Meditation Tips » Buddhist Meditation

Beginners Mind

chenno — Sun, 03 May 2009 22:52:06 +0000

In the final analysis, the great meditation teachers suggest that the most beneficial attitude to adopt toward meditation is an open mind, totally free from all preconceptions and expectations.

The aim of meditation is not to amass knowledge, learn something new, or accomplish some exceptional state of mind, but merely to sustain this fresh, uncluttered perspective.

“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything,” Zen master Shunryu Suzuki writes in his book called Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. “In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few.”

As the title of his book indicates, Suzuki teaches that beginner’s mind and Zen mind – the awake, clear, unshackled mind of the enlightened Zen master – are fundamentally the same. Or, as a different teacher puts it, “The seeker is the sought; the looker is what he or she is looking for!”

Irrespective of which meditation technique you choose, try to practise it with the innocent, open, “don’t know” spirit of beginner’s mind. In a way, beginner’s mind is the non-attitude inherent in all attitudes, the non-technique at the center of all successful techniques.

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Different Buddhist Meditation Techniques

chenno — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:50:46 +0000

There are numerous different Buddhist meditation methods that followers and a lot of meditation enthusiasts practice.

But, in spite of their differences, the techniques are all broadly founded on developing two things- mindfulness and concentration.

Paying attention to the movements of the body and to the dynamic states of mind is to be developed in order to identify the genuine concept of self. Objectivity in this example could be a invaluable aid to clear thinking. With objectivity comes concentration, the ability to concentrate the mind and keep it focused on a single point or object.

A lot of Buddhist schools apply different techniques in meditation. Some might focus on such practices as breathing meditation whilst others on movements. The variety can be so large that there are a multitude of variations available. Most Buddhist techniques can be school specific.

Only a few masters aspire to merge and categorise the techniques from various Buddhist traditions.

Among the known meditation techniques is that being practised by Western Order meditation master Kamalashila. The teacher identifies that there are five basic methods to be used as an orthodox set for meditation. Each method may be employed as an antidote to one of the five basic obstacles to Enlightenment- distraction, hatred, craving, conceit and ignorance.

One of the five basic methods is the mindfulness of breathing. This requires the practice of serenity meditations. This method assists to counterbalance distraction and aspires to develop better concentration. Another of the five basic methods laid proscribed is the Metta Bhavana. This technique includes the four brahma viharas and is used to counteract sentimental attachment or hatred. This method aims to develop loving kindness in a person.

Another of the five basic techniques in Buddhist meditation is the contemplation of impermanency. This method may help countercheck craving and develop inner peace and the feeling of freedom.

The six element practice is based on meditation involving the six elements- earth, water, space, air, fire and consciousness. The six element practice method of meditation counteracts craving and develops instead some clarity in a individual regarding to self.

The fifth basic method of meditation is the contemplation of conditionality which aspires to counteract ignorance and instead develop wisdom and compassion. There are also other Buddhist meditation techniques not identified by the five basic methods. These includes different techniques of
Visualisations, meditation by sitting and walking meditation.

Among the numerous techniques used in Buddhist meditation we can include the five types of Zen Buddhism as classified by Kuei-feng. In this
case, the Zen practices were sorted according to five categories. Whilst generally common for Zen practitioners, the techniques are also relevant to Buddhist meditation methods.

One of the types is the “bonpu” or “ordinary” meditation that is practised to attain physical and mental well-being in the absence of any spiritual goal.

There is also the “gedo” or “outside way” which is meditation that is employed for non-Buddhist purposes.

The third is the “shojo” or “small vehicle” which is meditation practised in pursuit of self-liberation or nirvana.

The fourth of the Zen Buddhist meditation techniques as classified by Kuei-feng is the “daijo” or “great vehicle” which is meditation in the pursuit of achieving self-realization to experience the unity of all things.

And then there is also the “saijojo” or “supreme vehicle” which is the meditation calculated to realize the Buddha nature as imminent in all beings.

Buddhist Meditation 1 To understand Buddhist Meditation, you must acknowledge that Buddhism is...

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Buddhist Meditation 1

chenno — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:49:54 +0000

To understand Buddhist Meditation, you must acknowledge that Buddhism is centered on the Four Noble Truths.

First, we have to recognise that there is suffering in this world because of our ignorance and our wants. Once we understand ourselves, we can ultimately find a way to stop this suffering. Those who discover the answer will have reach a state of Nirvana.

This then directs us to the core of Buddhist meditation which is the practice of the eight fold path. These virtues namely are the right action, right concentration, right effort, right livelihood, right mindfulness, right speech, right thought, and right view.

The process of Buddhist Meditation are founded on two essentials. The first is called “Samatha” which means tranquility and the second is called “Vipassana” which means mindfulness.

Let’s discuss this a little more. “Samatha” meditation involves a lot of breathing exercises which are designed to develop concentration, detachment, equanimity and happiness. There are forty samatha meditations and each teaches the mind to concentrate on a single object to bring about various states of tranquility.

“Vipassana” meditation on the other hand develops self understanding by being able to comprehend the things that are going on inside one’s head. By practising this regularly, you will, before long, acquire wisdom which could make you detached from all suffering.

Do you have to be a follower of Buddhism in order to practise this sort of meditation? The answer is no, even if this technique is grounded on the doctrines of this religious belief, and focuses on concentration and mind control.

If you would like to try Buddhist meditation, the first thing you must do is find a peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Then, get a soft pillow or cushion to sit on, if the floor isn’t that comfortable for you.

Now, allow your hands to rest on your lap with the palms facing upward. It’s difficult to stay in this position for 5 minutes or more so don’t be afraid to make a few slight readjustments. The crucial thing is that you are comfortable.

