What is Meditation? | A Monk's Perspective

What is Meditation? | A Monk's Perspective
It's finally time! Today, we talk about meditation. In this video, I wanted to give you my take on meditation and it's real purpose. For many people around the world, they see the symptoms and results of meditation, but even before that, I think its important to understand its true purpose. Once you get this, your motivation for practicing will hopefully improve. Also in this video, I share some good news. I hope you enjoy and I hope that these resources will be helpful for you :) #monks #meditation #buddhism
Get your copy of The Building Blocks of Meditation book/journal here:
amzn.to/3CBZQqn
Timestamp
0:00 Intro
1:05 Special announcement
3:52 What is meditation?
6:21 Example 1 - Cup of water
10:17 Example 2 - Showering the mind
16:13 Mental health
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FREE downloads below:
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✅ Venerable Nick’s Website:
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Ordination Opportunities:
🔶 Be a Monk Ordination Program: With minimalism and simplicity at its core, The Pa Pae Meditation Retreat gives Westerners the opportunity to ease into becoming a monk in a forest setting for those seeking short term and long term ordination.
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____________________________________
Meditation Retreat:
🔶 (Chiang Mai, Thailand) Join the Pa Pae Meditation Retreat if you would like to meditate in the beautiful nature of the Chiang Mai mountains. They offer daily meditation guidance and opportunities for long term stay as a volunteer.
www.papaemeditation.org/thail...
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Get a copy of Venerable Nick's Books:
🔴 The Buddhist Cleanse: The 1-Day Spiritual Detox
www.amazon.com/Buddhist-Clean...
🔴 The Building Blocks of Meditation: The Purpose of Meditation and How to Start a Daily Practice That Actually Sticks
amzn.to/3pWAGhe
🔴 The Building Blocks of Meditation Journal: Sharpening Your Skills of Observation
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Thanks for watching.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Get your copies of The Building Blocks of Meditation book/journal here: amzn.to/3CBZQqn The audiobook will be available within the next day or two. Stay tuned.

[@ResoluteRonin]

Thank you, I don't know what I would do without meditation at this point in my life. I wish it was taught to me at a younger age in fact I think it should be on regular early education curriculums.

[@angien1410]

Can’t wait for the audible!

[@sadie4587]

Thank you for the great video! I can't wait to read your new book! I enjoyed your other book Buddhist Cleanse. I thank you for all your videos also. My life is so much better now because of your teachings 🙂❤

[@gingersutton8240]

@@sadie4587 That is so true!

[@silviasoronellas6899]

@@sadie4587 I fell the same way!!!

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

"Automatically the mind stores"- So, so true.

[@br.stephanuso.s.b.9373]

Great! Thank you Ven. Nick! How to explain meditation? After 42 years of NOT showering my mind, I couldn't imagine how dirty my "glas of water" got: just chaos in my head. 7 weeks ago I started meditation after discovering this channel and just two days after starting (2x 30' a day) I didn't know what is going on: my mind gets calm and bright and so peaceful and I can clearly see, what went wrong and where to go now to develop good within myself. It is amazing. But how to explain it may fellow men? AND HERE YOU ARE! Many, many Thanks! I love the way you share wisdom! Trying to get a copy of your book. Many greetings from Germany.

[@Unsubscribed321]

I am so grateful that I found your channel. Your insight and the way that you teach can really transform lives.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Awww thank you so much and welcome to the channel 😊

[@Elmirei]

I love Nick's voice, and the respect he has in all his atittude. Much appreciated ❤

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Aww thank you so much 😊

[@Elmirei]

@@nickkeomahavong01 i had some hard days, only listening to you helped me, thank you for your videos🤗 I listen lots of stuff but your hamble voice makes a huge difference, specially in the crazy busy city .. i am not happy at all with my life, my everything around.. i suffocate in city.. i am in huge need of quietness, peace, fresh air, nature....

