Samatha – Meditation aimed at calming and energising the mind and cultivating metta and karuna. This existed in India before the time of the Buddha.
Samadhi - (Skt: “total self-collectedness”) is the aim of mediation - a state of profound and utterly absorptive contemplation in Indian philosophy and religion. It is a mental state achieved through meditation, where the practitioner becomes undisturbed by desire, anger, or any other ego-generated thought or emotion. In this state, one experiences joyful calm, rapture, and beatitude while maintaining full mental alertness and acuity
Metta - Love
Bhavana – cultivating or developing positive virtues and an enlightened mind.
Metta Bhavana a Buddhist meditative practice that involves cultivating loving-kindness toward all sentient beings.
Vipassana meditation is insight meditation which aims to come to a deeper level of understanding about the true nature of reality, for example, by contemplating the three marks of conditioned existence - impermanence, unsatisfactoriness (dukkha) and not-self. This is specifically Buddhist, unlike samatha meditation.
Jhanas/Dhyanas Stages of higher consciousness often developed in meditation. There are four stages. In older texts, these states arise when the mind has withdrawn from the five senses and consciousness becomes increasingly unified, blissful and subtle.
the four brahma viharas or 'divine abidings' are a series of four Buddhist virtues and the meditation practices made to cultivate them. - There are four types: meditation on loving kindness, on compassion, on joy and on equanimity.
Mindfulness - Mindfulness is the practice of purposely bringing one's attention in the present moment without evaluation, a skill one develops through meditation or other training. Mindfulness is a technique extracted from Buddhism where one tries to notice present thoughts, feeling and sensations without judgement. The aim is to create a state of “bare awareness”. Mindfulness derives from sati, a significant element of Buddhist traditions, and is based on Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan meditation techniques.
Anapanasati meditation is the mindfulness of breathing
Puja– Acts of devotion understood not as directed as a personal deity but typically as offerings that develop merit PUNNYA
Zazen – Meaning Just sitting – meditation to discover your buddha nature
Sesshin literally "touching the heart-mind") is a period of intensive meditation (zazen) in a Zen monastery. While the daily routine in the monastery requires the monks to meditate several hours a day, during a sesshin they devote themselves almost exclusively to zazen practice.
Zendo a Japanese meditation hall used in Zen Buddhism for practicing zazen, which is sitting meditation. These spiritual dōjōs provide a dedicated space for practitioners to engage in their meditation practice. In a full-sized Zen Buddhist temple, you’ll typically find at least one zendo, along with a hon-dō (main hall) used for ceremonial purposes and other buildings with different functions
Kasinas a set of ten visual objects used for meditation . Kasina meditation is a form of concentration meditation that aims to sharpen the practitioner’s concentration skills. In this ancient practice, meditators focus on specific visual objects without allowing any thoughts or emotions to arise. e.g. discs of brown 'earth' red - fire blue 'water' a hole, or sky, a candel - a radiant light source. kasinas were taught to develop concentration, and practitioners could choose the one that suited their style best. By practicing kasina meditation, individuals aimed to settle their minds and create a foundation for further meditation practices.
Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, (Ajahn Geoff / Geoffrey DeGraff.) (c 1949 - Present CE)
Joseth Goldstein (c1944-present)
With Each and Every Breath (2013) By Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu
“The Experience of Insight: A Simple and Direct Guide to Buddhist Meditation” (c1976) and Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening (2013) By Joseth Goldstein .
From a general perspective, meditation under the Bodhi Tree was what enabled the Buddha – who had for six years been trained in meditation - to gain Awakening/ Enlightenment. Through meditating, Buddhists therefore follow his example. Again, the third way of the Eightfold Path is the Way of Meditation, which also shows its importance. Meditation is something practised particularly within the monastic sangha where training is giving on posture, breathing and ways to focus.
Different terms can be used with regard to meditation, e.g. samadhi (concentration), anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), bhavana (mental cultivation and development). The goals of meditation vary, but overall might be described as ‘opening up the mind to the true nature of reality’, thus leading to awakening. This might be through gaining wisdom and insight.
