Buddhism is a rich and varied tradition that features different schools, each with its own way of practicing meditation. These meditative practices help people gain insight and find inner peace. Let’s take a look at the meditation methods in the three main schools of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Theravada is often seen as the oldest school of Buddhism. It focuses on personal enlightenment and is sometimes called the “Teaching of the Elders.”
Vipassana: This is the main meditation practice in Theravada. Vipassana, or insight meditation, encourages you to notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them. It helps you understand that everything is always changing. You start by focusing on your breathing and then slowly pay attention to your body and mind.
Samatha: Theravada also uses Samatha, which means calm-abiding meditation. This practice is all about building concentration. You usually focus on one thing, like your breath, to help settle your mind.
Mahayana is called the “Great Vehicle” because it builds on Theravada teachings and puts a strong emphasis on compassion for everyone. Its meditation practices often focus on the Bodhisattva ideal—meaning the wish to achieve enlightenment not just for yourself, but for all beings.
Zazen: This is a major type of meditation in Zen Buddhism. Zazen is about sitting quietly and paying attention to your breath while letting any thoughts come and go without judgment. It helps you stay in the moment, free from distractions.
Metta Bhavana: This is the practice of loving-kindness meditation. It teaches you to develop feelings of goodwill, kindness, and compassion. You start by wishing kindness to yourself, and then you extend those good feelings to friends, people you don’t know, and even those you might have problems with.
Vajrayana, also called the “Diamond Vehicle,” is known for its unique and ritualistic ways of practice. It involves ideas from Tantra and focuses on directly experiencing enlightenment.
Deity Yoga: In this practice, people visualize themselves as a deity or an enlightened being. They embody the qualities of that being through visualization and reciting mantras, which helps bring about personal change.
Chakra Meditation: Vajrayana also looks at energy centers in the body, known as chakras. Practitioners focus on these points to channel energy and find balance. They often use breathing exercises and mantras to enrich their meditation experience.
Each school of Buddhism has its own special ways of meditating that fit different beliefs and paths. Whether it's the understanding-focused approach of Theravada, the compassion-driven practices of Mahayana, or the transformative techniques of Vajrayana, these meditations invite you to explore and learn more about yourself and life. Regardless of which school you follow, meditation is a key part of Buddhist practice, helping you in your journey toward enlightenment.
Buddhism is a rich and varied tradition that features different schools, each with its own way of practicing meditation. These meditative practices help people gain insight and find inner peace. Let’s take a look at the meditation methods in the three main schools of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
Theravada is often seen as the oldest school of Buddhism. It focuses on personal enlightenment and is sometimes called the “Teaching of the Elders.”
Vipassana: This is the main meditation practice in Theravada. Vipassana, or insight meditation, encourages you to notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them. It helps you understand that everything is always changing. You start by focusing on your breathing and then slowly pay attention to your body and mind.
Samatha: Theravada also uses Samatha, which means calm-abiding meditation. This practice is all about building concentration. You usually focus on one thing, like your breath, to help settle your mind.
Mahayana is called the “Great Vehicle” because it builds on Theravada teachings and puts a strong emphasis on compassion for everyone. Its meditation practices often focus on the Bodhisattva ideal—meaning the wish to achieve enlightenment not just for yourself, but for all beings.
Zazen: This is a major type of meditation in Zen Buddhism. Zazen is about sitting quietly and paying attention to your breath while letting any thoughts come and go without judgment. It helps you stay in the moment, free from distractions.
Metta Bhavana: This is the practice of loving-kindness meditation. It teaches you to develop feelings of goodwill, kindness, and compassion. You start by wishing kindness to yourself, and then you extend those good feelings to friends, people you don’t know, and even those you might have problems with.
Vajrayana, also called the “Diamond Vehicle,” is known for its unique and ritualistic ways of practice. It involves ideas from Tantra and focuses on directly experiencing enlightenment.
Deity Yoga: In this practice, people visualize themselves as a deity or an enlightened being. They embody the qualities of that being through visualization and reciting mantras, which helps bring about personal change.
Chakra Meditation: Vajrayana also looks at energy centers in the body, known as chakras. Practitioners focus on these points to channel energy and find balance. They often use breathing exercises and mantras to enrich their meditation experience.
Each school of Buddhism has its own special ways of meditating that fit different beliefs and paths. Whether it's the understanding-focused approach of Theravada, the compassion-driven practices of Mahayana, or the transformative techniques of Vajrayana, these meditations invite you to explore and learn more about yourself and life. Regardless of which school you follow, meditation is a key part of Buddhist practice, helping you in your journey toward enlightenment.