Characteristics of Meditation in Buddhism

Buddhism has various forms of meditation that have been passed down through different sects.

In modern times, meditation is said to offer numerous benefits for both the mind and body, such as promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving overall health. Additionally, major corporations have incorporated mindfulness and meditation programs to enhance concentration and productivity.

However, these are not the original purposes of Buddhist meditation. In Buddhism, meditation is considered a practice for attaining enlightenment.

This article will explain Buddhist meditation, the origins of Buddhism, and different types of meditation. It will also introduce temples where you can experience meditation and Zen practice.

What Is Meditation in Buddhism?

When looking up "meditation" in a Buddhist dictionary, the following explanation is provided:

The term can also be written as 冥想 (meisou). In Chinese, 冥想 means "closing one's eyes and deeply contemplating." The Eastern Jin dynasty monk Zhizun (支遁) used the phrase in his poem Yonghuai Shi (詠懷詩):
"The Dao values profound meditation, grasping the mysterious pearl beyond form."
Here, meditation is considered a path to unity with the great Dao.

The character 冥 (mei), meaning "deep" or "profound," is often used in Zhuangzi (荘子) and its commentary by Guo Xiang (郭象) to describe deep spiritual concentration that leads to union with fundamental truth:

"Seeing in the darkness, listening in silence. In the depths of obscurity, one alone perceives clarity; in the silence, one alone hears harmony." — Zhuangzi, Heaven and Earth (天地)
"In profound stillness, one becomes one with creation." — Zhuangzi, Nourishing Life (養生主), Guo Xiang’s commentary

The concept of 冥想 likely emerged from this Zhuangzi-inspired philosophy.

However, traditional Buddhism rarely used this term. It was only in modern times, when Buddhism began to be studied and practiced in Europe, that practices from Zen and Tibetan Buddhism were understood alongside Yoga and translated as meditation or contemplation. This Western interpretation was then translated into Japanese as 瞑想 (meisou).

Even in Europe, meditation has been emphasized in Catholicism and Christian mysticism, leading to comparisons between Buddhist meditation and Western traditions. Over time, meditation became widely adopted in psychology and psychiatry, further spreading its influence.

(Source: Iwanami Buddhist Dictionary, 3rd Edition)

The text explains that the term "meditation" was not traditionally used in Buddhism. It gained prominence in modern times, especially as Buddhist practices were introduced to the West and compared to Christian and psychological approaches.

The Purpose of Meditation

In Buddhism, the purpose of meditation is to achieve the true goal of life.

The mindfulness and meditation practices we are familiar with today are often used as tools to improve mental and physical health and enhance our daily lives. However, in Buddhism, meditation is not simply about living well—it is about fulfilling the purpose of being born as a human and attaining true happiness.

The ultimate goal is to completely eliminate the delusions (煩悩, bonnō) that cause suffering, such as hatred, anger, and desire, and to attain a peaceful mind.

What Is Buddhism?

Buddhism is one of the world's three major religions, alongside Christianity and Islam. It is based on the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha (Gautama Siddhartha), which guide practitioners toward becoming a Buddha.

Born as a prince, Shakyamuni married at the age of 19 and lived a life of luxury. However, an experience known as "The Four Encounters" (四門出遊, Shimon Shutsuyū) changed his perspective.

While traveling outside the four gates (east, west, south, and north) of his palace, he encountered:

1. An old man – realizing the inevitability of aging
2. A sick person – understanding the suffering of illness
3. A dead body – recognizing the certainty of death
4. A monk (ascetic) – seeing a path beyond worldly suffering

These encounters deeply affected him, leading him to renounce worldly life in search of a way to overcome human suffering.

For six years, Shakyamuni practiced severe asceticism, but he gained no true understanding. Realizing that self-torment would not lead to liberation from suffering, he abandoned extreme practices.

Instead, he meditated under a Bodhi tree, and at the age of 35, he attained enlightenment. From that moment, he became known as Buddha (The Awakened One).

Until his passing at the age of 80, he spent his life spreading his teachings to guide others toward liberation.

Episode: "Tenjo Tenge Yuiga Dokuson"

There is a well-known and essential legend about Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

It is said that immediately after being born into this world, Shakyamuni stood up on his own, took seven steps toward the east, and then pointed his right hand to the sky and his left hand to the earth while proclaiming:

"Tenjo Tenge Yuiga Dokuson" (天上天下唯我独尊).