In Mahayana traditions, meditation is very complex and can, for example, involve visualisation of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, identification with them and empowerment by them. Keown says
Meditation (samādhi) is one of the three divisions of the Eightfold Path, and thus occupies a central place in Buddhist practice. The more general term for meditation in Buddhism, however, is bhāvāna, which means ‘cultivation’ or literally ‘making become’. The literal meaning is quite appropriate, for meditation is the principle Buddhist strategy for making oneself what one wishes to be. The importance of meditation in Buddhism can be appreciated by recalling that it was while meditating that the Buddha gained enlightenment. The image of the Buddha seated cross-legged in meditation is one of the most popular themes of Buddhist art, and a constant reminder of the close association between meditation and enlightenment. Virtually all schools of Buddhism see meditation as the high road to enlightenment and it constitutes a major part of the ‘experiential’ dimension of Buddhism as a religion. Keown, D. (2013) Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, p.96
It is part of the 8-fold path
It is the way to achieve enlightenment
It helps to clear the mind, reduce stress, anxiety, anger, and hatred (therefore bringing you better karma)
It suggests that the answer to life’s problems have to come from your own mind, rather than relying on divine intervention.
"The more general term for meditation in Buddhism, however, is bhāvāna, which means ‘cultivation’ or literally ‘making become’. The literal meaning is quite appropriate, for meditation is the principle Buddhist strategy for making oneself what one wishes to be." Keown
Bhavana is one term used by Buddhists that we translate as ‘meditation’ is bhavana. It literally means bringing something into existence, producing or cultivating something, applying oneself to something, developing something. In a Buddhist context it means the bringing about of the states of mind conducive to liberation.
A02 Issues / Debates
A02
may not be simply religious but social therapeutic - used for anxiety and depression
is this meditation n or something else
Meditation
· Dhammapada:
o "It is better to conquer yourself than win a thousand battles."
· Keown:
o "All schools of Buddhism see meditation as the high road to enlightenment."
· Cush:
o "The purpose... is to purify the mind."
· Goldstein:
o "Unless a practice cools the fires of greed, aversion and ignorance it is worthless."
· Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
o "Reflect on what true happiness is."
o "To find what has solid and unchanging worth."
· Main 2 types:
o Samatha:
§ Concentration.
o Vipassana:
§ Insight.
Samatha
The foundation of meditation is samatha (calmness), which begins with chanting the refuges, and is followed by observation and concentration on something such as breath coming in and going out, kasinas (small coloured circles), a mental image of the Buddha, etc. Distractions are regarded as no more than thoughts arising and falling, and are to be observed and not allowed to disturb the concentration. Samatha does not necessarily require a teacher and can be carried out in a comfortable posture.
Samatha can be seen as essential preparation for advanced meditation, i.e. vipassana (insight) meditation. This does not focus on some ‘thing’, but the concentration involved leads to ‘clear seeing’ of pratityasamutpada and the three lakshanas. This needs a teacher and may include mindful walking where the path in the mind is followed by walking back and forth on a physical path.
Kasina:
o Small disc focussed on.
§ Vishudhimagga = source of supernatural abilities.
· Tranquility meditation.
· 1 pointed concentration on breath etc...
o Leads to 4 Jhanas = removal of 3 poisons.
· Introduced by Buddha's teachers.
· Cush:
o "The mind becomes clear and undisturbed."
· Sopa:
o "The attainment of meditative stabilization."
· Brahm:
o "Calm is the peaceful happiness born of meditation."
Anapanasati
Breadth obersatvation mediataion is very popular
Anapanasati Sutta in the Majjhima Nikaya 118
"Now how is mindfulness of in-&-out breathing developed & pursued so as to be of great fruit, of great benefit?
"There is the case where a monk, having gone to the wilderness, to the shade of a tree, or to an empty building, sits down folding his legs crosswise, holding his body erect, and setting mindfulness to the fore. Always mindful, he breathes in; mindful he breathes out.
"[1] Breathing in long, he discerns, 'I am breathing in long'; or breathing out long, he discerns, 'I am breathing out long.' [2] Or breathing in short, he discerns, 'I am breathing in short'; or breathing out short, he discerns, 'I am breathing out short.' [3] He trains himself, 'I will breathe in sensitive to the entire body.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe out sensitive to the entire body.' [4] He trains himself, 'I will breathe in calming bodily fabrication.' He trains himself, 'I will breathe out calming bodily fabrication.'
The five hindrances
Samatha refers to techniques which assist in the calming of the mind and developing concentration. One of the principal techniques for this purpose is mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati). Mindfulness of breathing leads the practitioner into concentration (samādhi), the domain of experience wherein the senses are subdued and the mind abides in uninterrupted concentration upon the object. Through the meditative development of calm abiding, one is able to suppress the obscuring five hindrances.
Sensory desire: seeking happiness through the senses.
