FORTY OBJECTS OF MEDITATION
1.
10 totalities or devices (kasina) Devices for gazing at and concentrating
upon.
2.
10 kinds of foulness (asuba) Contemplation of
the states of the decomposition of a dead body.
3.
10 Recollections (Anussati) various objects of
contemplation.
4.
4 Divine Abidings –also called Sublime States (Brahmavihara)
Friendliness, Compassion, altruistic joy, and Equanimity.
5.
4 Immaterial States (arupa) Developing the four
formless Jhanas.
6.
Repulsiveness of Nutriment (ahara patikula
sanna) Recollecting the loathsomeness of food.
7.
Analysis of the Four Elements (catu datu
vavatthana) Defining the four elements.
Ten
Anussati Meditations (Recollections)
Anussati
means repeated reflection or constant awareness or mindfulness on some object.
There are 10 Anussati meditations,
8 reflections and 2 on mindfulness as follows:
8 reflections and 2 on mindfulness as follows:
1.
Reflecting on the virtues of the Buddha
(Buddhanussati)
2.
Reflecting on the virtues of the Dhamma
(Dhammanussati)
3.
Reflecting on the virtues of the Sanga
(Sanganussati)
4.
Reflecting on one’s Virtues (Silanussati)
5.
Reflecting on one’s Virtues with Devas as
witness (Devanussati)
6.
Reflecting on one’s liberality (Caganussati)
7.
Reflecting on the peace in Nibbana
(Upasamanussati)
8.
Reflecting on Death (Marananussati)
The two
on mindfulness are:
9.
Mindfulness regarding the foulness or impurity
of the thirty two parts of the body (Kayagatasati)
10.
Mindfulness on breathing (Anapanasati).
Whichever method one decides to choose, it should suit one’s
character, for characters, differ, and to teach that everyone should use only
one kind of kammatthana may well prove to be a hindrance to some people, thus
preventing their attaining the results which they should attain.
Therefore the subject has to be
selected according to the meditator’s convenience, the temperament, the objective and the level of
spiritual development of the individual.
When one finds the type of meditation that suits one’s
character, one should set one’s mind to begin doing the practice with a
preparatory practice, preparatory meditation (parikamma).
THE BUDDHIST WAY OF MEDITATION
The Buddhist way of meditation
is through Sila, Samadhi and Panna. (In short eight fold path can be concised
as Sila, Samadhi, and Panna) That means morality, (virtue) concentration and
wisdom. First we have to develop our moral background by observing certain
moral principles and virtues. If we violate the universal law of cause and
effect (kamma) we will have to experience the bad effects sooner or later. That
is why the Buddha introduced a moral code in the form of precepts, so that we
can live in harmony with existing living beings and maintain a healthy,
peaceful atmosphere which will promote the wellbeing of all. In order to concentrate well and improve on
mental development and to achieve calmness and peace, it is important to develop
and observe the precepts. This moral development will assist to improve one’s Samadhi
which then can then lead to deep concentration. When the mind is calmed and
concentrated, we gain panna or realisation and wisdom. Through meditation we
gain calmness of the mind and understanding or Wisdom.
The confidence and
understanding that we gain through meditation helps to avoid undue worries and
frustration. If we can maintain patience and tolerance, we will not be easily
provoked by others, because we can understand and see things in their correct
perspective.
The highest service man can
perform to the to society is to abstain from evil. A developed and cultured mind can
contribute happiness to the mankind. So meditation is not simply a waste of
time. It expands the mind of a mediator in love and wisdom and enables him to
solve many human problems and enlighten others as well.
MEDITATION ON THE FOUR
SUBJECTS OR STARA KAMATAHAN (CHATUARAKKA)
Buddhist devotees are
encouraged to practice meditation in four subjects. Out of the forty Samata
Subjects, these four are practiced more often by most devotees.
1.The Buddha (recollection of the qualities)
2. Loving Kindness
3. Unwholesomeness of life and
4.
Death.
These four objects of meditation
offer protection, shape one’s attitudes and behaviour which are conducive to
spiritual progress and promote devotees along the path to deliverance.
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