Next it is time to close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Anybody could do this but there are four proper ways of doing it. You can breathe in and breathe out long, breathe in and breathe out short, breathe in short and breathe out long or breathe in long and breathe out short.

Be aware that it will take some time before you master this. Don’t forget to relax every muscle so your mind and body act as one.

Buddhist meditation is just one of the many techniques around that could help relieve your stress, make you think more positively so you have a better outlook on life and generally improve your overall physical health.

If you value what Buddhist Meditation can do, you will probably want to invest in cushions, prayer beads, incense and other accessories. These purchases are optional, so don’t think that just because you don’t have them that your experience will not be a fruitful one.

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The Rise In Popularity Of Meditation

chenno — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:15:42 +0000

In the past twenty years or so, meditation has acquired an progressive acceptance and practice in the West. Whilst still far from comprising an significant part of Western society, the practice of meditation has made substantial inroads in the remedial and medical communities and is gaining more and more broad acceptance in business organizations, educational, and political arenas.

It is possible that in United States and Europe, meditation has survived its infancy and is well on its way through childhood. Some of the reasons for this expanding acceptance is that meditation has proved to be both a practical and competent tool for increasing health in addition to happiness.
The past twenty years have supplied consistent clinical and scientific experience that permits us to draw some solid conclusions about the practice of meditation. In general, we can posit with great assurance, that based on the evidence, that the consistent practice of meditation contributes to a healthier and more efficient individual.

More precisely, those who practice some form of meditation have one or more of the following characteristics:
·         they have lower triglyceride levels;
·         attain a lower, more stable heart rate;
·         they have lower blood pressure;
·         they have a slower and less changeable respiratory rate;
·         they have a more stable galvanic skin response;
·         report less psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, colds, gastric disturbances;
·         take less prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs;
·         report lower degrees of anxiety and fear;
·         score higher on self-actualization inventories;
·         and have expanded capacity for loving relationships.

The preceding depicts only a couple of of the numerous benefits of meditation.

Briefly, when likened to others who do not practice meditation, or to their state prior to when they began to meditate, those who systematically practice meditation are healthier, more cheerful, and more effective human beings.

Clinical experience, scientific enquiry, and the experience of an ordinary individual all point to one and the same conclusion: the consistent practice of meditation is, in all probability, the most important and effective self-help tool available nowadays for individual health and effectiveness.

It is likewise clear that under the direction of a qualified teacher, meditation can be safely and successfully practiced by just about anyone without any fear of adverse side-effects.

The real question isn’t whether meditation is helpful, but instead how and why it works. What is it that happens during and as a consequence of meditation that brings about such particular physical and psychological benefits and results in improvement in numerous aspects of one’s life?

The key to answering these questions lies in understanding the relationship between meditation and the emotions. The physical, mental, and behavioural changes named above all reflect a more balanced and harmonious emotional state.

The History of Meditation Meditation is considered to be one of the oldest forms...

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The History of Meditation

chenno — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:46:04 +0000

Meditation is considered to be one of the oldest forms of mental and spiritual practices that there is. Although nobody can truly say what the exact history of meditation is, there are some speculations about this ancient practice.

Most scholars say that the history of meditation can be traced to some 5,000 years ago when the effects of the practice was discovered by ancient men by staring into the flames of fire. From then on, several meditation techniques were developed and began to spread across its continent of origin, Asia.

It was only in the 1960s and 1970s that meditation became a hit in the United States. After that, there have been many variations which have spread across the globe.

The ABCs of meditation

A state wherein a person is in deep concentration on a specific object of thought or awareness, meditation is considered as one of the oldest yet most effective means of relaxing the mind, the emotions, as well as the soul. This practice usually involves a person’s attention, allowing it to turn into a single point of reference.

Because of its effectiveness in leading a person’s consciousness to a higher level than that of an ordinary person, meditation is now being practiced by millions of people all over the world.

The history of meditation dates back during the time when it was a very important constituent of various religions in the Eastern part of the world. Deriving its roots from the Latin word “meditatio,” which means “all types mental or physical exercise,” the meaning of meditation has also evolved through the years. Today, the practice is commonly known as “inward reflection” or “contemplation.”

As years went by, people who practiced meditation were able to come up
with various disciplines. These involve a very wide range of
psychophysical and spiritual aspects — or a combination of both—that
can lead to that total enhancement of a person’s higher level of mental concentration as well as spirituality.

People who are planning to get into meditation or just interested in its seemingly limitless possibilities must understand the basics of the ancient spiritual practice and familiarize themselves with the various forms of meditation today that include “Bodhidharma,” “Hinduism,” “Bahá’í Faith,” “Buddhism,” “Christian meditation,” “Islam Meditation,” “Jainism,” “Judaism,” “Sikhism,” and “Taoism.”

Because they are derived from different cultures, individual forms have their own understanding of meditation and also have different sets of practices that come with it. In meditation, it is also very significant to note that these include physical requirements through different physical postures so the practice can be carried out very efficiently.

The most popular postures ever since the history of meditation started includes: sitting, supine, and standing and walking. These postures will vary depending on the origin of meditation you wish to follow. It is also important to note that the elements involved in a basic traditional meditation have been a large part of the history of meditation. These four elements should include a quiet place, a comfortable posture, a visible object where the person can turn his or her attention to as well as a passive attitude to make the practice truly effective.

Ever since, the history of meditation has inspired a lot of people to increase their level of spirituality as well as enhance the power of their minds. Although there is no definite proof that will trace the history of meditation, people of today as well as of those future generations will continue to practice it because of the benefits it brings.

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