Ill-will: all kinds of thought related to wanting to reject, feelings of hostility, resentment, hatred and bitterness.
Sloth-torpor: heaviness of body and dullness of mind which drag one down into disabling inertia and thick depression.
Restlessness-worry: the inability to calm the mind.
Doubt: lack of conviction or trust.
"And what, monks, is right effort?
[i] "There is the case where a monk generates desire, endeavors, activates persistence, upholds & exerts his intent for the sake of the non-arising of evil, unskillful qualities that have not yet arisen.
[ii] "He generates desire, endeavors, activates persistence, upholds & exerts his intent for the sake of the abandonment of evil, unskillful qualities that have arisen.
[iii] "He generates desire, endeavors, activates persistence, upholds & exerts his intent for the sake of the arising of skillful qualities that have not yet arisen.
[iv] "He generates desire, endeavors, activates persistence, upholds & exerts his intent for the maintenance, non-confusion, increase, plenitude, development, & culmination of skillful qualities that have arisen: This, monks, is called right effort."
Samyutta Nikya 45.8
Zazen
In Zen Buddhism, ‘zazen’, which means ‘sitting in absorption’. This form of ‘just sitting’ meditation might take place during a sesshin (retreat) in a zendo (meditation hall) under the scrutiny of a senior monk, who will ceremonially strike meditators on the back should they appear to lose their posture or be distracted. The meditator might focus on sunyata (emptiness) and await ‘satori’, which refers to ‘a sudden awakening and understanding of true reality’.
· Zen:
o Meditation > Scriptures.
§ Still value Maha sutras.
§ Martial arts.
§ Purpose = reach no mind.
o Douqulin:
§ "Seeing into one's own nature and realising Buddhahood."
o Rinzai:
§ Emphasizes sudden enlightenment or 'satori'.
§ Shattering ice analogy.
§ Cush:
· "A revolution in consciousness."
§ Emphasises Upaya methods:
· Samu = Physical work.
· Koans = riddles.
o Soto:
§ Zazen meditation:
· More gradual, try to act purely
§ Shinkintaza:
· "Nothing but sitting."
Metta bhavana
Metta bhavana (loving kindness) meditation is popular amongst all Buddhists. Samatha is the foundation for the person to become mindful and then the focus is on extending feelings of metta so that the meditator’s state of mind is wholesome and lacking in any form of hatred. One approach includes four stages: (1) Metta towards oneself; (2) Metta towards a loved person; (3) Metta towards a person one is neutral about; (4) Metta towards someone one is hostile towards. The meditation ends by the meditator extending metta towards all sentient beings that they may be well and be happy.
Metta Sutta:
o "Let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all."
The general focus is on whether meditation really involves any form of spiritual progress to awakening or is just a form of mental self-development.
A general debate is with regard to whether meditation is selfish/self-focused and escapist from the real world through encouraging introversion.
Should meditation really be the sole concern of the monastic sangha as sufficient time, quiet and space is required which would not be available for lay Buddhists?
Are all forms of meditation inferior to zazen since this alone does not require any focus on the part of the meditator?
meditation as part of the eight-fold path
· 8FP links to meditation:
o Tool to maintain Sila and overcome spiritual obstacles.
o Become more loving.
o Right action etc....
o How the Arhat path is begun.
Right effort etc... (fold path)
· 7 factors of awakening:
o 1. Mindfulness
2. Analysis of qualities
3. Persistence
4. Rapture
5. Serenity
6. Concentration
7. Equanimity
· Goldstein:
o Right effort:
§ Through meditation, we should strive to gain a "fundamental understanding of how our minds work."
o Right mindfulness:
§ "Awareness often described as 'bare attention."
o Right Concentration:
§ "Concentration brings increasing clarity of... impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and selflessness."
· Bodhi on meditation/mindfulness:
o "The whole process is a way of coming back into the present... without slipping away."
The practice and purpose of dhyana, samatha and vipassana
dhyana
Dhyana:
o Meditation.
· Jhana:
o No mind.
o Series of cultivated states that lead to perfect awareness and equanimity, similar to Samatha meditation.
o Done by the Buddha under the Bodh Gaya.
o 4 Material Jhanas:
§ 1. Abandoning the 5 hindrances
2. Gaining 1-pointed concentration
3. Rapture
4. Equanimity
o 4 formless Jhanas:
§ 1. Dimension of infinite space
2. Dimension of infinite consciousness
3. Dimension of Nothingness
4. Dimension of neither perception nor non-perception
o Majjhima Nikaya:
§ "Rapture & pleasure born from seclusion, accompanied by directed thought & evaluation."
o Vetter:
§ "A path of preparation which leads to the practice of samadhi."
samatha
vipassana
The Visuddhimagga was Written by Buddhghosa in around 500 CE. Has been used as a manual by meditation teachers for 1500 years. His ideas have been used for what is known as Vipassana Meditation. This focuses on the mind.
