Buddhism FAQ0 >> 6.Meditation
Buddhism FAQ[]
(Frequently Asked Questions About Buddhism)
6. How to practice meditation?[]
Buddha's path of meditation is based primarily on sensations(vedana) because sensation is the basis of formation of craving/desire. Sensations are of three types pleasant, unpleasant, Neutral. With meditation & will, pleasant & unpleasant sensations subside, then ever present subtle neutral sensations appear which we are focus to remain in equanimity(samatha) i.e. in desireless state leading to awakening & enlightenment as if mighty light emanating from within along with bliss.
Core Method(1-5)[]
1.Faith : Pray to your deity you believe in, meditation is open to all faiths. Buddhists go into refuge of Triratna(triple gem) i.e Buddham Sarnam Gacchami, Dhammam Sarnam Gacchami & Sangham Sarnam Gacchami.
2.Taking 5 vows: Not killing any creature nor causing it. Not talking lies nor talking useless & hurtful talk. Not taking that which is not given(non-stealing).Not consuming intoxicants. No sexual-misconduct(celibacy preferred).
3.Anapana(Breathing) : Practiced 1/3 of total time of meditation. Focus on natural breathing on incoming breath & outgoing breath & stop the thoughts. Later, focus on triangular area below nose & above upper lip to know the sensations of touch of breathing. Slowly with time some ever-present subtle sensations of neutral type will appear, focus on this..
4.Vipassana : This is the main practice. This is done from top of head to toes of feet & in reverse order to complete one cycle. Sub-step4.1-Intensity: Take an area of size of soap bar and apply attention with intensity here to know sensations in it while removing thoughts. Sub-Step4.2-Equanimity: Now relax the intensity and in this same area now apply equanimity(neither good nor bad or Samatha) to the sensations found here. The small area can be taken around the body in horizontal circles or as per choice from head to toes of feet & back, do as many cycles of this Vipassana as time allows. Slowly with time pleasant & unpleasant sensations will subside and then ever-present subtle neutral sensations will appear all over the skin of body, focus on these to remain in equanimity. Later the attention will permeate/seep from surface of skin to within the organs so that entire body from within can be sensed in equanimity. Finally the method is to be applied within brain & spine (entry through nasal or mouth/palete areas) leading to blissful awakening trance states(Samadhi or Zen) which appears first as an inner glow . There are many i.e 9 trance states(dhyan/Jhan/zen/samadhi). When a person has achieved any trance/zen state, one should remain maximum time in highest state achieved so that one can rise higher.
5. End of meditation with Goodwill: In mind give goodwill to all creatures- May all beings be happy. May all creatures big or small be happy. May all creatures visible or invisible be happy. Forgive all your offenders & ask forgiveness from those of whom you offended knowingly or unknowingly.
Posture: Meditation is preferably done in silence & solitude in cross legged sitting posture. It also can be done sitting on chair, while standing or even while walking. Care should be taken in walking meditation so as not to be hit with persons/objects. It is not preferable in lying down as it may lead to sleep which is no meditation, however if a person is not able to sleep then it can be done in awakened state in lying down position also. There is no harm associated in Buddha's path so it is safe for all.
Discussion[]
The word meditation in Buddhism refers to observing within self without any thoughts & without any indulgent attitude in sensuality. It is a method of self introspection of inner phenomenon such as breath & sensations and their relations with the emotions, feelings & desires keeping away every thinking while remaining equanimous without generating likes or dislikes to any phenomenon inner or worldly, leading to release from their attachments/bonds which enslave & bind a personality to material plane. And then afterwards opening the way to understanding of higher spirituality by attaining various(total 9) Trance states leading to Enlightenment.
The path of Buddha constitutes mainly 3 steps : (1) Sheel(or sila) meaning morality (2) Samadhi meaning meditation, keeping mind attentive within self (3) Panna (sanskrit pragya) meaning attaining Trance states & the resultant understanding of spirituality/transcendental states. It also means new understanding of the states of self i.e. emotions, thoughts,sensations etc
There are many types of meditation methods taught by Buddha but prominent methods are Vipassana , Satipattana , Ana-Pana, Samatha etc. These are mentioned by Buddha (especially Vipassana) everywhere in the Buddhist scripture(Tipitaka) in original Pali language.
The meditation must be learned first hand, but for a glimpse , following links are provided:
Vipassana Meditation As Taught by Ven. S.N.Goenka
Satipattana Way of Meditation
See also :
Buddhism FAQ17 Meditation Best Practices
Note : Vipassana (as well as Satipattana & Ana-Pana) can be learned in a 10 day course in a meditation centre free of cost (on voluntary donations) here : https://www.dhamma.org