The Indirect Path of Meditation

Most meditation practices on what is called the indirect path, give the mind something to focus on. These traditions recognize that under normal circumstances, most people's minds are jumping from one thing to another in quick succession. The activities of thinking and feeling are like the drama in the y that veils the background of peace. So as a concession to such a mind, the teaching says, ok, pay attention to one thing that will quieten your mind. And then when your mind is quiet, you can begin to allow the mind to sink backwards, inwards, selfwards into the heart of awareness.