Expert: Bodhicitta - 4/17/2007

Question
Hello, I'm Michael, from Bristol, England. For my philosophy coursework I am
studying the growth of Buddhism in the West. I have some questions I'd like
to ask that relate mostly to meditation:

- Could you give a personal definition of meditation? (i.e. What does
meditation mean to you?)
- How important is meditation in Buddhism, and why/what does meditation
achieve?

Thanks,
Michael


Answer
Hi Michael
Thanks for your questions,
"personal definition of meditation"
"meditation" is a term that has more of a Western connotation
and seems to be now generally to refer to the main practice
in Buddhism either rightly or wrongly. The asian languages
more traditionally associated with Buddhism have some very
precise and technical terms which these poor translations are
refering to.

So for "meditation" the Sanskrit term is "bhavana" which
more correctly could be translated as cultivation.

There are other Sanskrit words which are also translated
as meditation including: 'dhyana' , 'samadhi', 'samatha'
, 'vipassana' - but a full answer on this would need to
quite extensive and there are many good books on it.

'Buddha-(ism)' itself means Awakening or to Awake...which
is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Waking up oneself or
helping others to wake up from a confused, painful view
of the universe. (A bit like the film the Matrix!)

<<How important is meditation in Buddhism, and why/what does meditation
achieve?>>

So glossing over the problems of translation and answering
your question directly.

Meditation is all important. Meditation is the science of
mind. Without meditation there is no awakening. Buddhism
contains nothing but meditation, in the words of one
Buddhist teacher - meditation is the only tool the Buddha
gave us to Awake.

But one could say more, and you could find out more. But maybe this is enough for your coursework?
GCSE maybe?

Good luck with it,
Bodhicitta
Bristol, England too!