Dhyana (Sanskrit), or meditation, is one of the paramitas that is essential on the path to awakening. Dhyana is the practice of meditation itself, while the related term, samadhi (Sanskrit)—meaning “concentration” or “bringing together”—refers to the meditative state, and is often described as absorption or a sense of “oneness.”

Samadhi is one element of what is called the threefold training or trishiksha—shila or moral conduct; samadhi or meditative concentration; and prajna or wisdom. These three point to progressive development on the path—shila is the discipline and altruistic commitment that provides for samadhi to develop; and it is the meditative concentration of samadhi that gives rise to the wisdom of prajna.

Within Buddhism, there are many techniques for working with and familiarizing oneself with one’s mind, many applications of dhyana. This is because there are many types of people with different habits and preferences. What works for one person might not work as well for another.

The two main forms of Buddhist meditation are shamata and vipassana. All forms of Buddhist meditation can be classified into one or sometimes both of these categories.

Techniques include focusing on the breath or another object (shamata); contemplating the teachings (conceptual vipassana); open awareness; meditation on loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity (the four immeasurables); walking meditation; zazen; visualization; and meditation through artistic practices.

While Buddhist meditation is practiced primarily to tame the mind and develop insight into the nature of reality, scientific research has identified numerous additional benefits of meditation, including enhancing attention span, boosting the immune system, alleviating insomnia, and reducing stress and anxiety.

Thoughts and emotions can cloud our perception of reality. Taming the mind through meditation and study helps us identify and clear away those obscurations, increasing awareness, insight, wisdom, and contentment.

Reflect on their experiences practicing different types of meditation.

• What is the experience like while practicing a given technique?
• How does their experience change during meditation?
• How does their experience change during post-meditation?
• Which techniques are used across all three yanas, and which are emphasized more strongly in each yana?

Compare and contrast multiple Buddhist meditation techniques (shamatha, vipassana, loving-kindness, walking meditation), analyze how each method addresses specific mental states and obstacles, and design appropriate meditation practices for different situations and temperaments.