What Is the Purpose of Meditation In Buddhism?

Summary

Explore the purpose of meditation in Buddhism, its origins, and the search for inner peace and happiness.

What is the purpose of meditation in buddhism, meditation buddism, types of meditation
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Full Article

What Is the Purpose of Meditation In Buddhism?

The importance of meditation as a central tenet of the Buddhist philosophy can be traced back to the religion's founder Buddha Shakyamuni. Born into the life of a royal prince in 624 B.C. in what is now Nepal, he left it all behind at age 29 to go meditate in the woods. For six years, he lived in the wilderness and gradually attained a state of enlightenment under India's Bodhi Tree.

A Direct Connection 

Thus, when followers of the Buddhist faith meditate, they are communing with the spirit of their philosophy's founder. Meditating is a way for them to communicate with the holy spirit of their belief system, in the same way that Catholics pray to God and followers of Islam bow in the direction of Mecca. However, it is important to note that Buddhism does not require an act of faith as in the case of for example the Catholic religion. It is a way of approaching life that can be commensurate with separate religious beliefs.

Buddhism Today 

Today, Buddhists gather at places of meditation all across the United States and around the world. Followers of this religion also often go to great lengths to create a Buddhist shrine in their homes, turning the area into a sacred place of convenient worship. Meditation also ties followers back to the original spiritual creations of their founder, the so-called first, second and third Wheels of Dharma.

Practitioners of meditation at regional Buddhist centers teach students how to actualize their inner beings through meditation. But it is very much a Far Easter set of goals that are being pursued. The goal of Buddhism and meditation has little to do with such contemporary goals as a successful career and monetary riches. Rather, the whole purpose of Buddhist meditation is to inspire serene inner peace and happiness.

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References

AboutBuddhism
"History of Buddhism"
www.AboutBuddhism.org

Patch
"Meditation Center Helps Us Live a Better Life"
www.Patch.com









Expert Opinion 

Quote:   

"As prayer is to the Christian life, so meditation is the very heart of Buddhist life. With enlightenment, or the state of Nirvana, as its goal, the practice of meditation also serves to foster spiritual development, alleviate pain, soothe the mind, and reveal the truth of existence."

Source: Edward Conze. Buddhist Meditation
Mineola, N.Y.: Dover Publications, 2003. Print.

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"What Is the Purpose of Meditation In Buddhism?." Sophisticated Edge. N.p., n.d. Web. . <http://www.sophisticatededge.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-meditation-in-buddhism.html>.  

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What is the purpose of meditation in buddhism, meditation buddism, types of meditation
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