Lecture 4: Structures of Meditation Flashcards
Different levels of concentration, according to Keown
Dhyanas
Levels of concentration are tied to
Cosmology
The “Four Measureless States” are also called
Meditation on Loving Kindness
Insight Meditation is also called
Mindfulness
Buddhists worked out a system for guiding people of different
Capabilities, personality, and background
In what century does Stephen Beyer’s article discusses Buddhaghosa’s system of Buddhist meditation practices
the fifth century
At the time of Stephen Beyer’s article, how many years had Buddhism been a religion?
More 900 years
Who’s work systematizes all the different meditation practices and makes sense out of them?
Buddhaghosa’s work
Ancillary, or Preparation practices are divided into two major groups - Define them
- practices to overcome problems connected with greed or lust, hatred, and confusion.
- practices that develop positive qualities of faith and intellect.
What does the meditation teacher do first?
Observes the new practitioner’s behavior to determine whether the person is dominated by greed, anger, or confusion.
What does the meditation teacher do second?
He assigns appropriate practices to overcome these difficulties and turn these three negatives into the positive qualities of faith, intellect, and enthusiasm.
What are practices assigned to people based on?
On the teacher’s perception of their personality type.
Buddhists view the mind as _______ but the mind becomes weighed down by ____________.
originally pure; negative mental habits.
_____ and _____ gives a person the skill to abandon negative habits and develop positive ones.
Meditation and ethical practice
The Buddhists term kusala
Skillful
The Buddhists term akusula
Unskillful
What is meant by the term Five Hindrances?
The defilement that obstructs the mind.
What are the Five Hindrances?
- Longing or desire for objects for the five senses
- Ill-will
- Sloth and torpor
- Restlessness and worry
- Vacillating doubt
Luis Gomez explains how meditation is part of _______
A ritual framework
A ritual framework is an important part of “preparation” because _____________________________.
it helps a person prepare for the focus required in meditation.
What things in mediation help create a calm atmosphere?
Making sure the meditation place is clean, making offerings or chanting.
What is the Buddhist meditation practices on loving kindness?
Metta
What skills does Metta help develop?
Compassion for all beings.
The goal of Metta is?
A balanced mind that is calm and open.