Purpose of Mokuso - meditation

Some times "Me-moku" (closed eyes meditation)

What is the purpose of meditation? It's a legitimate question & I'm not being a smart-azz. Years ago, I had the mother of a new student come to me saying "We're Christians. Is meditation praying to Buddah?".

I answered "No, it's a time to quiet your mind; rid yourself of all the extranious thoughts & events of the day; prepare yourself for training."

That suit her just fine & her son remained in the class.

Are there any other explanations?

Praying to Buddha???

The purpose of "meditation" is to invoke the divine kami, so that the dojo can be graced by their presence.

Sometimes incantations and clapping is also used to "wake up" the spirits.

Or you can pray to whichever spiritual entity you so desire....

Considering the shelves of books on the topic, seems like you nailed it in one sentence. The training depends on the context. MA for some, spiritual for others.

Quote:

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I answered "No, it's a time to quiet your mind; rid yourself of all the extranious thoughts & events of the day; prepare yourself for training ."

Are there any other explanations?

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