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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
The main methods of Buddhist meditation are divided into samatha (tranquility meditations) and vipassana (insight meditations).
The samatha meditations include anapana (mindfulness of breathing) and mettā bhāvanā (development of loving kindness). The vipassana meditations includes contemplation on impermanence, the six element practice, and contemplation on conditionality. Samatha meditations usually precede and prepare for vipassana meditations.
Each of the five basic methods is an "antidote" to one of the five mental "poisons":
| Meditation type | Method | Counteracts | Develops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samatha (tranquility meditations) | anapana | distraction | concentration |
| metta bhavana | hatred sentimental attachment | love | |
| 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 | |
Not included under samatha in the above table are all the four brahma-viharas (lit. "sublime abodes") of which mettā bhāvanā is the most often practiced one:
| Meditation type | Method | Counteracts | Develops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samatha (tranquility meditations) | karuna bhavana | cruelty, sentimental pity and horrified anxiety | compassion |
| mudita bhavana | resentment, envy and vicarious enjoyment | sympathetic joy | |
| upekkha bhavana | fixed indifference and apathetic neutrality | equanimity | |
See also
References
- Kamalashila (1996), Meditation: The Buddhist Art of Tranquility and Insight, Birmingham: Windhorse Publications, ISBN 1899579052.
- Epstein, Mark (1995), Thoughts Without a Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective, BasicBooks, ISBN 0465039316.
External links
- Meditation Forum by E-Sangha
- Buddhist Meditation in the Theravada tradition
- Buddhist Meditation
- Dhammakaya foundation
- How to Meditate
- Guided Meditations on the Lamrim — The Gradual Path to Enlightenment by Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron (PDF file).
- A guided Buddhist meditation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu
Bhávaná | Méditation bouddhique | Meditazione buddhista | Meditação budista
"Buddhist meditation"