I love reading, even more than watching movies. Would you consider reading a form of meditation? When i read, i dont think about anything, i just let the words paint a picture in my mind, and i think this would be kind of a form of meditating, anyone agree?
In the broader definition of meditation, where the mind is active, any mind-games can be used. This is considered as being one-pointed, the ability to concentrate on one task without being distracted by the mind wandering. If we consider Patanjali,s eight limbs of yoga we have (5) Pratyahara - Sense withdrawal (6) Dharana - Concentration (7) Dhyana - Maintaining a focus, meditation (8) Samadhi - Complete absorption. These are not steps but a flow so that there is not a clear point when maintaining a focus starts and ends. Perhaps one needs to consider that all actions although specifically in one section will have an effect in all the steps to a greater or lesser degree.
I agree. But the fact that you are ''thinking about nothing'' doesn't make it meditation. You can be thinking at hight speed and still be meditating. As long you are aware of it. As long as it's natural to you. What makes reading, or any other game, or activity you like, what makes it meditation, is the interest, the love. If you love reading, you brain is using the sweet process of attention to read. If you are aware of this process occuring, you are meditating. You can afterwards recreate this attentive state whenever you want, whenever necessary. It can be breathing, eyes closed, but it can also be sex, work, friendship, fishing, sport, whatever. Your love for reading, if given enought attention, can be a gateway into meditation. ANYTHING YOU LOVE = USING ATTENTION = MEDITATION