[@Elmirei]

@@nickkeomahavong01 i did not know u have time and read our comments Thank you 😘🤗🙏

[@doyle6000]

"neutral observation" - I like that!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😊😊😊

[@mmmfun77]

CONGRATULATIONS!! 🙂 Can’t wait to get it! Meditation is EXTREMELY important especially in this day and age. I love meditating. I go to group meditation and spend time alone doing it to. During the day I practice presence…aka no thought. Clarity is priceless. Thank you for all you do! ❤️ from Phoenix, Az

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wow beautiful my friend. Keep it up 👍😀

[@carmenmann9569]

This is the absolute best explanation of what meditation really is! The visual with the water helped me to understand the purpose of meditation in great detail. I believe this will be life changing for me! I am excited to read the books as well. Thank you so much for this and all of your teachings. I just found your channel today and I have already learned how to look at life through a different (positive) lens.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Oh wow. Thank you so much Carmen. I’m glad you’re here and welcome to the channel 😀

[@randycharlesfrench1680]

WOW. Awesome teachings. Anger, greed and delusion boils, color dye and mud dirtys the mind, the cup of water , meditation showers the mind. Thank you Nick. Beautiful teaching.

[@infofromgreg]

You have a gift of teaching! Very Simple! Thank you!!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Aww thank you so much for your kind words 😊

[@robertashaffer3950]

Such an excellent way to understand the benefits of meditation. Thank you Ven. Nick. It is time for me to get serious about the meditation time in my life not be "flitty" with it. One day on; one day off....being distracted, etc. The analogy of the glass of water really helps visualize. I very much appreciate this video 🙏🏻

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@mariekarlsson2119]

Thank you Nick🙏

[@serhiiarion]

Hi Nick, I'm more than happy to support you and has just gotten my copy of your new book! Can't wait to read it and apply it :) Thank you for your wisdom 🙏

[@mel6939]

Congratulations Ven. Nick, Ven. Michael & the rest of the team for your hard work creating this book. I look forward to reading it! ☺️🙏🏻

[@jens6754]

Congratulations on your book! A worthwhile journey in itself taking the time to put your good work out into the world in print. I'm looking forward to getting a copy. 🙂

[@RobinCurrie]

That was so interesting. I watched it twice to make sure I understood. Very helpful--thank you. I can't wait to read the book!

[@pixpusher]

One of the best definitions of meditation. Thank you. I look forward to reading and using the books

[@AnaGarcia-bm1wo]

Congratulations! I'm so excited! I bought your book yesterday and I'm having such a wonderfull time reading it, Im a beginner in meditation and I like to draw, so this book is showing up to be my cup of tea!, the illustrations are being sooooo appreciated! as they're beautiful, cute and sometimes even funny, they keep reminding me that I have be kind and patient to myself as I am indeed someone how is still learning, and they are a perfect tool to visualize and understand better what you're explaining. such a kind way of learning 🥰 Thankyou to you, your masters and teachers as well everyone who participated in the construction of this book, I'm grateful with everyone for sharing their knowledge and gifts with us!❤

[@lavenderpatchouli1343]

THank you so much for this video! It is very helpful. I enjoyed learning about meditation with the metaphors that you used. Especially the one about the cup of water. Throughout my day I can see myself tainting my cup of water with my thoughts and actions. Taking time to be present in the moment and see your life from an outside perspective is so important.

[@mikhaildurrant8549]

Thank you for the video🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@agnetastrindinger]

Thank you so much for all that you Are and Do 🙏 You are a wonderful teacher. ❤

[@Rkgk84]

Thank you very powerful 🙏

[@pamburton9090]

Congratulations on your new book! Loved your first one. 💗

[@susanswinny588]

Your new book is just as you summarize in this video. So clear!

[@shielamartinez8991]

Looking forward to reading your new book Sheila

[@Kwameking1]

Thank you Nick

[@cynthiacunha447]

Thank you!!!

