The Importance of Meditation in Buddhism

Meditation is a core practise in Buddhism, valued for its potential to bring about transformative states of consciousness.
It is a way to understand the true nature of reality and attain nirvana, the ultimate goal of Buddhist practise, which signifies liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Buddhist teachings stress that meditation can help reduce suffering and cultivate compassion, loving-kindness, and other ethical qualities.

Different Types of Buddhist Meditation

Samatha (calming) meditation helps to achieve a single-pointed concentration of mind, enhancing calmness and inner peace.
Mindfulness of breath, focusing on inhalation and exhalation, is a common practise in samatha meditation.
Sometimes, visual objects like a candle flame, or concepts such as love and patience, can be used in samatha meditation for focus.

Vipassana (insight) meditation involves direct observation of phenomena as they occur, aiming to see “things as they really are.”
This form of meditation helps individuals understand the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of existence.
Vipassana can be practised alone but is often done after achieving a calm state through samatha.

Metta Bhavana is a form of meditation designed to cultivate love and kindness towards all beings.
This practise is based on the belief that by fostering a sense of benevolence, practitioners can let go of negative emotions and ultimately achieve happiness.

Zen meditation, or Zazen, is a central aspect of Zen Buddhism, with a focus on self-discipline, self-restraint, and direct, experiential realisation.

Meditation can be a part of daily Buddhist practise, where both monastic and lay Buddhists meditate in the morning and evening.
In Theravada countries, it is common to visit a temple for group meditation.
Many Western Buddhist centres provide meditation classes and retreats for the general public.

Mindfulness is an essential aspect of Buddhist meditation where one maintains a moment-by-moment awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.
The practise of mindfulness is believed to lead to wisdom and a deeper understanding of the Four Noble Truths, which leads to liberation.