Meditation Flashcards
Purpose of meditation…
To transform people’s mind from their present state of confusion, distraction and emotional entanglement to a state of peace and clarity
Purify the mind, put an end to suffering and to lead people to enlightenment
Samatha meditation
Develops mental concentration/focus and brings about peace of mind
It existed before the Buddha and is still practised by Hindus today
1st step- cultivation of mindfulness (awareness of ourselves and our state of mind) 4 types of mindfulness: body, feelings/sensations, mind and mental states
Pursued to reach higher states of consciousness, occurring in 4 stages (jhanas)
1st- brings detachment, clarity and concentration
2nd- person rests in stillness rapture and joy
3rd- brings a more rarefied joy
4th-state of clear calm consciousness, totally peaceful and undisturbed
Vipassana meditation
Developed by the Buddha, and is practised specifically by Buddhists
Translated as insight meditation as it aims to develop insight into the nature of things, leading to wisdom and the realisation of the ultimate truth of nibbana
Uses our intelligence and powers of observation and analysis to bring us to a deeper level of understanding.
Samatha is practised first for the basis of vipassana as you need to be mindful and focused I order to analyse a topic without getting distracted.
The point of vipassana meditation?
That understanding of the dhamma does not remain theoretical but becomes personal and related to experience. In this way Buddhists develop personal conviction about the truths of the dhamma.
Benefits of meditation…
Meditation eliminates the three poisons of craving, aggression and ignorance.
Develops positive emotions- love compassion joy peace
Buddhist meditation in the west
Unusual for lay people to meditate at a temple instead hey do it in their home
Lay people in Asia engage in chanting, which has a medicine quality, arousing joy, calmness, concentration and mindfulness