[@olivermatias2349]

❤️💯👌great video and to hear from you as always, Nick. Hope that all is well with you and sending much Metta and mindfulness your way 😊👍🙏

[@laurag.7780]

The birds r fantastic. (Sounds). You have a wonderful way of expressing things. Many Thanks 🙏

[@mvilla5329]

Absolutely love your explanation 👏 thank you

[@greglawton5946]

Thanks Nick😊

[@jlpsinde]

THANKS SO MUCH

[@TheDhammaHub]

If we go by the Buddha himself (and the Pali Canon), he did not even call anything before the first Jhana _meditation_ - or as Ayya Khema said, everything else is a "method"

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😀😀

[@jeniefersarmiento4908]

Can’t wait to have that book...Thanks for sharing your knowledge🙏Sadhu

[@musicsthlm]

Thank you❣️

[@LR98733]

Just got both the one-day cleanse, and the new book on meditation. I'm very excited to start my learning here!

[@nettikettrup9713]

Very well explained. Thank you so much 🙏

[@jeffreyjackson5229]

Beautiful explanation of meditation. As I have already shared, I have read the Dhammapada many times, so listening to you, immediately, a verse from it came to mind: "Cease to do evil, learn to do good, (the verse for emphasis), and purify your mind." I have read that many times, but when you defined meditation and gave those examples with the glass of water, that verse now has an even deeper meaning. Keep up the great work. Blessings to you and your family.

[@margeorgeous]

This is another very beneficial video from you, Ven. Nick. It further helps to understand the importance of meditation practice. I wish that more people would be reached by your channel.

[@Freedom2Roam.]

Thank you 🙏. Just ordered book and journal from UK Amazon . My mind gets so distracted and I always end up giving up my practice. Your explanation of cleaning the mind is very useful. Our brain actually cleans itself too at night whilst we are in the deepest cycle of sleep with cerebrospinal fluid ( normally early hours of the morning) which is why deep sleep is so important . Meditation really helps me get good sleep so I commit to keep at it this time. Thank you for your kindness 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful my friend! Thank you so much and please this as a resource for your practice. You got this! 😀

[@anitahjelm9804]

You are so giving,and I am so grateful for what you do!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much Anita

[@kchannel5317]

I'm always looking forward to your videos Nick. I'm glad you announced your book. It looks beautiful. I can't wait to read it.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful. Thank you so much 😊

[@BBaaaaa]

Lovely video as always. Thank you.

[@danielvallieres5661]

Thanks for this wonderful lesson Ajarn Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome daniel 😀

[@paksheer7969]

Thank you, Lp.Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

My pleasure! sadhu sadhu. thank you so much!

[@AMY-bt6ny]

Love your kindness, calm, sincere sharing. You are my good teacher for my meditation journey. Can't wait to read your book, The building blocks of meditation which I just ordered.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much Amy! I hope you enjoy the book 😊😊

[@michaeltherrien6006]

Thank you so much for this clear and easy to understand explanation of meditation. This is very helpful for me as someone who has recently decided to develop a daily meditation practice.

[@YoungBoyHazard]

Thank you venerable Nick, I will try to bear everything you said in mind during my daily meditation sessions

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀

[@JapaneseSatori]

Thank you for sharing !

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@ariemulchand]

You are lovable! You are pure minded, sincere and close to God!!

[@TimStLouis]

Thank you Nick. Great talk. Looking forward to all that’s ahead. Love your enthusiasm and compassion for all of us. At this time with world conditions as they are, we need your calming voice and Buddhist wisdom. Much love. 🙏🇨🇦

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀 thank you so much Tim

[@foxmacnamara8809]

Hi Nick! Congrats on the book! I'm looking forward to learning from it! Great stuff! Thank You! Mind over matter. 🙏❤️🙂

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much my friend :)

[@estherdawn74]

Congratulations ❤️ Thank you for explaining the purpose of meditation. Looking forward to get your book.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You're welcome Esther and thank you so much! hope you are well.

[@viviandelacruz5364]

Thank you Nick for this wonderful video. ❤️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome Vivian 😀😀 thank you

[@meerasingh2327]

Your messages are very simple 🙏

[@byssalthread]

Got your Book on Kindle today. Thank you. 🖖🙂

[@yonorisflores734]

I just want to thank you!!!! Nick. I feel peace just listening to you!! I hope one day I can go there at least for 1 week 🙂 if you read my message. You’re doing very well ✨ also, I’m happy that you found your purpose 💚 thank you for being my friend.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much and yes please feel free to come meditate 😀

[@MaroonedInDub]

Thank you Nick. A useful lesson. I look forward to your book.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much

[@lt9925]

Dear Master Nick Keomahavong, Thank you . I truly appreciate.... I found my answer in this video and I found my life back!!

