Buddhist meditation

http://Buddhism.2be.net/Buddhist_meditation

From Buddhist Encyclopedia

Buddhist meditation, meditation used in the practice of Buddhism, "includes any method of meditation that has Enlightenment as its ultimate aim". The closest word for meditation in the classical languages of Buddhism is bhavana or "mental development"

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.

All forms of meditation can be used as an "antidote" to one of the five hindrances:

Meditation type	Method	Counteracts	Develops
Samatha (tranquility meditations)	anapana	distraction	concentration
	metta bhavana	hatred [and sentimental attachment]	love
	mudita bhavana	resentment, envy and vicarious enjoyment	sympathetic joy
	upekkha bhavana	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

• Mindfulness
• Anapana
• Satipatthana
• Shikantaza
• Visuddhimagga
• Zazen

Theravada Buddhist meditation practices:

• Vipassana
• Samatha
• Metta

Zen Buddhist meditation practices:

• Koan

Vajrayana Buddhist meditation practices:

• Mandala
• Tonglen
• Tantra

Proper floor-sitting postures & supports while meditating:

• Zazen positions - applicable to all meditation methods
• Cushions: zafu, zabuton

Traditional Buddhist texts on meditation:

• Anapanasati Sutta
• Satipatthana Sutta
• Visuddhimagga

Traditional preliminary practices to Buddhist meditation:

• prostrations
• refuge in the Triple Gem
• Five Precepts
• chanting

References

• Kamalashila (1996), Meditation: The Buddhist Art of Tranquility and Insight, Birmingham: Windhorse Publications, ISBN 1-899579-05-2.

• 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