Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

wonderful or disturbing things seen or heard there. Find
out where are the nearest shrines, temples, and churches,
either existing now or just ancient ruins. Notice the
presence of large and flourishing trees, and also look for
dead trees, specially marked stones, or peculiarly
twisted or outstanding rocks. As these things may
indicate the presence of tree and earth spirits, offerings
should be made to them to start with so that they are
pleased. Also offerings should be made to the gods
worshipped in the temples, churches, etc., and one
should also make sure what the religion locally
predominant is. Then, another consideration not to be
forgotten is the history of the building—this should be
carefully investigated.
If all signs are favorable and one decides to meditate
there, then one may make a vow not to go outside
certain boundaries. One must ask the gods of the four
directions to witness that "This is my northern boundary,
etc." When, perhaps after many years of practice, one
wants to go outside these boundaries, it is proper to
inform these gods first. If one's patron or other visitor
comes and wants to enter the boundaries, then it is
customary in Tibet for the yogi to leave a white stone
outside—as a sign that he has informed the four great
kings and then they will also protect the visitor.
This concludes the instructions for meditating in new
surroundings.
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