly don't start out that way (unbroken attention), but nor do you give in to every impulse that comes alone to distract you from siting, watching, and observing what happens.

You cannot stop thoughts arising. Who is it that would stop them? By the time you have stopped them the train has already arrived in the station. To quieten the mind we put the attention on one thing. It may be breath, it may be mantra. This in itself subdues mind. It is not a question of giving in to the distractions of thought, but putting the attention in one place, innocently and effortlessly. Do this and mind will automatically experience quieter levels of thinking. I have to dash. I'm just on the way out of the door to teach someone to do precisely this.

Edited November 9, 201510 yr by trd

Never said anything about stopping thoughts. I think you're having a conversation with yourself. I'll leave you to it.

Never said anything about stopping thoughts. I think you're having a conversation with yourself. I'll leave you to it.

What do you think an impulse (your word) is?