Buddhist meditation

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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"¹. The closest word for meditation in the classical languages of Buddhism is bhavana or "mental development"².

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. ¹

Each of the five basic methods is an "antidote" to one of the five mental "poisons"¹:

Meditation type	Method	Counteracts	Develops
Samatha (tranquility meditations)	anapana	distraction	concentration
	metta bhavana	hatred [and 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

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

References

• Note 1: Kamalashila (1996), Meditation: The Buddhist Art of Tranquility and Insight, Birmingham: Windhorse Publications, ISBN 1899579052.

• Note 2: 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

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