L5- Meditation Info.docx

Samatha: means "calmness"; taught by Buddha as a method to quiet the restless mind, sometimes referred to as "monkey mind". It prepares for meditation by focusing on an object to enhance concentration skills. A common practice is anapanasati, or breathing meditation, where attention is directed to the breath. Samatha encourages awareness and acceptance of thoughts instead of trying to eliminate them, promoting positive mental states.

Kasina: An object of focus in samatha, which can range from the breath to physical objects like a candle flame.

Mettabhavana Meditation: Focuses on developing the brahma viharas (loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, equanimity). These qualities can be cultivated through meditation.

• Metta: Loving-kindness towards all beings.

• Karuna: Compassionate understanding of others' suffering.

• Mudita: Joy in others' happiness.

• Uppekha: Equanimity towards all beings.

Mettabhavana begins with wishes for one's own happiness and extends to others, aiming to deepen loving-kindness in thoughts and actions.

Vipassana: Insight meditation aimed at understanding the nature of life and gaining wisdom. It often follows samatha and involves observing experiences to achieve liberation. There are 4 stages of insight, culminating in wisdom and freedom from suffering.