Somdet Phra Yannasangwon, Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakol Mahasangkhaparinayok
This meditation practice is prevalent in many aspects of Buddhist teachings. It is part of the Threefold Training, which consists of Sīla (morality), Samādhi (concentration), and Paññā (wisdom). It is also a key element of the Noble Eightfold Path, where Right Concentration (Sammā Samādhi) is the final step. Moreover, meditation is often emphasized in various Buddhist scriptures, where the Buddha encourages monks to develop concentration, stating that those who have a calm and focused mind can discern truth. Therefore, meditation is an essential practice in Buddhism, but it is not limited to religious practice alone; it is also beneficial for everyday life.
Many people mistakenly think meditation is only for those practicing as monks or nuns, or for those who go to the temple. This is a misunderstanding. Meditation is a practice that is beneficial for everyone in all aspects of life.
The meaning of meditation
Meditation means the focused concentration of the mind on a single task, without allowing the mind to wander to other thoughts. This type of focus is essential in all activities. Whether studying, working, or engaging in any task, concentration is required. For instance, when reading, concentration is necessary. One’s body must be aligned with the activity: the eyes focus on the book, the mind must also follow, not distracted by other thoughts. If the mind is distracted, the eyes may still be looking at the book, but they will not truly "see" or understand the content. Only when the mind is concentrated, and reading is aligned with the eyes, can comprehension occur, and this is what we call wisdom, as the mind gains insight through focused attention. This principle applies to writing and listening as well—when writing, both the hand and mind must work in harmony. If the mind is distracted, the writing will not succeed. Similarly, when listening, the ears and mind must work together. If the mind is not focused, even if the sound reaches the ears, the message will not be understood.
This concentration is required for all activities, not just for spiritual practice, but for all work—physical, verbal, and even mental tasks. When the mind is focused, tasks are completed more efficiently. Therefore, meditation (concentration) is essential for success in all aspects of life.
Training the mind in meditation
To develop concentration, one must train the mind. Naturally, everyone possesses some level of concentration, but it is often weak and easily distracted. The mind can easily be swayed by emotions and external stimuli—whether from sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, or thought. These stimuli often trigger desires, aversions, or delusions. When the mind is disturbed by emotions such as attachment, hatred, or ignorance, concentration becomes difficult. It is common to find that when trying to focus on a task, the mind may wander to things we like or dislike, or things we are attached to or confused by. This causes distractions that hinder learning or accomplishing tasks. Without training in meditation, the mind is often unsettled, making it hard to focus on studying, writing, or listening. Similarly, when emotions arise from desires, hatred, or delusions, work will not be accomplished properly. Meditation training is necessary to control these disturbances and develop a focused, steady mind. Even when there are no apparent distractions, the mind may still lack strong concentration. Therefore, practicing meditation is essential to improve focus and concentration.
In meditation practice, there are two main purposes. The first is to address the emotions and defilements of the mind that arise in the present moment. The second is to strengthen the power of concentration. The first purpose involves dealing with emotions like love, anger, and ignorance, which disturb the mind and prevent concentration. For example, love or affection can make the mind restless and distracted, so one must learn to calm the mind and neutralize these emotions. Similarly, anger causes the mind to become heated and agitated, so one must practice calming it. Ignorance may manifest as sleepiness or mental distractions, and these too must be addressed through meditation to regain focus.
The method of meditation taught in Buddhism to counter these emotions involves transforming them. When experiencing love or affection, one must shift the mind to an emotion of detachment, or at least cultivate loving-kindness. With anger, the goal is to replace it with patience or compassion. For ignorance, the mind must be redirected towards clarity and mindfulness. The Buddha taught that by changing the mind's focus, one can calm love, anger, and ignorance, leading to a peaceful and stable state.
The second purpose of meditation is to increase the power of concentration, similar to physical exercise, which strengthens the body over time. Regular meditation practice builds mental power, making it easier to maintain focus and inner strength.
Meditation has two uses: to calm emotions and defilements, and to support the work one needs to do, such as studying, writing, or listening. Through regular practice, concentration improves, leading to better performance in all areas of life.
To practice meditation, it is important to choose a quiet place, free from distractions. One can sit in a comfortable position, such as cross-legged or sitting on a cushion. The next step is to focus the mind by observing the breath, either by feeling the air at the nostrils or noticing the rise and fall of the abdomen as one inhales and exhales. One can count breaths or use a mantra to help concentrate. For example, count each inhalation and exhalation, or repeat a word like "Buddho" (Buddha) or "Dhammo" (Dharma). When the mind becomes stable, one can stop counting and simply focus on the sensation of the breath.
This method of meditation helps the mind to become calm and focused, leading to better concentration and inner peace. It is a basic practice that can be used to develop deeper mindfulness and a more serene state of mind.
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