Mediation In Buddhism Essay

Meditation once seen as a quirky, hippie, eastern practice with no real merit has grown over the years in popularity secondary to its now known health benefits. But what is mediation really and where did this idea originate? To truly understand the possible answers, wouldn’t it make sense to analyze some of the earliest documented practices? The two forms of mediation addressed in this essay are those of the Hindu and Indian Buddhist communities. Both practices while very much dissimilar are similar in the sense that the main objective is to obtain oneness with the universe and/or oneself; in Hinduism it is referred to as Moksha and in Buddhism it known as Nirvana.

The Upanishads consist of many teachings, written from the point of view

Upon his completion, the gods are said to have pleaded with him to teach what he discovered during his meditative state. The Middle way, the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-fold path are born into existence along with the development of the Sangha. (09 Buddha #15; Bell) It is here that practice of mindfulness is taught to monks and here where one first sees what will later become a more familiar

In part, because one stems from the other. The comparisons lie in both the theory and approach. Hindus practice varied forms of meditation as way to be nearer to Brahman. The manner in which one must meditate can only be mastered by repetition. Indian Buddhist practice mediation as form of self-awareness, which in turn is much more simplistic. While, Buddhist do not believe in Brahman, the practice of meditation is considered a vital part of the religion. One observation includes the obvious goal of attachment in Hinduism as opposed to the complete detachment sought out by Indian Buddhist. Historically it cannot be denied that from one religion came the birth of the other, so in a sense despite their very different characteristics they are ultimately