Buddhist meditation
Buddhist meditation, meditation used in the practice of Buddhism, "includes any method of meditation that has Enlightenment as its ultimate aim"1. The closest word for meditation in the classical languages of Buddhism is bhavana or "mental development"2.
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Methods of meditation
There are many types and forms of meditation used in the various schools of Buddhism. Buddhaghosa enumerated 40 methods of meditation in the Theravadin Visuddhimagga; nowadays there are many more in the various schools. The various methods of meditation can be divided into samatha meditation (tranquility meditation) and vipassana meditation (insight meditation).
Well-known samatha type of meditations include anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), mindfulness of bodily movement, mindfulness on bodily posture (sitting, walking, standing and lying down), and mettā bhāvanā (development of loving kindness). The vipassana meditations include contemplation on impermanence, the six element practice, and contemplation on conditionality. Samatha meditations usually precede and prepare for vipassana meditations. 1
All forms of meditation can be used as an "antidote" to one of the five hindrances 1:
| Meditation type | Method | Counteracts | Develops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samatha (tranquility meditations) | ānāpana | distraction | concentration |
| mettā bhāvanā | hatred [and sentimental attachment] | loving-kindness | |
| mudita bhāvanā | resentment, envy and vicarious enjoyment | sympathetic joy | |
| upekkhā bhāvanā | fixed indifference and apathetic neutrality | equanimity | |
| Vipassana (insight meditations) | contemplation of impermanence | craving | inner peace, freedom |
| six element practice | conceit | clarity regarding nature of self | |
| contemplation of conditionality | ignorance | wisdom, compassion |
See also
Theravada Buddhist meditation practices:
Zen Buddhist meditation practices:
Vajrayana Buddhist meditation practcices:
Related Buddhist practices:
Traditional Buddhist texts on meditation:
Traditional preliminary practices to Buddhist meditation:
References
- Note 1: Kamalashila (1996), Meditation: The Buddhist Art of Tranquility and Insight, Birmingham: Windhorse Publications, ISBN 1-899579-05-2.
- Note 2: Epstein, Mark (1995), Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective, BasicBooks, ISBN 0-465-03931-6.
External links
- Meditation Forum by E-Sangha
- Buddhist Meditation in the Theravada tradition
- Buddhist Meditation
- Guided Meditations on the Lamrim — The Gradual Path to Enlightenment by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron (PDF file).
- A guided Buddhist meditation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Categories
Buddhist meditation