Buddhism Introduction to Meditation Meditation Meditation is NOT

Buddhism 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 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? 8 AE

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