Introduction to Meditation

Meditation Meditation is NOT trying to empty the mind of all thoughts! Meditation is a way of taking control of the mind so that it becomes peaceful and focused, and the meditator becomes more aware. Successful meditation means simply being - not judging, not thinking, just being aware, at peace and living each moment as it unfolds.

Meditation All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. Dhammapada Chapter 1:1-2

Meditation There are two mains kinds of meditation Samatha Vipassana

Meditation: Samatha Calming the mind. Focus on one thing ie breathing. Trains the mind to concentrate. Your teacher will now lead you through a guided samatha meditation.

Meditation: Vipissana Visualisation technique Sometimes visualising success ie as a Bodhisattva Focuses on a particular teaching ie impermanence, loving-kindness (flower) (thinking about someone you dislike) Increases understanding of the teaching. Your teacher will now lead you through a guided vipissana meditation.

Forms of Meditation Walking meditation Chanting Silent Mandala making Zen Buddhists: tea-making, flower arranging – think the Karate Kid – wax on wax off

Mandala

Meditation in different traditions Theravada - mainly silent mind mindfulness meditation. Mahayana Buddhism greater emphasis on mantras and chanting.

Meditation “The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE

“The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE Make sure you understand what the question is asking. If you aren’t sure – re-write it in your own words.

“The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE How many marks is the question worth? Each paragraph should be worth 2 marks. So for an 8 mark question you should be aiming for 4 paragraphs. Each paragraph MUST make a clear point.

“The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE Write a bullet point for each point you intend to make. If you run out of time the examiner can clearly see where you intended going and may be generous! Meditation benefits the wider community Makes you more compassionate Decreases stress/depression Increases happiness Increases ability to concentrate Makes you calmer Sets a good example

“The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE Meditation benefits the wider community Makes you more compassionate: Vipassana meditation helps Buddhists to work on key teachings like compassion. More compassionate people are more likely to help others in a variety of ways (give example). Decreases stress/depression: Meditation has been shown to decrease depression. This means that fewer people will need psychiatric care to help deal with their depression which will save the health services money. Increases happiness: Happy people tend to make other people happy. If you smile at someone they are compelled to smile back, and studies have shown that smiling actually increases a persons sense of well being. Increases ability to concentrate: People who concentrate better are more productive at work and at home. The increased productivity of the few will lead to increased wealth for many. Makes you calmer: When faced with anger a calm person can diffuse the situation leading to an overall reduction in anger for everyone. Sets a good example: People who behave in a mindful way, set a good example for others. If people follow this example then society as a whole will benefit.

“The main drawback of Buddhist meditation techniques is that nobody seems to benefit from them other than the person meditating.” Do you agree? 8AE When giving your own opinion it is always better (and is likely to get you more marks) if you clearly demonstrate that you have considered both sides of the argument. At first glance it might appear that the benefits of meditation are to be found solely with the individual who is doing the meditation. However, I believe that the benefits to the wider community are significant. Everyone can benefit from interaction with calm and happy people. As a school pupil, I can see clear benefits to having for example, a teacher who is able to deal with pupils in a calm manner. One who is able to set a good example of compassion towards others and who can concentrate and help others to do so.