What is meditation ?

          Meditation (bhavana in the Pali language) means concentration of the mind on one object to develop a strong, clear and calm mind. It is the mental training to clean the mind of greed, hatred, anger, selfish desires, ego, ignorance (not knowing the reality of life), jealousy and stupidity. It is the way to purify the mind that leads to Nibbana.
How many kinds of meditation are there ?
There are two methods of meditation.
Tranquility meditation (samatha bhavana) is the method to calm down the mind from five hindrances. There are forty (40) subjects of meditation which differ according to the temperament of each person.
Insight meditation (vipassana bhavana) is the training of the mind to see that the three characteristics of nature, life, and the mind are subject to continuous change, getting old, trouble with illness, and finally uncontrollable emptiness. This realization leads to the eradication of all defilements and the attainment of Nibbana (enlightenment).

What are the benefits of meditation ?
There are many great benefits for both body and spirit.
To have inner peace or tranquility of the mind and live happily in the present life.
The benefit after death is the path leading to happy states of existence, heaven's pure abodes, and finally supreme happiness, the state of Nibbana.
To prepare oneself not to be reborn in the misery planes. These four evil states are hell, petayoni (hunger ghost), ugly and misery ghost (asurayoni) and all kinds of animals.
To have a healthy body and slow aging.
Meditators live free of all dangers such as crime, flood, fire, or accidents.
Meditation helps us to eliminate unwholesome thoughts, egoism, selfish desires, agitation, anger, anxiety, depression, stress and greed.
Having more self-confidence, more creativity, and increased intelligence.
Realization that the reality of life and all universes is subject to change and is only temporary. To be old and ill and break away to emptiness or disappearing. They are absolutely uncontrollable.
Healing and reducing all mental and physical pain and suffering.
Preparing oneself to die with dignity and peace.
It is the way to liberate from the cycle of birth, aging, illness, and death to attain Nibbana, the state of deathlessness.
Having supernatural knowledge, which cannot be acquired without mental training. This super-knowledge includes recalling the previous existences of oneself and others; seeing auras of others, clairvoyance, clairaudience, knowing the future life of oneself and others.
Able to see all planes of existence from suffering states, hell, animal states, human states, six states of heaven, Catummaharajika, Tavatimsa, Yama, Tusit Nivmararati, Paravimitavasavati, Sixteen Realms of Brahma forms, four Brahma formless and clear understanding, eternal supreme happiness, state of Nibbana.

How do I start practicing meditation ?
You start with observing and knowing how the mind works and thinks. Then try to guide the mind as you want to think. It is a conscious effort to lead the mind to be kind, generous, calm, and clear for the benefit of yourself.
What kind of emotions do I need to meditate ?
You need normal routine feelings in daily life. Your determination to be kinder, wiser, happier person is the key to start. An ethical life is a prerequisite for a meditative life.

What position is the best for meditating ?
The best position is the position which is most comfortable for you. You may sit, lie down or walk, run, drive a car or swim. The important thing is knowing that your mind can focus or concentrate on any subject. When you concentrate on breathing, let your mind observe the rhythm of your breath.

For how long should I meditate ?
You can meditate for as long as you feel comfortable. When you become wiser and happier, you will meditate automatically all the time. For the beginner, it is good to meditate for five minutes every day for a week and then extend the time to ten minutes until you can meditate for thirty minutes.
After awhile, you will notice that your concentration has improved. There will be less thoughts, less worry, and you will experience a moment of real happiness right inside yourself. You do not need anyone or anything to make you happy. The best time to meditate is before you sleep and right after you awake in bed when the body is relaxed.

Do I need a teacher to teach me meditation ?
A good teacher is very hard to find. The very good teacher is yourself and your knowledge. However, personal guidance is helpful. You may need a good guidebook on how to meditate and there are many good, written meditation books which are available in bookstores, libraries or any Buddhist temples.