Buddhist Meditation

Meditation is very well liked with many religions worldwide and has been practiced for hundreds of years. Buddhism is probably the most well identified religion that practices yoga and Nibbbana could be the eventual goal for any Buddhist. This is actually achieved by a long time of practicing Buddhist meditation. Nibbana is a mind-set and not some sort of physical thing which can be seen, held or perhaps bought. Nibbana is realized by reaching the final of craving in addition to suffering and this is the ultimate goal pertaining to someone who practices Buddhist yoga.

Although being a fantastic person, being kind to others and performing good deeds is vital to make you a nice person it does not help you to achieve Nibbana. Nibbana should be only achieved through Buddhist meditation and following Buddhist scriptures and writings. To reach full enlightenment you not only need to read the scriptures but more importantly, you need to implement and understand the actual practice. There are 2 different types of Buddhist meditation that are used in the Buddhist-religion. These are Samatha and Vipassana.

Samatha translates to mean tranquillity or calmness. This is a state that the pupil is trying to reach whilst meditating. This is done by calming the mind and focusing on one specific thing. There are many things that can help with Samatha meditation like water or a flickering candle. The person meditating can concentrate on the water or candle flame and block out all other outside interferences. Whilst focusing your mind you should also use anapanasati. This is the system of focusing on your breathing. If you do not have any water or candles then you can just use your breathing to help focus your mind. Samatha is more than just focusing; however, they need to get rid of the five vices of ill will, sensual desire, sloth, anxiety and doubt. When this has been reached through this form of Buddhist meditation, great happiness is gained but, Nibbana still has not been achieved. This is where vipassana is necessary.

Vipassana is very different from Samatha but is still a vital part of Buddhist-meditation and reaching the goal of enlightenment. This method is all about looking at life with a very basic outlook. You need to look at things as they are and you need to acknowledge everything that you do. If you are sweeping the floor, you need to acknowledge to yourself that you are sweeping the floor. This is the beginning stage of vipassana which is bare awareness. By becoming completely aware of everything you do at all times and by focusing your mind by using Samatha you can attain total enlightenment which is the last goal of anyone who is interested in Buddhist meditation.

Most practitioners of Buddhist meditation spend their entire lives trying to reach enlightenment, so if you have just started, don’t be disheartened if you do not achieve the end goal within a short period of time. Buddhist meditation needs to become part of your life and how you live your life. Although it is a long road to reach the end, enlightenment can be the ultimate spiritual fulfilment.