The Importance of Motivation in Meditation

Intention or motivation in meditation practice is often explored in lineage-based or traditional Buddhism, where we investigate not only how to meditate but also why. We inquire into the purpose of meditation, its benefits, and what we truly seek to achieve.

I've found that this exploration ultimately boils down to intention or motivation, which I view as a practice in and of itself. This might be a new concept for some. In Western culture, we often consider intention or motivation as an innate or implicit quality, something we either have or don't have. We may associate it with our personality or identity and not necessarily think of it as something that can be cultivated.

In Buddhism, we begin our practice by understanding not only the means of meditation but also the why. We explore what we want to gain from our practice, both short-term and long-term. This involves examining our motivations, such as seeking relief from stress or a sense of calmness. However, I've discovered that through delving deeper into lineage-based or traditional Buddhism, we uncover a more profound understanding of peace.

The Buddha's ultimate goal is for us to find happiness and peace. It's not merely about feeling less stressed or more relaxed. It's about understanding the true nature of peace and what leads to it. This fundamental question has significantly influenced my own practice of cultivating intention and various intentions on the Buddhist path.

Exploring the Nature of Peace:

One of the core teachings in Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which introduce the concept of dukkha. While often translated as suffering, dissatisfaction, or pain, dukkha is a more nuanced term that encompasses our experience of life when we misunderstand our reality. This misunderstanding stems from a rigid and fixed view of the world, separating ourselves from others and viewing everything as separate objects.

The Four Noble Truths point to this fundamental confusion as the root of our suffering. This understanding leads us to explore our own interpretations and ideas of peace. Our intention or motivation isn't merely about what we believe peace means to us, but also about examining whether we have a clear and accurate understanding of genuine, lasting peace.

In cultivating motivation or intention for meditation, the first step is humility. We must acknowledge that we don't have all the answers, that we struggle with life, and that we may feel overwhelmed by emotions, thoughts, and our interactions with others. This isn't a negative thing; it's a common human experience.

The first Noble Truth, dukkha, points to this fundamental confusion within our lives. It's not about criticizing ourselves but about recognizing the need for healing through meditation and the Dharma. This understanding can cultivate not only humility but also compassion for ourselves and others.

Compassion emerges naturally when we acknowledge the universal nature of dukkha. It's a softness that can arise when we truly embrace the teaching of the first Noble Truth and work with it through meditation and contemplation. This softening can help us to let go of the rigid and fixed views that often keep us trapped in cycles of suffering.

By softening to life, we don't become less capable; we become more capable. We gain a smoother and more fluid way of working with the inevitable dukkha in our lives. This understanding becomes a core motivation on the Buddhist path: to understand the nature of our dukkha on both grosser and subtler levels and to free ourselves from the confusion that keeps us locked into it.

Without this initial grappling with our own lives and struggles, it's difficult to develop the more profound motivations associated with bodhichitta, the mind of awakening. By studying, reflecting on, and practicing the Dharma, we can begin to develop a wish for all beings to be free from dukkha. This wish then becomes integrated into our motivation practice.

In Buddhist lineages, there are several types of motivations that can lead to liberation and long-term benefits. One motivation is to focus on the future, recognizing that our minds are continuums and not just limited to the present moment. By working with our emotions, thoughts, and actions, we can free up our future minds and the experiences of others. This shift in focus can move us beyond the constant pursuit of immediate gratification and the hamster wheel of I want it "now, now, now."

Another motivation is to understand the underlying causes of dukkha, particularly the confusion surrounding subject and object. By working to remedy this confusion, we can seek liberation from the fundamental misperception or ignorance that keeps us trapped.

The third type of motivation relates to bodhichitta, the mind of awakening. This involves seeing beyond our own struggles and developing a genuine altruistic heart towards others. By working on our path of meditation for the benefit of all beings, we can become an example and inspire others. Our actions, words, and engagement with others can then be beneficial to them.

Cultivating Motivation: A Transformational Journey

We often think about meditation in terms of "how" to do it, but what about the "why"? In Buddhist traditions, cultivating motivation or intention is a vital practice in itself. Here, I'd like to explore different types of Buddhist motivations that can lead to liberation and long-term benefits.

Shifting Our Focus: From Now to Future

One motivation involves recognizing that our minds are continuums, not limited to the present moment. Instead of constantly chasing immediate gratification, we can work with our emotions, thoughts, and actions to benefit both our future selves and the future experiences of others. This shift in focus helps us move beyond the hamster wheel mentality.

Seeking Liberation: Understanding Dukkha

Another type of motivation seeks to understand the root causes of suffering (dukkha). This involves exploring the confusion surrounding subject and object, the misperception that keeps us trapped. By working to remedy this confusion, we can cultivate a genuine wish for liberation.

The Altruistic Heart: Bodhichitta

The most profound motivation relates to bodhichitta, the awakened mind. This goes beyond our own struggles and develops a genuine heart of altruism towards others. By working on our path of meditation for the benefit of all beings,we can become an example and inspire positive change. This transformation isn't about forcing something, but about allowing it to unfold naturally as we contemplate these motivations.

Embodiment Through Practice

While we may initially approach these motivations conceptually, the goal is to embody them. This takes time and practice. As we tame the mind through meditation, we begin to see the possibility of these motivations firsthand. Tasting this potential fuels our inspiration and allows the motivations to move beyond mere concepts.

The Three Wheels of Buddhist Practice

Most Buddhist traditions incorporate the "Three Wheels" of learning, reflection, and meditation. We first learn or listen to the Dharma (teachings), then reflect and contemplate on what we've learned, and finally, put it into practice through meditation. These three aspects work together, not necessarily in one session, but integrated into our daily practice.

Beyond the How - Exploring the Why

Often, we get so caught up in the "how" of meditation that we neglect the "why." This obsession with technique can become another form of the hamster wheel. By exploring the "why" - our motivations and intentions - we deepen our practice and find a more meaningful path.