Stages of Vipassana
Preparation for meditation - Cultivating virtues, following rules, taking part in monastic ceremonies and practicing restraint are all important before a Buddhist can meditate.
Palibodha - Palibodha means the cutting out of impediments. Successful meditation needs a suitable environment, free from disturbing elements. Buddhaghosa identifies 10 impediments which must be cut out before beginning meditation. E.g. Abode (avasa), Family (Kula), Gain (labha), Group (gana), Activities (kamma), Travel (addhana), Relations (jati), Illness (abadha), Study (gantha), Supernatural Faculties (iddhi)
Kalyana Mitta- The Kalyana mitta is the search for a good friend or teacher. Buddhaghosa described the kalyana mitta as “dearly loved, revered, a counsellor, a patient listener, a speaker of profound words, one who does not waste a student’s efforts.” In the process of meditation there occur all kinds of psychological and physical experiences which means you need the advice and support of someone who has been through the experience themselves. Buddhist tradition says that the Buddha gave each newcomer a meditation topic suited to them. The kalyana mitta attempts to do the same. In Buddhagosa’s work, he divides people up into 6 different personality type. Each has their own meditation topic
Buddhaghosa’s Six fold Schema
· Insight meditation.
· Aim for experiential insight into ultimate truths on 8FP or 4NT.
o After Samatha.
§ Requires teacher and personal connection to the Dharma.
· Theravada Vipassana originated from the Thai forest tradition and new burmese techniques in late 1800's.
· Links to Samatha:
o Rinpoche:
§ "Not as two alternative methods, but as two qualities of mind that a person may 'gain' or 'be endowed with,' and that should be developed together."
· Gunaratana:
o "Perceive the most fundamental reality."
· Goldstein:
o "Every time we become aware of a thought... we experience that opening of the mind."
o "Cultivate the emotions that seem helpful and simply let the others be."
meditation in terms of Enlightenment and the relative importance of some aspects of meditation
The practices of chanting, giving and study to understand Buddhism as it is lived by laypeople as well as monastics.
Importance of Mediation in Buddhism:
o Theravada:
§ Article of faith, insight into nature, part of 8FP.
o Mahayana:
§ Bodhisattva path, some schools place extreme importance upon. (zen).
o Lay:
§ Karmic merit, showing Dana and giving to monks.
· Bodhi on giving to monks:
o "Universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues... foundation and seed of spiritual development."
· 4 types of giving:
o Material support, confidence, emotional support, Dharma teachings.
· Types of worship:
o Puja:
§ Giving.
o Theravada:
§ Honoring shrines and temples
o Pilgrimage.
‘It is clear that in developed Buddhist theory the two aspects of Buddhist meditation, calm (samatha) and insight (vipassana), are seen as together forming the basis for the realisation of the Buddhist goal: when calm and insight meditation are brought together… the unconditioned (nirvana) may be experienced.’ (Gethin)
‘Just as a mother would protect her only child at the risk of her own life, even so, let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all beings.’ (Metta Sutta)
‘The entrance into Zen is the grasping of one’s essential nature. It is absolutely impossible, however, to come to a clear understanding of our essential nature by any intellectual or philosophical method. It is accomplished only by the experience of self-realisation through zazen.’ (Yamada)
Section A
Explore the purpose of meditation in Buddhism. 8 (2022 AS Q)
Explore key beliefs about nibbana. 8 (2022 AS Q)
Explore the different types of Buddhist meditation 8
Explore the importance of meditation for Buddhists. 8
Explore the benefits of meditation for non-Buddhists 8
Explore the importance of meditation for the Buddha’s journey to enlightenment 8
Assess the view that vipassana is the most effective form of meditation. 12 (2016 SAMS)
Assess the importance of meditation as part of the Noble Eightfold Path. (2023 AS Q)
Assess the benefits of meditation for all Buddhists. 12
Assess the significance of meditation for non-Buddhists. 12
Assess the view that meditation was the most significant of the Buddha’s teachings. 12
Assess the claim that meditation is the most significant category of the Noble Eight-fold Path.. 12
Section B
3b Analyse tthe significance of meditation within Buddhism. 20
3b Analyse the role that religious experience plays in Buddhism. 20
Section C
4. Evaluate the view Meditation is beneficial for all people not just Buddhists. 30
4. the strengths and weaknesses of the different types of meditation. 30
3.3: Meditation
What is it?
