Meditation is an intrinsic part of Buddhism. Multiple Buddhist meditative practices can help you lead a better life.
As the name suggests, meditative Buddhist discipline is the practice of meditation in Buddhism. The Buddhists pursue meditation as a path towards liberation from defilements, and worldly cravings, which culminate in attaining Nirvana. One of the most interesting aspects of Buddhist meditation is that each school of Buddhism has its meditation technique and type.
This is because after Budda spread Buddhism throughout Asia, the practice of some characteristics and spiritual elements of the land where it was embedded. However, despite the looming difference, we must remember that all forms of Buddhist meditative disciplines have emerged from Buddha’s insights about the nature of existence, the causes of suffering, the causes of happiness, etc.
Types of Buddhist Meditative Disciplines
- Shamatha (Mindfulness)
It is a renowned Buddhist meditative practice popular all around the world. Shamatha or mindfulness focuses on developing calmness and clarity. Proper commitment to and cultivation of the practice can lead to deep inner peace and wholesome fulfillment. The basic steps to follow Shamatha are:
Sit in a comfortable meditation pose
Observe your breath
Acknowledge and accept the thoughts popping into your mind without engaging with them
- Metta or Lovingkindness
It is another popular Buddhist Meditative practice. It begins by directing wishes for well-being and loving kindness towards yourself. Then, you open these positive feelings towards a person or per you love, then some you feel neutral about, and finally towards a person you have animosity with.
The result is that your feelings of love and kindness flow towards all, irrespective of how you feel about them. Thus, Metta is all about feeling the love and spreading it. You can repeat mantras during the practice. Lastly, after a period of active Metta practice, you have to sit in quiet awareness for some time. People opine that the entire experience is transformative.
- Contemplative Meditation
Last but not least, another popular meditation practice in Buddhism pertains to contemplation. It is a practice where you are encouraged to reflect on yourself in a focused and contemplative way. The practice is a great way to learn more about oneself and engage in some much-needed soul-searching.
The Regularity of Buddhist Meditative Practice
Tibetan monks for hours upon hours each week. However, the number of hours you should devote to the practice is not restricted by any concrete tr. Even 20 minutes of meditation and mindfulness can have a profoundly positive impact on your well-being.
So, there we have it, a crisp overview of Buddhist meditative practices.
Meditation in Buddhism is a way to reach Nirvana by letting go of defilement and worldly pleasures or cravings.
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