[@kennethtan6403]

Thank you

[@oodles9305]

This is so great! I am very grateful for your hard work! Sending much Metta ❤️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@danaicastillo6472]

Thank you venerable Nick, meditation has been fundamental for beeing a better person in my everyday life. Thank you for sharing the teqnique and the key point, that is showering the mind. For what is happening near our neighbor country I felt the need and began to chant. Reviewing one older teaching of you and downloading the Chants. I love it. I don't understand a word, then I read the translation but it flows like water. Please pray too, you know venerable the wind comes from the north, blows cold and brings an energy that something very serious is happening. Beyond news and broadcasts and political positions... I was waiting at the bus station and that is what I sensed. Sadhu and thank you for sharing the wisdom For us to become better human beeings🌷

[@maherameen2362]

Congrats on your new book Ven. Nick. I am looking forward to having the book in my hand. Sadhu.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful Maher. Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much

[@sabinamock4799]

Beautiful message. Thanks Nick.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome Sabina 😀😀

[@jayr.617]

You're a great teacher. Thank you.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@autonomydepthconsciousness7633]

I enjoyed this! I liked how you included the journal with your book. I also liked your cleansing analogy.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much

[@thanhnguyen4908]

Ready order will start look into it and learning it thanks u all your share sadhu sadhu sadhu

[@helendymock8265]

Excellent video Ven. Nick, made so much sense and a great help to me and many others I am sure. So excited for you on the book release. Well done. I can't wait to read it. Cheers HelenD 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much Helen 😀😀

[@marisaharris298]

Thank you! I loved the relatable story from your childhood. It's a clarifying analogy, and funny too for looking at our little maneuverings away from our path😄.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Haha! Thank you so much Marisa 😀😀

[@kellyclark7517]

Thank you brother Nick! You are a sweet man with wise words from a wise soul☘️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@_middleside]

Lovely video. I appreciate your gentle and vivid explanations. It really sheds new light on how to approach my daily practice

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much and I’m glad it’s helpful

[@virginiakraft8331]

I've got the book - haven't read it yet, but I like what I just heard. thank you so much for all you do. mental health is a HUGE issue in this world and you are helping people to recognize and alleviate it through meditation. I feel like I am always meditating in my mind throughout the day. Namaste.

[@virginiakraft8331]

and, actually, you are helping do this through pretty much everything you teach. you have made a significant difference for me as I have listened and followed your ways.

[@CD-wb9tk]

🙏🏽 Thank you. Your examples are powerful and provide a clear and simple explanation that is very helpful.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀 thank you

[@annlaing8714]

I really appreciate the way you take a difficult subject and make it easier to understand, I look forward to going on this journey with you, love and light to you and your brother monks ❤️🙏🏻

[@marthas3486]

I know this is older but thank you for this it has helped me understand meditation clearly

[@saravejdan424]

Thank you so much

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome Sara! Thank you so much 😊

[@buddhaneosiddhananda8499]

We have to achieve Enlightenment to really help people... as the Buddha said... 😇😇

[@jillharrison3800]

This is such a wonderful explanation and makes it all easier to understand and make sense of. I always worry and put stress on myself that I won’t be able to sit and clear my mind effectively because my mind is constantly thinking and overthinking, but for the last few months I’ve been accepting situations and letting go. So now I need to discipline my meditation each day to make that glass of water clearer . I’m finding that your morning/night routines help so much and my daily life is becoming more joyful. Like you say the byproducts of the teachings really are positive … many thanks and blessings to you all there 🙏🏻

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome Jill 😊

[@ManuBarth-lm1oy]

Such a clear and compelling explanation ! Wow, Thank You 🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Glad it was helpful!

