Buddhism And Art Of Meditation

How can one achieve fullness in life? Is it through good health, a peaceful mind, or thriving social connections? Or is it the synergy of all three?
The mind serves as the bridge to society, shaping a person's social conduct. An unsettled mind, clouded with anger, resentment, and attachment, is unhealthy and troubled. A troubled mind revels in theft, murder, conflict, and terror and, in turn, loses respect within society. A civilised society doesn't embrace such a disposition. Hence, it is often said, 'A balanced mind begets a balanced life.' 

How does one cultivate a healthy mind? It demands mindfulness. From mindfulness blossoms wisdom, and wisdom paves the way to success. Meditation encompasses various approaches. Its roots trace back to ancient times, predating even the era of Shakyamuni. Buddha, in fact, took it to greater heights, refining it through the practice of Vipassana meditation.


What is meditation?
It is often described as 'paying attention' to fulfil responsibilities. In some cases, the common practice is 'neglecting attention' when things go awry. In this context, what does 'paying attention' truly entail? It could be defined as focusing.
In essence, meditation anchors the mind. In the stream of thoughts, it's about finding stillness. Anchoring, where the mind resides.
In music and the world of visuals, the mind finds it's 'Alambana' when watching a movie. 

It laughs and cries in sync with the characters in a story. In those moments, these things become the focus of the mind. However, this isn't true meditation. The goal of meditation is to bring tranquilly to the mind, not disturb it. 

When the focus is on inappropriate objects (Akushala Alambana) and the mind remains unaware, it gives rise to corresponding emotions, leading to stress and agitation. In skillful meditation, no more turmoil is added to the mind. Inexperienced meditation won't delve into the depths of the mind. To be a proficient meditator, one must avoid stirring up further chaos in the mind.
Meditation doesn't allow a flood of thoughts to overwhelm the mind. It doesn't torment me with anxieties about the future.

It maintains the tranquilly of the present moment, makes the mind peaceful and vibrant, and fosters enthusiasm for progress. Therefore, a mindful individual turns towards personal growth.
Buddhist Meditation
There are two forms of Buddhist meditation: Samatha and Vipassana. Samatha can be thought of as a form of concentration, signifying a state of inner calmness. 

The term 'Samatha' finds its roots in the idea of 'pacifying the five hindrances.' These five hindrances include desire, ill-will, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt. Let's explore what these hindrances encompass.
Desire involves attachment to sensory objects. Ill-will encompasses feelings of hostility. Sloth and torpor describe a mental state of inertia. Restlessness and worry involve feelings of regret and unease. Lastly, doubt represents uncertainty.
There are various stages of Samatha mediation.
We've delved into the term 'Alambana.' 

In the Pali tradition, there's a discussion about the forty Kammatthanas. The purpose of Kammatthana is also about finding the right'support', i.e., alambana. Practitioners seek guidance from a qualified Buddhist guru to choose a suitable kammatthana. They diligently practice to train their minds to focus. Through a structured approach to Samatha, the mind attains tranquilly, marking the beginning of their meditation journey.
Practitioners select a kammatthana that aligns with their disposition. Now, in sequence, let's explore the topic of Anapanasati.

Anapanasati
For Samatha, one of the supports is Anapanasati. Here, 'Ana' signifies the incoming breath, and 'Apana' denotes the outgoing breath. 'Sati' translates to mindfulness, signifying a state of being acutely aware or knowing. Anapanasati, therefore, means being fully conscious of the breath as it enters and leaves. Breath, in essence, forms the very foundation of life—an unceasing flow within all living beings.
Anapanasati stands as a straightforward and highly effective means to maintain the mind's presence in the here and now. It's a practice that anchors the mind firmly in the present moment, embracing the continuous ebb and flow of the breath that sustains all life. To begin the practice, seek a tranquil, secluded space. Sit with your posture erect, and direct your focus to the frontal area of your nostrils. 

Become aware of the natural rhythm of your breath as it gracefully flows in and out. Feel the gentle touch of each breath at the entrance of your nostrils. Acknowledge the wanderings of your mind, allowing it to gradually find its stillness. Once more, gently guide your attention back to your breath. Avoid introducing a mantra or imposing any rigid beliefs. Through this process, as your mind naturally converges into a state of heightened focus, the path to Vipassana meditation unfolds with ease.


Vipassana
The term 'Vipassana' is derived from the combination of 'Vi' and 'passana.' 'Vi' implies various or special forms, while 'passana' means seeing, particularly in the context of insight. Therefore, 'Vipassana' essentially means to see in a unique or specific way. But what is it that we are observing? The body, experiences that change constantly, the mind itself, and mental objects observing the body, senses, mind, and the true nature of reality are the four stages of Vipassana that are discussed here. 

Through the practice of Vipassana, individuals gain profound insights into the impermanence, suffering, and non-self-nature of all things. It gradually diminishes cravings and leads to the cessation of suffering. This represents the core meditation technique expounded by the Buddha.


Benefits of Meditation
Meditation fosters a focused mind. A concentrated mind swiftly makes decisions, discerns better choices, and alleviates stress. The practice soothes the turmoil of the mind, bestowing tranquilly upon the practitioner. This inner serenity radiates outward, boosting self-confidence. 

With a calm mind, speech becomes clear and sweet.
Meditation serves as a balm for turbulent emotions, gradually diminishing anger. It quells the unnecessary mental chatter, ushering in a profound sense of stillness. A healthier body becomes a canvas for creative pursuits. In such moments, feelings of goodwill flourish, and waves of tranquilly wash over. 

For the meditator, the myriad doors to success swing wide open. It stands as a comprehensive remedy for the well-being of both body and mind.
Nepal, as the birthplace of the Buddha, holds the responsibility of fostering meaningful dialogue and awareness about Buddhist meditation.


(The author is an assistant professor at Lumbini Buddhist University.)