How and Why Do Buddhists Meditate?

I would like to discuss how and why Buddhists meditate. This topic is quite extensive, so please note that this post is not intended to provide an exhaustive description. Instead, I will share some of my learnings over the years of studying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism for the past 23 years. My perspective is mainly influenced by this tradition.

To begin, it's important to understand that Buddhism is not a singular entity. In fact, the term "Buddhism" is a relatively modern word. A more accurate description might be “Buddhism(s)” in the plural form. This is because there are various cultural forms of Buddhism that exist throughout Asia and South Asia. While these different forms of Buddhism may have distinct characteristics, they also share common principles. They all trace their origins back to the historical Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni Buddha or Siddhartha Gautama.

However, it's essential to recognize that a lot has changed over the past 2,600 years since the time of the historical Buddha. Buddhism has evolved, adapted, and undergone significant “research and development.” In my opinion, this ongoing process of evolution is a positive thing. It allows Buddhism to remain relevant and impactful for modern individuals. It can update itself to the times we live in, making it just as powerful as it was during the time of the Buddha. This adaptability ensures its applicability to our present circumstances.

So, before we discuss the "how" of Buddhist meditation, I'd like to first talk about the "why." Understanding the reasons behind meditation is often crucial because the methods employed in different forms of Buddhism are often based on those underlying intentions.

In general, across various forms of Buddhism, the reasons why people meditate and why meditation is an integral part of the practice are rooted in the early or foundational teachings of the Buddha. These teachings describe two opposing ways to live or two opposing views.

These two opposing views can be summarized as follows: The first view is based on self-projections, influenced by afflictive emotions, and revolves around the belief that we are separate from the world we inhabit. It suggests that our experience is unique and disconnected from the world around us.

This opposing view is in contrast to the perspective that the Buddha presented, which emphasizes interdependence, and the recognition that self is not a findable and distinct entity, separate from the world we perceive around us. This view emphasizes the understanding of reality as it is.

As you can see, these two opposing views form the basis for why meditation is practiced in Buddhism. The purpose of meditation is to investigate, explore, and ultimately shift our way of being from one of permanence and independence, to one of openness and freedom through interdependence.

As you might have guessed, the view that creates suffering or dissatisfaction and keeps us bound to a dissatisfying life is the one that assumes separation and individuality. This opposing view contradicts the teachings of the Buddha, which describe the interdependent nature of reality. According to Buddhism, reality is not a singular entity but rather a web of interdependent relationships. It relies on various interconnected parts and coexisting factors.

Moreover, Buddhism suggests that there isn't just one definitive reality, nor are there two separate realities. This concept delves into the profound depths of Buddhist philosophy. Nevertheless, the essence is that because things are relational and interdependent, including the self, we cannot find a singular, independent, or permanent reality.

This understanding forms the basis of our approach to meditation as Buddhists. It's the view we study, contemplate, and become curious about. Initially, it may be taken as a belief or a hypothesis to be examined during our meditation practice and subsequent learning and study. However, it is important to note that Buddhism does not aim to establish a set of beliefs. Instead, it encourages us to investigate, explore, and directly experience this view for ourselves.

The Two Primary Types of Meditation In Buddhism

There are two primary types of meditation within Buddhism. They generally fall into the categories of “Shamatha" or "calm-abiding meditation" and “Vipashana" or "insight meditation." I have discussed these in more detail in a previous post titled "What is Meditation?"

Shamatha and Vipashana represent different styles or categories of practice, each offering unique methods for cultivating and connecting with our aware quality of mind. These two styles work with awareness in slightly different ways, aiming to bring forth clear seeing into the nature of self and phenomena.

However, before delving into the specifics, it's important to note that when we hear the terms Shamatha and Vipashana, we sometimes mistakenly think of them as singular practices. It's crucial to understand that there are many types of Shamatha and Vipashana practices found across different forms of Buddhism.

In the context of Shamatha, various methods and techniques are employed to develop a focused and calm state of mind. The objective is to cultivate stability, tranquility, and one-pointedness of mind. This type of meditation allows us to settle the mind and anchor our awareness in the present moment, fostering a sense of inner stability and stillness.

On the other hand, Vipashana, or insight meditation, aims to develop clear seeing and direct perception into the nature of reality. It involves observing the mind and phenomena with keen attention, cultivating wisdom and insight into the impermanent, interdependent, and non-self nature of existence. Vipashana practice encourages a deep understanding of the true nature of our experiences and can eventually liberate us from suffering.

Both Shamatha and Vipashana are essential components of Buddhist meditation practice. They complement each other and support the development of mindfulness, awareness, and non-dual wisdom. By engaging in these practices, we can deepen our understanding of (and remove) suffering and its causes.

It's important to note that Shamatha practices are not exclusive to Buddhism. They can be found in various Hindu lineages, Vedic lineages, Taoist lineages, and even within mystical Christian and other spiritual traditions. So, Shamatha is not unique to Buddhism. There are diverse forms of Shamatha practiced across different spiritual paths.

Shamatha

Many of you reading this may already have a meditation practice or be familiar with forms of modern secular mindfulness or other types of meditation. Typically, when people mention meditation, they are referring to some form of Shamatha practice.

Shamatha, or calm-abiding meditation, is essentially about connecting with and stabilizing our aware quality of mind. It aims to cultivate a clear and undistracted awareness of the here and now. It involves bringing the mind into the present moment, free from distractions of past and future thoughts or excessive rumination on the present. The emphasis is on training the mind in nowness, and strengthening this natural quality of undistracted awareness.

For most people, this quality of undistracted awareness requires cultivation and training. However, it is important to recognize that awareness is an inherent quality of our minds. We are born with it, and it does not depend on any particular religion or external source to exist. Though a spiritual path, such as Buddhism, can provide the teachings and methods to help us deepen our connection to it.

There are various methods of Shamatha, with some focusing more on the concentration aspect, while others emphasize a more open approach. Either way, the primary aim is to make the mind pliable because, for most of us, the mind is like a restless monkey, constantly jumping around and easily distracted. When the mind is more pliable, the energy of the mind can be effectively harnessed for Vipashana meditation.

Vipashana

Within Buddhism, Vipashana encompasses a range of practices, including analytical Vipashana and resting Vipashana. Different lineages and traditions within Buddhism have their own distinct styles of practicing Vipashana. However, there are certain defining characteristics that make a meditation practice “Vipashana.”

The practices of Vipashana are often regarded as the most transformative within Buddhist meditation. These practices have the potential to liberate us from the bondage of our afflictive emotions and self-projections, which we mistake for self.

By cultivating insight through Vipashana, we gain a deeper understanding of the nature of our experiences, the impermanence of all phenomena, and the absence of an independent and fixed self. This transformative understanding brings about a profound shift in our perception and leads to the dissolution of suffering.

This brings us full circle back to the why of Buddhist meditation. Generally it’s recommended that we first investigate into why we experience dissatisfaction and unreliability in relation to our thoughts, emotions, and sense of self-identity. From there meditation can take on more purpose and meaning.

Within Buddhism the why and how of mediation are intimately linked. They support each other and help us to grow a more fulfilling and meaningful meditation practice.