Buddhism 101

Lesson 2: Schools of Buddhism and Further Developments

Buddhist Meditation

     The practice most commonly associated with Buddhists is the practice of meditation. Meditation in the Buddhist tradition is undertaken in order to both stabilize the mind and provide greater insight into the nature of reality. Stabilization is crucial to allow a quiet state to enter into the mind, granting freedom from the trivial and destructive ideas that plague the thoughts of the individual. Insight is crucial for Buddhists to free themselves from the shackles of ignorance, which we have learned keeps sentient beings trapped within the cycle of samsara. Meditation is not prayer – it is mental exercise. The model for the practice of meditation is the historical Buddha – he gained his insight into the tenets of Buddhism while engaged in meditation under the bodhi tree.

     Meditation is as concerned with the physical as it is with the mental. Posture plays an important role in meditation. Those in meditation will sit cross legged in either the full lotus or half lotus positions – the full lotus the standard position for veterans and half for beginners. The full lotus position involves both soles of the feet facing upwards, and is often too difficult for a novice. A cushion is often used to help from a sort of tripod of two knees and buttocks. The Buddhist assumes good posture but does not make the spine rigid and straight. The shoulders are relaxed, the crown of the head is raised high but the eyes are downcast and partially shut. The jaw is not clenched but the mouth remains closed, with the tongue resting against the back of the teeth.

     The position of the hands varies between traditions. Some rest them on their legs, some form a bowl – representing the bowl of the mendicant – in their lap. Sometimes hand gestures, known as mudras, are made. Each of these has their own meaning, such as teaching or reassurance. These mudras sometimes mimic actions of the Buddha, and are most often found in artistic representations of him. Some Buddhist groups, following meditation, will perform actions such as stretching, rubbing their hands together, and massaging their faces.

     Breath is another integral part of meditation. Often beginners will participate in meditation only by counting their breaths by gauging them where they sense them the most: for instance, in the nostrils or in the lungs. Though this is the means by which all begin meditation, this practice of counting breaths is often continued long into Buddhist meditation practice. As the Buddhist student advances, different schools will advise them to concentrate on their breath in different ways.

     Often visualization or concentration is added to the meditation routine. Visualization can be of different bodhisattvas, some of whom will be discussed in Lesson 3. Sometimes topics like karma or the Four Noble Truths are contemplated. At times, those practicing meditation in monasteries would meditate on death, often having actual corpses and skeletons to focus on. Though it may sound morbid, this would further remind the person meditating that everything is impermanent, and remind the student that death is inevitable for everyone.

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