Buddhist Meditation

Criterion A: Rational and Preliminary Research Meditation is a staple in my life and has provided me an outlet in which to relieve my stress and anxiety. Further, meditation helps me to fall asleep at night, especially when I have had a difficult day and need to quiet my mind. Meditation is not a religious activity for myself, but rather a technique which allows me the opportunity to concentrate on my breathing and not complicated thoughts. With useful apps, such as Buddhify and Breathe, I follow along with a recording of a gentle voice that guides me into a state of tranquility.

According to The Buddhist Centre, “meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration,

I often meditate on a bus ride to an important golf match, sitting in the warm sun, or preparing for a large exam. I am curious if Buddhists utilize meditation in the same way I do, or if they would find my meditation techniques different. As Buddha said, “If you are quiet enough, you will hear the flow of the universe. You will feel its rhythm. Go with this flow. Happiness lies ahead. Meditation is key.” (108 Buddha Quotes on Meditation, Spirituality, and Happiness) Thus, similarities can easily be identified between Buddhist meditation and my

The monk gave me insight on the religion as a whole as well as the importance of meditation which is the research question I have been investigating. The monk explained Buddhism and invited me back for a meditation session. I learned that Buddhism, “is not a religion, it is instead, a way of life.” (Interview with a Tibetan Monk) Buddhism began as a result of the Buddha himself who was a wealthy and noble prince that had only seen the good in life, sheltered by his father. A wise man told him that he could either be a monk and all-knowing Buddha or eventually, a king. The prince left the palace and saw the communities he had never seen before witnessing death, disease/illness, and old age asking if these things would happen to himself. He received an answer of yes and left his family, his noble life, and all his possessions so he could search for happiness and become a monk. (Who Was Buddha?) He sat for 6 days under the Buddha tree, meditating but never eating or drinking, finding ultimate happiness or Nirvana as it is called in Buddhism. He was liberated from suffering and reincarnation, becoming the