The phrase can be broken down as follows:

"Tenjo Tenge" (天上天下) means "above the heavens and below the heavens," representing the vast universe.
"Yuiga" (唯我) is often misunderstood as "I alone am superior," but its true meaning refers to "all of us, every human being."
"Dokuson" (独尊) means "a single, noble purpose."

Thus, "Tenjo Tenge Yuiga Dokuson" means:

"Among all existence in the vast universe, we human beings alone have a single, noble purpose to fulfill."

This teaching emphasizes that all human lives are equally precious, regardless of race, gender, social status, wealth, fame, or abilities.

Even today, on April 8th, the day believed to be Shakyamuni Buddha’s birthday, a festival called "Hanamatsuri" (Flower Festival) is held in celebration.

The Noble Eightfold Path (Hasshodo)

The Noble Eightfold Path refers to the eight practices established by the Buddha for spiritual training.

・Right view (shōken) – Seeing the truth correctly.
・Right thought (shōshiyui) – Thinking correctly and making proper judgments.
・Right speech (shōgo) – Using appropriate words and being mindful of speech.
・Right action (shōgō) – Avoiding the three poisons (greed, anger, and ignorance) and engaging in righteous conduct.
・Right livelihood (shōmyō) – Earning a living without harming others and leading a disciplined life.
・Right effort (shōshōjin) – Striving toward righteousness with sincere effort.
・Right mindfulness (shōnen) – Seeking truth without being misled by illusions and maintaining correct determination.
・Right concentration (shōjō) – Sustaining a stable and righteous mind.

By practicing these principles in daily life, one can transcend suffering and worldly desires, ultimately attaining enlightenment.

The three poisons:

・Greed (ton) – Also known as excessive desire, referring to the craving for more than what is necessary.
・Anger (jin) – Also called resentment, representing feelings of hatred or hostility.
・Ignorance (chi) – Also known as delusion, signifying a lack of understanding of the truth.

History of Meditation in Buddhism

After the passing (death) of the Buddha, Buddhism split into two branches around the 3rd century BCE. This division is known as the "Fundamental Schism."

The first branch is "Theravāda Buddhism," which emphasizes strict adherence to the "Vinaya" (monastic rules) that practitioners must follow. The second branch is "Mahayana Buddhism," which aims to spread the teachings of the Buddha to a broader audience.

After this major division, Buddhism continued to split into smaller sects, a process known as the "Subsequent Schism."

Theravāda Buddhism (Southern Buddhism)

Since it spread from southern India, Theravāda Buddhism is also called "Southern Buddhism." It is characterized by its strict observance of the Vinaya, and it teaches that only those who renounce worldly life and undergo rigorous training can attain enlightenment.

The practice of meditation, particularly through the Noble Eightfold Path, provides a path toward liberation from suffering and a more peaceful and fulfilling life. In Theravāda Buddhism, practitioners first train in "Samatha meditation" before progressing to "Vipassana meditation."

Mahayana Buddhism

"Mahayana" means "great teaching" or "superior teaching." Since it spread from northern India through Central Asia and into East Asia, it is also known as "Northern Buddhism."

Unlike Theravāda, Mahayana Buddhism teaches that not only monks but all people have the opportunity to attain enlightenment. It is a broad category of Buddhist sects that focus on the salvation of all sentient beings.

Tendai Buddhism

The teachings of the Buddha spread from northern India through Central Asia and into Southeast Asia. Eventually, Buddhism reached China, where a sutra called the "Lotus Sutra" (Saddharmapundarika Sutra) was recognized as the most explicit explanation of the Buddha's philosophy.

A Chinese monk named Zhiyi (Chigi) focused on this teaching and established the "Tendai School."

In Japan, Dengyo Daishi Saicho introduced Zhiyi’s teachings and spread them through Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei.

Zhiyi emphasized "Shikan" (meditative contemplation) and classified meditation into three types:

Gradual meditation (zenji shikan) – A meditation method that gradually leads to deeper states of concentration while maintaining precepts and practicing spiritual training.
Indeterminate meditation (fujō shikan) – A meditation method that is not fixed, adapting according to one's nature and abilities.
Complete and immediate meditation (endō shikan) – A swift and perfect ultimate meditation, explained in the "Maha Shikan" (Great Concentration and Insight).

What is Maka Shikan?

