Meditation is very popular with many religions around the world and has been practised for hundreds of years. Buddhism is probably the most well known religion that practises meditation and Nibbbana is the eventual goal for a Buddhist. This is attained by years of practising Buddhist mediatation. Nibbana is a state of mind and not a physical thing that can be held, seen or bought. Nibbana is attained by reaching the end of craving and suffering and this is the final goal for someone who practises Buddhist meditation.
Although being a kind person, being good to others and doing good deeds is important to make you a nice person it will not help you to attain Nibbana. Nibbana is only attained through Buddhist meditation and following the Buddhist writings and scriptures. To reach full enlightenment you not only need to read the scriptures but more importantly, you need to implement and understand the actual practice. There are two different types of Buddhist meditation that are used in the Buddhist religion. These are Vipassana and Samatha .
Samatha translates to mean calmness or tranquillity. This is a state that the pupil is trying to reach whilst meditating. This is done by calming the mind and concentrating on one specific thing. There are many things that can help with Samatha meditation like a flickering candle or water. The person meditating can concentrate on the water or candle flame and block out all other outside interferences. Whilst concentrating your mind you should also use anapanasati. This is the technique of concentrating on your breathing. If you do not have any water or candles then you can just use your breathing to help focus your mind. Samatha is more than just concentration; however, the student needs to get rid of the five vices of ill will, anxiety, sloth, sensual desire and doubt. When this has been attained through this form of Buddhist meditation, great happiness is gained but, Nibbana still hasn’t been achieved. This is where vipassana is required.
Vipassana is very different from Samatha but is still an important part of Buddhist meditation and reaching the goal of enlightenment. This method is all about looking at life with a very basic outlook. You need to see things as they are and you need to acknowledge each thing that you do. If you are sweeping the floor, you need to acknowledge to yourself that you are sweeping the floor. This is the beginning stage of vipassana which is bare awareness. By becoming completely aware of everything you do at all times and by concentrating your mind by using Samatha you can attain total enlightenment which is the final goal of anyone who is interested in Buddhist meditation.
Most practioners of Buddhist meditation spend their whole lives trying to attain enlightenment, so if you have just started, don’t be disheartened if you do not attain the end goal within a short period of time. Buddhist meditation needs to become part of your life and how you live your life. Although it is a long road to reach the end, enlightenment can be the ultimate spiritual fulfilment.
Nigel is a successful webmaster and publisher of a Safe Alternative Medicine website. This site features articles and information about Buddhist Meditation and Buddhist Meditation Techniques.
