Buddhist meditation refers to the various mental practices associated with the religion and philosophy of Buddhism. These practices were designed to develop mindfulness, concentration, and other mental qualities that lead to enlightenment or understanding of the true nature of reality.
There are many different techniques and traditions within Buddhism that employ meditation, but some common ones include:
- Mindfulness meditation: This involves focusing attention on the present moment without judgment. This can be done through practices like following the breath, observing physical sensations, or simply paying attention to one’s surroundings.
- Loving-kindness meditation: This involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion towards oneself and others. This can be done by repeating phrases like “may all beings be happy” or through visualisation practices.
- Metta Bhavana: This form of loving-kindness meditation originated in the Theravada tradition of Buddhism. It involves cultivating feelings of love and compassion towards oneself, then towards loved ones, neutral persons, difficult persons, and ultimately all beings.
- Zazen: This is a form of seated meditation practised in the Zen tradition of Buddhism. It involves sitting in a comfortable, upright position and focusing on the breath or a mantra.
- Shamatha: This is a form of mindfulness meditation practiced in the Tibetan tradition of Buddhism. It involves focusing on the breath or visualisation and cultivating a calm and stable mind.
These are just a few examples of the many types of meditation found within the Buddhist tradition. It is important to note that meditation is just one aspect of the Buddhist path and is often integrated with other practices, such as ethical conduct and the study of the scriptures and commentaries.
Meditation for Health 