Different Buddhist Meditation Techniques

There are a number of different Buddhist meditation techniques that followers and many meditation enthusiasts practice. Despite their differences, the techniques are all generally based on developing two things — mindfulness and concentration, both of which are particularly beneficial to writers. Developing attentiveness to the movements of the body and to the ever changing states of mind, it is believed, allows you to identify with the real concept of self. Objectivity in this case can be a valuable aid to clear thinking. With objectivity comes concentration, the ability to focus the mind and keep in focused on a single point or object.

Many Buddhist schools employ different techniques in meditation. Some may focus on practices such as breathing meditation, while others focus on movements. The diversity of variation is great. Most Buddhist techniques are school specific. Only a few masters aim to combine and categorize the techniques from several Buddhist traditions.

One meditation technique is practiced by Western Order meditation master Kamalashila. This teacher identifies five basic methods as the traditional set for meditation. Each method can be used as an antidote to one of the five primary obstructions to Enlightenment — distraction, hatred, craving, conceit and ignorance.

The first of the five basic methods is mindfulness of breathing. This involves the practice of tranquility meditations. This method helps to counteract distraction and aims to develop better concentration.

The second of the five basic methods is the Metta Bhavana. This method includes the four brahma viharas and is used to counteract sentimental attachment or hatred. This method aims to develop loving kindness.

The third of the five basic methods in Buddhist meditation is the contemplation of impermanence. This method can help counteract craving and develop inner peace and a feeling of freedom.

The fourth method is called the six element practice and is based on the six elements — earth, water, space, air, fire and consciousness. The six element practice method of meditation counteracts craving and develops instead clarity regarding self.

The fifth basic method of meditation is the contemplation of conditionality, which aims to counteract ignorance and instead develop wisdom and compassion.

There are also other Buddhist meditation techniques not identified by the five basic methods. This includes different methods of visualization, meditation by sitting, and the walking meditation.

Another of the many techniques used in Buddhist meditation include the five types of Zen as grouped by Kuei-feng. In this case, the Zen practices were grouped according to five categories. Although mostly common for Zen practitioners, the techniques are also applicable to Buddhist meditation methods. One of the types is the “bonpu” or “ordinary” meditation that is done to achieve physical and mental well-being in absence of any spiritual goal. There is also the “gedo” or “outside way” which is meditation that is used for non-Buddhist purposes. The third is the “shojo” or “small vehicle” which is meditation used in pursuit of self-liberation or nirvana.

The fourth of the Zen Buddhist meditation techniques as grouped by Kuei-feng is the “daijo” or “great vehicle” which is the meditation in pursuit of achieving self-realization to experience the unity of all things. Then there is also the “saijojo” or “supreme vehicle” which is the meditation aimed to realize the Buddha nature as imminent in all beings.

So why did I cover all this? To illustrate that there are a myriad ways to achieve your goal in meditation. What I discussed here only scratched the surface. Writers need to be able to focus, concentrate and get in touch with their creativity on command. Meditation can help you do that.