Buddhist Meditation

Buddhist meditation comprises a variety of techniques, which develop concentration, insight and mindfulness. The followers of Buddhism pursue meditation as part of the life path toward enlightenment. Though, it is called Buddhist Meditation, but it does not necessarily mean that only Buddhist people follow this kind of meditation. People who do not follow Buddhism also use these meditation techniques for the pursuit of physical and mental health.
Buddhist meditation techniques can also be used in conjunction with the other meditation methods.
Buddhist meditation focuses on visualizing the breathing air traveling in through the nose, down the throat, filling the lungs, leaving the lungs passing back through the throat, and back out the nose.
This process is considered as fundamental to give life. Each time when a person intakes breathe, he symbolically takes in the whole world, and as he releases the air, he trust that it will eventually come back. It is a process of trusting the life with it.

The Technique -
1. While taking each deep breath, feel the sensation of air entering and leaving the nose. The air that enters the nose feels cool, and then the air leaving the nose feels warm.
2. The sensation associated with this procedure is felt quite well.
3. The same action is done slowly 21 times, every time focusing on the feeling (and the image of Buddha if chosen). After doing it for 21 times, the process is repeated.
4. The whole cycle should be repeated five times..

The two common Buddhist Meditation Practices  -
1. Anapanasati – The practice of Anapanasati technique varies. Generally it begins by sitting in a position, which is comfortable while the back and neck remain straight. It should be started with breathing naturally, without trying to change the depth or length of the breath.
2. Metta – This technique is considered a good way for calming down the mind for the people who find it hard to manage the anger. Metta is often referred to as an an antidote to insomnia and nightmares. People who practice Mettaa are at ease because they do not see any need to harbor ill will or hostility. Metta signifies a strong wish for others happiness. While practicing Metta meditation, a person recites some words and phrases for evoking the warm-hearted feeling without any bounds. The strength behind this feeling does not limit itself to a family or religion. Metta permits kindness and generosity of an individual to be applied to other human beings and in result, one finds true happiness in others happiness.

Important:
With Buddhist meditation, it is best to start with 1 cycle of 21. After completing the first meditation, the amount of cycles of 21 can be doubled for each sitting (for instance 1, 2, 4, 8, 16) till it reaches 10-15 minutes. After reaching the 15 minutes mark, a person can dwell on the feeling and sit there to enjoy the divine energy flowing through the body as a result.
This meditation can be done for as long as you like. It is better if it s done daily; 5 minutes a day is better than doing it for 10 minutes every 2 days. With this flow, anyone can master the breathing meditation. Patience should be there as it takes years for many people for building the discipline to accomplish twenty minutes of continuous meditation.