Entering and Exiting Meditation
　

We usually have a certain sequence when we are entering sitting meditation. First we focus on our bodies by straightening our spine and at the same time relaxing our muscles. We can relax our muscles by rocking slowly back and forth. By relaxing our muscles we can sit more comfortably and release all tension in our bodies. Then we try to harmonize our energy and breath. Focusing on breath is helpful for our concentration and allows us to build more energy at our Danjeon(elixir field). And finally, we can concentrate on our mind by mindfully abandoning drowsiness and distractions in order to cultivate concentration.

We may meditate for forty minutes to one hour or two hours. For beginners it is the best to work in smaller increments like five to ten minutes. After meditating we may call this “exiting” meditation. There is also a sequence for this. On the contrary of exiting meditation, first, we open the mind so that we can use this one mind when we function in society. Part of the reason we meditate is so that we can use this one mind in a rightful way when engaging in worldly activities. As we exit meditation our breath and energy are much more powerful. This is especially true if we focus our energy at the tanjeon. Just think of your tanjeon as the center of the universe- that is how powerful it is. In terms of the body we slowly start to move different parts. Making sudden movements is not recommended, instead we can massage our legs, neck, back, or any other parts that feel uncomfortable. This is to exit meditation.

After finishing meditation, what state is our mind in?
To use an example, when the weather is cold for ten days straight and then suddenly the weather gets warmer on the eleventh day, people will usually still consider the weather to be cold. Similarly, we live in the mundane world for twenty four hours and out of that twenty four hours we may cease our mundane thoughts and actions for a short time through meditation. However, although we meditate we are still sentient beings living and thinking in a mundane way for most of the day.

So, we should try to keep in mind our original nature. After meditation, we should try to keep the state of mind we had during meditation.
This is to practice Timeless and Placeless Zen. Therefore, through every action we should keep the one mind of concentration. Whether driving a car, reading a book, washing the dishes, or attending a meeting, we should focus on the task at hand.

Then, what is the way of keeping the mind?
We should try not to forget the mind of concentration. If we enjoy the mindlessness mind we will never change when faced with sense objects. Any difficult situations we may face, if responded with a concentrated mind then we can overcome the situation more easily and mindfully. When this happens then we will know true mindfulness.

http://www.wonbuddhism.org/