Meditation is one of the few practices in the world that raises the level of your consciousness. It doesn’t require you to acquire a new skill as the concentration is the only thing you need to possess. During meditation, you focus on a particular item that is most important at the time while detaching yourself from other things
It is not easy to do this as. First, you will need to look for a spot which is comfortable and relaxing. After that, you must find an object, a thought or a feeling to focus on but if you don’t get it initially, you can focus solely on your breathing. A golden rule of meditation is that if your mind cannot stop wandering and is preventing you from focusing on a single thing, you must let it walk. Eventually, it will return to the particular situation and will be at peace.
IRCTC Buddhist Train takes you to Buddha Meditation Teaching Centres all across North India
The story of Meditation and Buddhism
Prince Siddhartha left his palace in search of spiritual liberation so that he can be at peace with his surroundings and the practices of humanity. He studied under two meditation teachers of the time Alara Kalama and Uka Rddaauttamap. He learned under them till he knew as much as they knew and then set off to do something of his own.
He then spent some time with five ascetics who practiced self-mortification. The time spent with them taught him that subjugating his appetite slowed down his mind, so he left them to seek liberation on his own. He practiced for six years and attained full enlightenment under a fig tree by conceiving his way which he later taught and called ‘The Middle Way.’
Buddha’s meditation teaching never endorsed a particular kind of object or thing to focus on meditation but always stressed the importance of reflection. Moreover, Buddhism does not say that you meditate to attain spiritual liberation and spiritual liberation only it urges followers to ponder to eliminate the three defilements known as greed, hatred, and delusion which are the cause of all suffering.
Buddha Meditation teaching also teaches the Noble Eightfold path which talks about eight rules to happiness. The right view, the right thought, the right speech, the right livelihood, the right effort, the right mindfulness, and the right meditation. Although it is called Noble Eightfold Path, it is a wheel as true meditation is the only way to attain the correct view. A real Buddhist is always rooted in reality and enjoys the benefits of self-discipline that reflections provide by following the Noble Eightfold Path.
Buddhist Meditation Teaching Center
There are any specific Buddha meditation centers where a teacher teaches disciples. However, the monasteries built during the Buddhist Era acts as Buddha meditation centers where devotees can always seek the help of inscriptions, scriptures, and monks practicing nearby after waiting for them to emerge out of their session.
List of Buddhist Meditation Centres
Buddhist meditation teaching is an act of self-learning. Simple sit down on the vacant shrines in these monasteries and concentrate on a single object/thing or feeling to attain peace of mind.
1) Bodhi Tree
Bodhi tree is where Buddha attained enlightenment, and since then it has become a symbol of meditation.
2) Gridhakuta Hills
Gridhakuta hills are shaped like a sitting vulture, therefore, the name. Buddha used to frequently rest here after the day’s preaching and improve his concentration span.
3) Venuvana Monastery
King Bimbisara built Venuvana as an offering to Buddha. It is a Japanese styled shrine surrounded in the bamboo grove which is ideal for meditation.
4) Dhamekh Stupa
Emperor Ashoka built Dhamekh Stupa in 249 BCE. It is a majestic and large structure with a diameter of 28 m and height of 43.6 m. Buddhist pilgrims circumambulate the cylindrical red stone stupa while worshipping and often meditate on platforms near the stupa or the ground behind it for enlightenment.
5) Mulagandha Kuti Vihar
Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is a temple with a big bell at the entrance and prayer wheels which pilgrims can turn clockwise to offer their loyalty. It is surrounded by trees and was used as a monastery initially. Inside the temple are beautifully done frescoes on wall and ceiling which often take one’s breath away and assist in meditation by making you feel relaxed and comfortable.
6) Jetavana Monastery
Jetavana Monastery was a crucial part of Lord Buddha’s life as he passed 19 of 45 passes here. It has small stupas, buddha’s hut gandha kuti and anandabodhi tree for meditation and self-improvement.
7) Parinirvana Stupa and Temple
The Parinirvana temple is a small structure of the white building in the shape of a dome. Inside the temple is a big golden statue of Buddha lying down with a hint of a smile on his face.
It is surrounded by a small number of buildings and a lot of farmland which creates a stronger atmosphere of peace and tranquillity and is extremely suitable for meditation.