[andyt]

mindfulness meditation is called Vipassana in the Theravadin tradition. There are many different styles that all get you to do the same thing - pay attention to what's happening right now. The Tibetans call it Shamata/Vipashyana, I'm sure the Zen people have it too but not sure what they call it, shikan taza I think. All of them eventually let go of any meditative object, ie just notice present experience, all of them will get you initially to focus on something, usually the breath or body sensations. Shinzen Young starts you off just noticing and labeling body sensations where ever they occur, then you start noticing if they are expanding or contracting etc. Goenka Ji otoh has you start at the crown of the head and notice sensations in each postage size stamp little piece of your body to start. I find this practice very difficult, but his retreats are the best - complete noble silence for 10 days, no eating after noon, no fee, strictly by voluntary donation, very traditional.

All practices, as I say, are going to take quite some time to really show results, I just wonder if the Marines are up for that.

What would be great would be if the Marines did Tongleng practice - You breathe in the suffering of yourself or others, and breath out happiness for all sentient beings. Or as an instructor said "you could just wish them a cup of coffee." This sort of practice is meant to compliment mindfulness to also develop compassion. Much more difficult to do well, I found.

[andyt]

I'm actually disappointed that the military types on this forum, who love the jargon and discussing minutiae of weapons systems and whether it's called a clip or a magazine aren't interested in discussing this story. Maybe in the future the grizzled vets here will be discussing experiencing the nidana chain or the first glimmerings of Anatta. I'm sure they already are well experienced in Anicca.