Is concentration meditation required?

[Aaron p]

For a while now my routine has been; 5 minutes locating chakras, 10 or so mins kryia yoga, 30 mins self enquiry, 10 mins do nothing.

However I'm worried that I need to do some concentration work like vepaasana or something. I find the "do nothing" at the end of a sit extremely insightful, but would you guys say something like vepaasana is just as important? I haven't been doing any 

[Aaron p]

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[Enlightenment]

@Aaron p If your goal is only enlightenment, then most likely not. If your goal is unifying the mind, elevating your gamma waves, getting access to interesting transcendental states, then yes.

[FoxFoxFox]

@Aaron p It's only recommended to some beginners and only for a short while. Don't get stuck in it for 30 years like some. It is not really necessary if you do self-inquiry properly. That is the most effective way of silencing the mind because it reveals the mind's true nature simultaneously with bringing out the self in plain sight. 

[Nahm]

@Enlightenment If you don’t mind me asking...transcendental of what? 

[Enlightenment]

@Nahm I mean states like deep Jhanas, the whole "Ultimate Reality" thing, Nirvana, Cessations etc.

 

[Nahm]

@Enlightenment Right, but what it being transcended? 

[Enlightenment]

@Nahm Ego(?)

[SunnyNewDay]

I would say that true concentration meditation comes through being in the moment and living a life with few distractions and allows you to do the inquiring and deep level work properly for whichever technique you're doing. this includes diet, your job, how you spend your free time, if you do selfless actions regularly and give back to the community, etc. All this allows for a more calm mind to do the work properly. Concentration practices are usually helpful if one isn't fully there yet and has to deal with lot of distractions. During the ten day retreats by dhamma they start you off on three days of concentration and this is because society and regular life is so loud and most of the people going it's their first time really meditating. You need to practice and try it out and see if you need it or not. I'd say if you have problems even sitting or a couple minutes meditating than the concentration is helpful and it is never a step back. It is one of many tools in the tool box. 

[Truth Addict]

@Aaron p

Try 1-2 hours of concentration practice, and find out.