· Dhammapada:
o "It is better to conquer yourself than win a thousand battles."
· Keown:
o "All schools of Buddhism see meditation as the high road to enlightenment."
· Cush:
o "The purpose... is to purify the mind."
· Goldstein:
o "Unless a practice cools the fires of greed, aversion and ignorance it is worthless."
· Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
o "Reflect on what true happiness is."
o "To find what has solid and unchanging worth."
· Main 2 types:
o Samatha:
§ Concentration.
o Vipassana:
§ Insight.
Samatha:
· Tranquility meditation.
· 1 pointed concentration on breath etc...
o Leads to 4 Jhanas = removal of 3 poisons.
· Introduced by Buddha's teachers.
· Cush:
o "The mind becomes clear and undisturbed."
· Sopa:
o "The attainment of meditative stabilization."
· Brahm:
o "Calm is the peaceful happiness born of meditation."
Vipassana:
· Insight meditation.
· Aim for experiential insight into ultimate truths on 8FP or 4NT.
o After Samatha.
§ Requires teacher and personal connection to the Dharma.
· Theravada Vipassana originated from the Thai forest tradition and new burmese techniques in late 1800's.
· Links to Samatha:
o Rinpoche:
§ "Not as two alternative methods, but as two qualities of mind that a person may 'gain' or 'be endowed with,' and that should be developed together."
· Gunaratana:
o "Perceive the most fundamental reality."
· Goldstein:
o "Every time we become aware of a thought... we experience that opening of the mind."
o "Cultivate the emotions that seem helpful and simply let the others be."
General things:
· Dhyana:
o Meditation.
· Jhana:
o No mind.
o Series of cultivated states that lead to perfect awareness and equanimity, similar to Samatha meditation.
o Done by the Buddha under the Bodh Gaya.
o 4 Material Jhanas:
§ 1. Abandoning the 5 hindrances
2. Gaining 1-pointed concentration
3. Rapture
4. Equanimity
o 4 formless Jhanas:
§ 1. Dimension of infinite space
2. Dimension of infinite consciousness
3. Dimension of Nothingness
4. Dimension of neither perception nor non-perception
o Majjhima Nikaya:
§ "Rapture & pleasure born from seclusion, accompanied by directed thought & evaluation."
o Vetter:
§ "A path of preparation which leads to the practice of samadhi."
· 8FP links to meditation:
o Tool to maintain Sila and overcome spiritual obstacles.
o Become more loving.
o Right action etc....
o How the Arhat path is begun.
10 actions:
· Wholesome:
o 1. Do not kill or destroy any living thing
2. Do not steal
3. Avoid sexual and sensual situations
4. Tell the truth
5. Do not slander or judge
6. Use words wisely and kindly
7. Avoid gossip
8. Love you and your life
9. Do not wish for other's harm or illness
10. Open your mind to all possiblities
· Unwholesome:
o 1. Destroying life
2. Taking what is not freely given
3. Wrong sensual conduct
4. False Speech
5. Slanderous Speech
6. Harsh speech
7. Idle Chatter
8. Covetousness
9. Ill will
10. Wrong View
Right effort etc... (fold path)
· 7 factors of awakening:
o 1. Mindfulness
2. Analysis of qualities
3. Persistence
4. Rapture
5. Serenity
6. Concentration
7. Equanimity
· Goldstein:
o Right effort:
§ Through meditation, we should strive to gain a "fundamental understanding of how our minds work."
o Right mindfulness:
§ "Awareness often described as 'bare attention."
o Right Concentration:
§ "Concentration brings increasing clarity of... impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, and selflessness."
· Bodhi on meditation/mindfulness:
o "The whole process is a way of coming back into the present... without slipping away."
More general things:
· Metta Sutta:
o "Let him cultivate a boundless heart towards all."
· Kasina:
o Small disc focussed on.
§ Vishudhimagga = source of supernatural abilities.
· 4 Brahma Viharas:
o Metta/Love
o Karuna/Compassion
o Mudita/joy
o Upekka/equanimity
§ Series of meditative practices based on the importance and realisation of these 4 important values.
§ Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
· "Divine abodes."
