Meditation in Hindu traditions and Buddhist traditions.

By Victor M Fontane

The Vedic method of meditation involves meditating for 20 minutes, twice daily, using the silent repetition of a mantra (a fluid, meaningless sound). The mantra is assigned to you by a teacher, based on a few factors including lifestyle, location, age and energetic balance.

In Vedanta the meditation technique is first listening to Truth from Guru; after hearing the Truth from Guru (श्रवण Shravana), one should cogitate on what is heard (मनन Manana), and then continuously meditate on it (निदिध्यासन Nididhyasan) for long time to realize the Truth.

Advaita Vedanta Meditation is a practice with Hindu and Vedic origins. The aim is to transcend identification with the body and mind, revealing our true nature. It is typically practiced through self-inquiry and contemplation.

Vedanta asserts that the goal of life is to realize and to manifest our own divinity. This divinity is our real nature, and the realization of it is our birthright. We are moving towards this goal as we grow with knowledge and life experiences and achieving Samadhi purifying the mind which is the real purpose of meditation.

In Vedanta the meditation technique is first listening to Truth from Guru; after hearing the Truth from Guru (श्रवण Shravana), one should cogitate on what is heard (मनन Manana), and then continuously meditate on it (निदिध्यासन Nididhyasan) for long time to realize the Truth.

The basis of buddhist mindfulness meditation is non-judgmental awareness of what we are experiencing in the moment. Sitting and following the breath to keep the mind focused and aware is a very well-known mindfulness method.