| You might think that practicing Buddhist meditation is | | | | only through the mind that and individual can achieve |
| the same as practicing Buddhism, the religion. | | | | peace and unity with God. Thus, it makes sense to |
| However, while both share some things in common, | | | | exercise the mind so that it can be released from |
| as well as origins, the two are different. This kind of | | | | the dangers of human follies and shortcomings. The |
| meditation is dependent on Buddhist doctrines, but it | | | | mind exercises are the core of this sort of |
| has mostly to do with concentration and controlling | | | | meditation. |
| the mind. | | | | Many people tend to think that meditation is one |
| Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha. It | | | | approach to achieving spiritual growth. While |
| involves a lot of concentration, which is fundamental | | | | meditation does lead to spiritual growth, it isn't |
| to the successful practice of Buddhist meditation. The | | | | necessarily a religious tool or something that a person |
| amount and intensity of concentration required in | | | | should practice with the exclusive goal of achieving |
| Buddhist meditation is what makes a lot of people | | | | spiritual growth. All forms of meditation, this kind of |
| mistakenly think that the practice involves hypnosis | | | | meditation included, are simply a practice of releasing |
| and going into a trance. Anyone who is completely | | | | the mind and allowing the body to relax. |
| new to this type of meditation is certainly going to | | | | Buddhist meditation bears a lot of similarities with |
| assume this. | | | | other forms of meditation. However, This way of |
| Buddha's teachings are centered on the "8 noble | | | | practicing meditation is different from the others in |
| truths". These noble truths basically espouse the | | | | terms of what it preaches and what the principles |
| need to eradicate cravings and desires. Once these | | | | are. The ultimate goal of Buddhist meditation is for |
| are eradicated, misery and suffering are eradicated | | | | the individual who practices this meditation to achieve |
| too. By being able to control and discipline the mind, | | | | Nirvana, the highest state of life wherein there is |
| the individual achieves a higher state of life (Nirvana). | | | | complete freedom from misery and strife. Buddhist |
| The "fourth noble truth" is primarily where Buddhist | | | | meditation is a very personal journey; when an |
| meditation draws inspiration from. | | | | individual reaches Nirvana, it mans he is enlightened, |
| Buddha's teachings also describe the mind as being | | | | his mind, body, and soul in perfect harmony. |
| the core of human life. Buddhists believe that it is | | | | |