Welcome to meditation
Meditation Gardens Article
This is a selection made from among articles on Meditation Gardens. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for future reading, click here.
Different Buddhist Meditation Techniques
from: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. Attentiveness to the movements of the body and to the ever changing states of mind is to be developed in order to identify 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 such practices as breathing meditation while others on movements. The diversity can be so wide ranging that there are a multitude of variations available. Most Buddhist techniques can be school specific. Only a few masters aim to combine and categorize the techniques from several Buddhist traditions.
One of the known meditation techniques is that being practiced by Western Order meditation master Kamalashila. The teacher identifies that there are five basic methods to be used as a 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.
One of the five basic methods is the mindfulness of breathing. This involves the practice of tranquility meditations. This method helps to counteract distraction and aims to develop better concentration. Another of the five basic methods laid out 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 in a person.
Another of the five basic methods in Buddhist meditation is the contemplation of impermanence. This method can help counteract craving and develop inner peace and the feeling of freedom. The six element practice is based on meditation involving the six elements- earth, water, space, air, fire and consciousness. The six element practice method of meditation counteracts craving and develop instead some clarity in a person regarding to 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 visualizations, 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.
Meditation Gardens News
Not your everyday garden: Take a closer look at Olbrich - Isthmus
 Isthmus | Not your everyday garden: Take a closer look at Olbrich Isthmus As you might expect there are many classes focused on gardening, but the summer catalog also has wellness classes such as Yoga Flow, Moving Meditation and Basic Pilates Workshop. Popular children's classes include a hands-on series about bugs and ... |
Lazy, Hazy Summer Days: A Guide - New York Times
 New York Times | Lazy, Hazy Summer Days: A Guide New York Times It is a dance meditation for four women, and will be performed at the Staten Island Ferry Terminal four times (June 30-July 3) as part of this year's River to River Festival. The performing arts festival's calendar is crammed with indoor and outdoor ... |
A Quiet Garden - DesMoinesRegister.com
A Quiet Garden DesMoinesRegister.com Mary Chind/The Register Thea Nicholas participates in the worldwide Quiet Gardens movement, sharing her garden as a ministry of hospitality, prayer, meditation and peace. Hers is one of only three in Iowa. / Mary Chind/The Register For more information ... |
The best new holidays in Morocco - The Guardian
 The Guardian | The best new holidays in Morocco The Guardian Each day, early-morning meditation is followed by four hours of walking along secluded beaches, then a luxury camp is set up while you enjoy an afternoon of yoga, reiki, swimming and sunbathing. Drinks are served at sunset and dinner is eaten around ... |
Concord landscape designer offers tips on vertical gardening - San Jose Mercury News
Concord landscape designer offers tips on vertical gardening San Jose Mercury News By Janice De Jesus CONCORD -- Susan Morrison says that while her garden may be small, it's filled with huge possibilities. It's a sanctuary and retreat at the end of a long workday for Morrison and her husband, or when she's looking for inspiration ... |