Meditation Buddhism. Buddhism.

Samatha Meditation. In order to have control over the mind, it is helpful to have a subject on which to focus attention. One type, of meditation that is suitable for everyone is that where the subject of concentration is our own breath. As you concentrate on breathing you come to realise the extent to which we depend on it for life.

Walking Meditation. You don’t have to be sitting down to calm the mind: you can do it while walking. Find a place to walk without being disturbed – either to and fro along a straight line, or round in a circle. Walk naturally; become aware of the movement of your body; feel the ground beneath your feet and the air through which you pass. Let your mind settle into the whole experience of walking.

Vipassana Meditation. Vipassana meditation is an important step on the path to enlightenment. Vipassana means insight. It refers to a system of mental development that consists of looking inwards, looking at you mind as if you were an outside observer. In this way the meditator can break through the conventional workings of the mind to see things as they really are.

Vipassana Meditation Vipassana meditation cannot be learnt from a book: it must be taught by a master. Only one who is skilled in meditation can pass on the techniques to pupils.

Samadhi. We are used to considering thoughts in relation to ourselves: the word “think” must have a subject, a thinker. So we consider the thoughts that go through our minds to be our thoughts: “I thought of that.” But if we are aware of the Three Marks of Conditioned Existence, then we see that there is no “I” to do the thinking. The thinker and the thought are one and the same. It is like saying, “The light flashed” – the flashing is the light. When you realise this you are in Samadhi. Samhadhi is a state of very deep peace. It is deeper than the peace obtained from Samatha meditation because it continues at all time. On the other hand, Samatha is often practised in preparation for Vipassana. Samadhi is considered to be one step away from Nirvana.

Meditation Posture. Vipassana is usually practised in a sitting position, with legs crossed and the feet resting, soles upwards, on the thighs. The back should be perfectly straight, at 90 degrees to the legs. This is known as the Lotus Position.

Think about it. Why do you think Samatha might be good preparation for Vipassana? Explain Vipassana in your own words. Explain Samadhi in your own words. Try sitting in the lotus position. From what you know of Buddhism, why do you think it is called the “lotus?”

Mudras. Gestures are important. You can “feel” what a gesture means, rather than just understand it.

Mudras. Tantric Buddhism uses gestures in two ways. They are used in Tantric ritual and are found on images of Buddha's and Bodhisattvas.

Mudras. Here are the most important mudras. Each of them is associated with a particular Buddha image, and with a particular quality of wisdom that the Buddha represents.

Earth Touching.

Buddhists believe that Buddha, just before he became enlightened, called the Earth to bear witness to what was happening. It is a gesture that accepts everything just as it is – “it touches the earth”, starts from the reality of things here and now. It may be used at the beginning of meditation to “root” the meditator, to start from a person’s present situation in the world.

Dana – Mudra.

Dana means giving – the quality of generosity. It is being open handed - offering things to other people. That is what the outward-turned hand expresses. It represents the Wisdom of Equality – treating everybody in the same way, being as generous to others as you would be to yourself.

Dhyana – Mudra.

This Mudra expresses meditation. It is perfectly balanced and relaxed. The palms of the hands are upturned, being receptive and open to all the eternal qualities. Meditation is a central part of Buddhist life – because without meditation, Buddhist feel that they would not be able to develop, or allow the Buddhist teachings to become their natural way to think, feel and act.

The Fearless Mudra.

A hand raised can be a greeting or a blessing. You can use it to stop traffic. It can show determination and fearlessness. This mudra expresses the idea of a determined wisdom that overcomes all obstacles.

Think about it! How do we use hand gestures to express: Come here Well done I’m angry with you I’m your friend?