| The study of Buddhism leads us from darkness and | | | | The types of meditation taught in Buddhism are widely |
| suffering into happiness and light. Meditation is an | | | | varied, and there are different types of meditations |
| important aspect of Buddhism. Using meditation during | | | | that can be done for different problems or obstacles in |
| the study of Buddhism allows us to control our | | | | life. There are also many different Buddhist schools of |
| thoughts and focus the mind in order to progress on | | | | thought. Each of these schools of thought has a |
| this path. All that we are is the result of what we have | | | | different way of approaching meditation. But the |
| thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of | | | | ultimate goal, that of achieving enlightenment is the |
| our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure | | | | same throughout the different types of Buddhism. |
| thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that | | | | There are different levels of meditation in Buddhism. |
| never leaves him. This is a quote from Buddha. | | | | The first level is tranquility. Tranquility allows the mind to |
| The final destination in the study of Buddhism is | | | | become still, and it helps the practitioner concentrate. |
| Nirvana. The path to Nirvana is one step at a time. | | | | Mindfulness of breathing, called pranayama in yogic |
| With each step, the Buddhist practitioner comes one | | | | practices, is the first step of meditation. By focusing on |
| step closer to enlightenment. Buddhists believe that it | | | | the breath, the practitioner can reach a calm and |
| takes many lifetimes to achieve this goal, and in the | | | | tranquil state. Even psychologists teach their patients |
| meantime, we are reincarnated. But, although reaching | | | | this type of basic meditation. |
| this final destination is the goal, the path is also | | | | The second level of meditation is insight. The goal here |
| important. In life, the practitioner should improve their | | | | is different than in the first type of meditation. During |
| ability to meditate and study. In the meantime, the | | | | the insight level of meditation, the practitioner is trying to |
| practitioner can achieve higher awareness, find inner | | | | look for insights into themselves. Insight meditation helps |
| peace, and learn to live in the present. | | | | us learn more about ourselves, and it allows us to |
| Buddhism is currently becoming a popular religion in the | | | | make changes to ourselves, and how we cope with |
| west. This is partly due to a greater awareness of | | | | life. |
| religions outside of western religions, and also because | | | | Meditation teaches us to harness the mind and direct |
| of studies that show the health benefits of meditation. | | | | our thoughts to lead to happiness and contentment. It is |
| These discoveries have brought meditation into the | | | | not necessary to practice Buddhism to enjoy the |
| mainstream, and there are those who meditate outside | | | | benefits of meditation. But understand the Buddhist |
| of Buddhism and Hinduism, with no religious convictions | | | | philosophy can enhance meditation and it will also |
| in mind. But with the benefits of meditation, people | | | | increase the benefits received through regular |
| begin to form an interest in the religions behind | | | | meditation. |
| meditation, both Buddhism and Hinduism. | | | | |