Expert: Justin Choo - 4/18/2011

Question
Hi,

I have been meditating and reading/practicing Buddhist principles for about 3 years or so.  I read and enjoy many different books by authors such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and Eckhart Tolle.  Although there are many similarities among these authors and the approach to meditation that they teach, I am curious as to whether I should follow a specific tradition, as opposed to reading authors from various traditions.  I feel as though a more systematic approach will allow my practice to grow more.  What is your opinion on this?
Is it wise to pick and choose from different approaches to meditation or is a systematic approach best?
My gut tells me to try a meditative approach out for awhile and experience for myself.

Thanks so much,
Mason

Answer
Hi Mason,

This is probably the most controversial subject, and quite often confusing, complicating and sometimes challenging for people who wish to practise Buddhist meditation.  I think the most important approach is to consider seriously what is the motive or objective of Buddhist meditation.  Once we can establish this objective, then we can follow the method that can lead us to attaining or experiencing this objective.

I would say the basic objective of Buddhist meditation is first to tame the mind.  Then the next step is to train the mind to be mindful of the present moment.  While practising such, we will also experience calmness of the mind leading to tranquility.  This to me will be the main objective of Buddhist meditation.  If I can experience these objectives, then the method will be considered effective.  So it is up to us to adopt the method that suits us.  

To me, I would follow the method practised by the Buddha himself, and that is "anapanasati". In the "Anapanasati Sutta: Mindfulness of Breathing" it is said:

"Mindfulness of in-&-out breathing, when developed & pursued, is of great fruit, of great benefit. Mindfulness of in-&-out breathing, when developed & pursued, brings the four frames of reference to their culmination. The four frames of reference, when developed & pursued, bring the seven factors for awakening to their culmination. The seven factors for awakening, when developed & pursued, bring clear knowing & release to their culmination."

The link for this sutta is:

http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.118.than.html

From my personal experience, I just do simple mindfulness of breathing, and let nature take its course.  No fuss, no textual analyses, no esoteric steps, just simple breathing in and breathing out.  So I don't have any problem.   As for you, the choice is yours.