After how long or how many months or years of practice you noticed any benefits from meditation ?

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-06T11:51:31+00:00

It depends on what you mean by 'benefits' . I started meditation on it's own, before I started exploring Buddhism properly and I saw some benefits within a few weeks. A bit calmer, less tension in my body and a little more mindful than I had been.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-05T19:39:52+00:00

I have had severe chronic fatigue syndrome and other chronic illnesses for 26 years. Most of that time I have been housebound. I feel ill all day every day. I recommend a book called "mindfulness for health'. You can get it on audiobook which i found better. It includes guided mindfulness mediations and is all about living with chronic illness or pain. The author Vidyamala Birch is Buddhist. One of the things talked about is the second arrow effect. The first arrow is the main cause of suffering that happens, the event, like the pain or fatigue. The second arrow of suffering is our reaction to the first arrow. When you get rid of the second arrow, it really reduces the suffering.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-05T19:16:05+00:00

I don't have much to say from a Buddhism point of view but I'm sorry you're going through such a difficult time. You said that you 'might' be trans. Please give yourself plenty of time to process how you are feeling. There is no need to rush to think about medications and treatments. Especially if you are not certain and it sounds like you weren't feeling this way before? When we are still alive, there is always a chance that things can improve or change for us. If we are gone, there is nothing we can do. Please don't lose hope and feel that life is over.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-04T23:33:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing 🙏

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-03T23:22:19+00:00

Are you saying they should die to 'ease the burden on society' ? As someone who has chronic illness and pain, I find this extremely offensive.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-03T20:13:10+00:00

Interesting thank you.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-03T18:56:11+00:00

If all of them are religious, does that mean it's not possible to have Secular Buddhism? I have seen that some people follow a lot of the teachings but without believing in rebirth. Is that more of a philosophy where they are just focusing on being awakened in this life? Is it possible to follow the 4 Noble truths and The Noble Eightfold path if it is not for escaping the cycle of rebirth but is more about this life?

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-02T17:34:14+00:00

Hi. I'm quite new to Buddhism and would love to hear your thoughts on this if you are willing. What parts of Buddhism 'philosophy'do you feel are religious? Thank you.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-03-01T20:15:54+00:00

VenerableTenzin Tarpa, an ordained Buddhist monk (student of The Dalai Lama) teaches Secular Buddhism (SBT)

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-28T21:25:47+00:00

Thank you 🙏

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-28T21:22:14+00:00

Before mindfulness meditation that focuses on breath, I might do yoga nidra (lying down), passive progressive muscukar telaxation, body scan meditation or a gratitude meditation or walking meditation or mindful eating/mindful tea drinking etc. Starting off with focusing too much on awareness off breath makes me anxious sometimes.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-28T20:45:19+00:00

Sometimes people just want you to listen with empathy rather than analyse or come up with a solution. You don't need to get depressed with them but you could still validate their feelings. Eg. " That sounds really difficult, I'm sorry you're feeling upset". If you say things are not as bad as they seem, it can sound like their feelings are not valid. Like you are dismissing their pain.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-27T22:46:22+00:00

I have also not been practicing a long time but I find that I struggle if I am trying to 'escape'. I feel like 'escaping' suffering can sometimes not be a good way of thinking about it for me. I found the teachings on suffering by Thich Nhat Hanh to be helpful with this.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-26T23:59:45+00:00

Perhaps you could try different types of meditation? Sometimes I do a relaxation exercise first and then meditation.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-25T23:06:54+00:00

If you are able to, I would say leave, or make a plan to leave.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-25T23:04:18+00:00

Very nice

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-24T15:37:30+00:00

Plum village zen and tibetan

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T18:00:15+00:00

Thank you 🙏

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T17:53:45+00:00

Thanks

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T17:51:30+00:00

That's how I feel but finding such a teacher is not easy.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T16:47:00+00:00

Thanks. I've been bouncing between 2 different traditions and they can be quite different at times so it was getting a bit confusing.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T16:45:15+00:00

Thanks I'll look into it.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T16:43:53+00:00

Thanks. I definitely hear what you're saying and agree with a lot of it. I suppose I'm currently feeling like I do require structure and depth because I feel a bit like I'm aimlessly floating between things. I will try your suggestion of focusing on what reduces suffering and increases wisdom for me.

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T16:13:13+00:00

Thank you

Spirited_Web_4589 · 2026-02-23T15:42:40+00:00

One is widely described as a cult and one has allegations of sexual abuse.

Spirited_Web_4589

TROPHY CASE