[@slothgirl2107]

This is one of your best videos yet

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@gracepulido7766]

I love your way of explaining things, you make it very easy to comprehend. 💫🙌

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@SIMPLELEARN7]

Not only best teacher you are a best friend

[@alessandrachavesphotograph3857]

Thanks for this introduction to meditation! Very clear and enlightening.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful! I’m glad it’s helpful Alessandra 😊

[@susannaself8153]

Congratulations on your new book I’ve enjoyed Buddhist cleanse and will enjoy this book too. I have questions about delusion: what it is and what forms it takes. Could you do a video about this at some point? Thank you for all you do!

[@kalosevillinas]

I am starting my meditation journey. Thank U for your explanatuon Nick. I hope I can get some insight to make spirtual progress.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful my friend. Keep practicing diligently 😊

[@AnandaLove]

Thank you. I really enjoyed this clear, concise explanation. Nice analogies. Congratulations on your book.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much Rhonda 😀😀

[@odinakawisdom9965]

Thanks for sharing

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@faithnorks]

Thank you. You explain it so well. I will get the book.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Sadhu sadhu 😀😀 thank you so much

[@elenagandini6951]

Thank you 🌹

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@khunkhrap]

Just bought the new book. If everything run smoothly l receive it the day before my departure to Thailand. That book finally might help me. Cheers from Switzerland.

[@dec66.18]

A good, clear explanation of the purpose of meditation.I am going to read your book to help in my practice.🙏

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wonderful. Thank you so much 😊

[@susanbundy3490]

Congratulations! I just got the kindle version-looking forward to reading it.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Wow thank you so much Susan. I hope you enjoy it 😀😀

[@keithng5249]

"Showering the mind". Interesting because I downloaded your 30 minutes meditation with insects chirping in the background, and used it when I meditate. Your opening speech includes 'shower the mind'. I also saw your video on giving, and I kept a journal which puts the date of the meditation and a small donation to the local dog shelter. That was over a year ago. Thanks a lot for your help

[@jota6866]

Beautiful video!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you 😊

[@User-fp4gn]

Thanks a lot for the guidance its much needed to ensure lay disciples practice the right way

[@nickkeomahavong01]

It’s my pleasure 😀 thank you so much

[@Leo-me2eb]

از طرز بیانت خوشم اومد. موفق باشید!

[@nickkeomahavong01]

☺️

[@Awfki]

This is brilliant. One of the best answers I've seen the question of "What is Meditation?". I have some thoughts on a few words at the end though, at about 18:30 he says that meditation is a tool to "clean and purify the mind". I don't like the implications of that phrase. I'd argue that the stuff floating in the water isn't really "dirt" and we don't need "clean" or "purify" anything. The stuff in the water is just the flotsam and jetsam of life, some of it is positive and some of it is negative but it all obscures our vision. I'd rephrase it something like meditation is tool to "calm and clear the mind", which dovetails with water analogy. Meditation doesn't magically remove the "junk" that builds up in our minds, it lets it settle and separate so that we can see it more clearly and so that we can see other things more clearly. Details aside, still an awesome video.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

😊👍

[@aafursa]

Wow this is super helpful. I never thought of meditation this way but it makes so much sense to me after you explained it the way you did about a glass of water. Thank you for your insight. It inspires me to make it into a daily practice.

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you Anna. I’m glad it was helpful 😀

[@suemason5559]

Thank you for explaining this so clearly and at nice, gentle pace. It really helps a newcomer like me to understand more fully the purpose of meditation beyond the level of simple stress relief and will help me now, I hope, to progress with my meditation at a deeper level. Some of us do need a bit of hand holding sometimes and it's very much appreciated. Kindest regards

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much 😊

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

Thank you for your enlightenment. Hearing the birds and other creature of nature are so soothing. Congratulations on your new book. Since I have a very long drive to & from work I will get the audible book. Believe it or not my calm time is when I drive ( I drive at night because I work at night) Stay well, safe

[@nickkeomahavong01]

Thank you so much and that drive sounds so peaceful 😀

[@PracticerOfMetta]

Thank you 🙏🏻🕉️☸️

[@nickkeomahavong01]

You are so welcome