The Buddhist Meditation
Summary
Authored by Dr. Nalinaksha Dutt, this comprehensive article examines Buddhist meditation (bhavana) as described in classical texts. It emphasises the prerequisite of moral and mental purity and categorises forty meditation objects (kammatthanas) such as breathing, loving‑kindness, and contemplation of the body. The paper explains the progression through upacara‑samadhi and appana‑samadhi and discusses the four rupa‑jhanas and four arupa‑jhanas, highlighting their respective meditation objects. It underscores the need to overcome the five hindrances and details how insight meditation (vipassana) leads to the realisation of impermanence, suffering, and non‑self. The author compares Theravada and Mahayana practices, noting differences in emphasis on emptiness and compassion, and references masters like Buddhaghosa and Asanga. The article concludes that meditation is central to Buddhist practice, linking moral discipline and wisdom, and provides scriptural quotations to illustrate its points.
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Conclusion
This comprehensive review outlines Buddhist meditation techniques, from preparatory moral discipline to advanced absorptions. By classifying meditation objects and describing the progression through jhanas and insight practices, the article underscores the systematic nature of Buddhist contemplative training. It reminds readers that meditation aims not merely at psychic experiences but at realising impermanence and non‑self, leading ultimately to liberation.