· Bhavana:
o Development = Spiritual cultivation.
o Effort to understand and embody teachings of Buddhism.
o Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
§ "Development of skillful qualities in the mind."
· Satipatthana:
o Cultivation of mindfulness.
o Based on 4 foundations:
§ Rupa.
§ Citta.
§ Vedana.
§ Dhamma.
o Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
§ "Foundation of mindfulness."
o Satipatthana Sutta:
§ "Contemplating the body both internally and externally."
· Mindfulness:
o Goldstein:
§ "Strengthen the quality of ardor by reflecting on the transiency of all phenomena."
o Williams:
§ "Constantly watching sensory experience in order to prevent the arising of cravings."
· Importance of Buddhism:
o Theravada:
§ Article of faith, insight into nature, part of 8FP.
o Mahayana:
§ Bodhisattva path, some schools place extreme importance upon. (zen).
o Lay:
§ Karmic merit, showing Dana and giving to monks.
· Bodhi on giving to monks:
o "Universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues... foundation and seed of spiritual development."
· 4 types of giving:
o Material support, confidence, emotional support, Dharma teachings.
· Types of worship:
o Puja:
§ Giving.
o Theravada:
§ Honoring shrines and temples
o Pilgrimage.
· Sources of teachings on meditation:
o Lay:
§ Dhammapada, Jakarta Tales, 8FP, 5P, 4NT.
o Theravada:
§ Tipitaka, 10P, scholars such as Buddhaghosa.
o Mahayana:
§ PP, lotus, heart, diamond sutras, 6 perfections, 10 steps, sunyata, Buddhas/Bodhisattvas.
o Vajryana:
§ Gurus/Lama's.
Schools opinions:
· Mahayana vs Theravada:
o Vajrayana- Tantric rituals.
o Chinese martial arts.
o Bodhicitta vs escaping samsara.
o Elaborate devotionalism vs charity and recitation.
o Worship vs honouring teachings.
o Maha has:
§ Buddhanature – realisation, not discovery.
§ Upaya.
§ Master focus.
o Sunyata affects Mahayana:
§ Dispels the false notion of self and seperateness from the world.
· Helps realise Sunyata/ Emptiness.
· Rinpoche:
o "Meditation, then, is bringing the mind home."
· Zen:
o Meditation > Scriptures.
§ Still value Maha sutras.
§ Martial arts.
§ Purpose = reach no mind.
o Douqulin:
§ "Seeing into one's own nature and realising Buddhahood."
o Rinzai:
§ Emphasizes sudden enlightenment or 'satori'.
§ Shattering ice analogy.
§ Cush:
· "A revolution in consciousness."
§ Emphasises Upaya methods:
· Samu = Physical work.
· Koans = riddles.
o Soto:
§ Zazen meditation:
· More gradual, try to act purely
§ Shinkintaza:
· "Nothing but sitting."
· Pure land:
o Based on teachings of Amida Buddha.
o Combines meditation and devotion.
§ Recital of devotion in 'Nembutsu.'
o Goal = Embody Dharmakaya.
§ Rebirth in heavenly realms.
o Honen school:
§ Allows devotion to people other than Amida.
· Shinran doesn't.
o Denno:
§ "Enables us to see things as they are."
· Vajrayana:
o Devotion to Lama's.
§ Open the mind = Allow Dzogchen:
· 'Transmission of the nature of mind.'
o Meditation through mantras and yoga.
§ Become one with idols:
· Chenresig meditation aims for union with Avalokitesvara.
o Rinpoche:
§ "No words can describe it."
Meditation- T Bhikkhu and J Goldstein
· Goldstein on purpose of meditation = ‘unless a practice cools the fires of greed, aversion and ignorance it is worthless’
· Goldstein on Vipassana = ‘every time we become aware of a thought… we experience that opening of the mind’ and ‘cultivate the emotions that seem helpful and simply let the others be’
· T Bhikkhu on purpose of meditation = ‘reflect on what true happiness is’ and ‘to find what has solid and unchanging worth’
· Goldstein on right effort = ‘arouse wholesome states’ and to gain a ‘fundamental understanding of how our minds work’
· Goldstein on right mindfulness = ‘the whole process is a way of coming back into the present’
· T Bhikkhu on the Brahma Viharas = ‘divine abodes’
· T Bhikkhu on Bhavana (general spiritual cultivation) = ‘the development of skilful qualities on the mind’
· T Bhikkhu on Satipatthana (cultivation of mindfulness) = ‘foundation of mindfulness’