The Moon
Of course, this method of relaxation is nothing like the
Tibetan concept of mind practice or mind preparation,
which involves the intense use of the mind. It is
unfortunate that this very active mind practice has been
misplaced under the general label of meditation here in
the West.
Gaps in the Clouds
Having pointed this out, it may be helpful to clarify—to
describe what it is that the Tibetan Buddhists (and other
groups as well) do when they sit down on their cushions.
In general, if you ask them what they are doing on their
cushions, the answer will be that they are "practicing",
or that they are "sitting". Indeed, that is what takes place.
They sit and observe.
There are many Tibetan words for the different kinds of
mind practice that are possible, while in the West we