It is one of the major Buddhist commentaries, often abbreviated as "Shikan." Zhiyi expounded its teachings, and his disciple, Zhang'an Guanding, recorded them. Due to its unparalleled depth, the Sanskrit word "Maha" (meaning "great") was added to its title.

"Shi" (止) refers to calming the mind by remaining undisturbed by external influences and illusions. "Kan" (観) means developing correct wisdom through "Shi" and observing reality accurately.

Shingon Buddhism

Shingon Buddhism is a Mahayana Buddhist sect founded in the early Heian period by Kobo Daishi Kukai. He traveled to China and studied Esoteric Buddhism (a secret teaching within Mahayana Buddhism) under Master Huiguo at Qinglong Temple.

Shingon Buddhism includes meditation practices such as:

"Susokukan" – A meditation method focused on counting breaths.
"Gachirinkan" – A practice where one meditates while gazing at an image of the full moon, called the "Gachirin Honzon."
"Ajikan" – The most important meditation in Shingon Buddhism, where one concentrates on the Sanskrit letter "A." Kukai taught this as a practice accessible to anyone, a method of refining and strengthening the mind.

Zen Buddhism

Zen Buddhism is a Mahayana school that was introduced to China in the early 6th century by Bodhidharma and later developed further. In Japan, Zen Buddhism includes the Rinzai, Soto, and Obaku schools.

It teaches that "through the practice of seated meditation (zazen), one can realize the true nature of the mind and attain enlightenment." Zen emphasizes direct personal experience and aims to return to one's "true self" from birth.

One of the most influential figures in Zen was Mazu Daoyi, the eighth-generation successor of Bodhidharma in China. His famous phrase, "Ordinary mind is the Way" (平常心是道), became a fundamental concept in Zen philosophy.

Unlike the common usage of "heijoshin" (平常心) meaning "calm mind," in Zen, "Heijoshin kore do" (平常心是道) is read as "Byojoshin kore do" and means "the way the mind functions in daily life." In other words, ordinary daily life itself is the path to enlightenment.

Types of Buddhist Meditation

Buddhist meditation takes many forms, but it is broadly divided into two main categories: Samatha meditation and Vipassana meditation, which will be introduced below.

Samatha meditation (calm abiding meditation)

The Pali word samatha is transliterated into Chinese as "奢摩他" (shamata). It means "calm" or "tranquility" and refers to the practice of focusing the mind on a single object (such as the breath or a symbol) to achieve inner stillness.

An example of Samatha meditation is Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing), in which one continuously observes the breath, cultivating harmony between mind and body.

Vipassana meditation (insight meditation)

The Pali word vipassana is transliterated as "毘鉢舎那" (vipashyana) and means "insight" or "clear seeing."

"Vi" means "as it truly is, clearly, objectively."
"Passana" means "to observe, to see with the mind’s eye, to perceive."

This meditation method was taught by the Buddha to enable practitioners to directly experience enlightenment. It is one of the oldest meditation techniques in India and focuses on deepening self-awareness.

The relationship between Samatha and Vipassana
Together, Samatha and Vipassana are known as "Shikan" (止観, calm and insight meditation). These two forms of meditation are inseparable and should be practiced in balance.

Zhiyi (Chigi), the founder of the Tendai school, explains this in The Lesser Treatise on Shikan (Tendai Shō Shikan), which was recorded by his disciples:

"One must understand that these two practices are like the two wheels of a cart or the two wings of a bird. If one focuses solely on one and neglects the other, one will fall into the wrong path."

This means that Samatha and Vipassana are like the two wheels of a vehicle or the two wings of a bird—if one practices only one of them, they will stray from the proper path.

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Shinenjo)

The Four Foundations of Mindfulness is a form of Vipassana meditation, focusing on "awareness" by observing oneself as they truly are.

In the Satipatthana Sutta (Nenjo-kyo), it is stated:
"Here lies the one path for the purification of beings, for the transcendence of sorrow and lamentation, for the disappearance of pain and distress, for the attainment of the true path, and for the realization of Nirvana."

This means that living beings can become purified, transcend sorrow and grief, eliminate suffering and distress, attain the correct path, and realize Nirvana.

(1) Ujo – A Buddhist term referring to sentient beings that possess emotions, consciousness, and mental activity, such as humans and animals.
(2) Seiri – The correct reasoning and the proper path to enlightenment.
(3) Nehan – A Buddhist concept referring to the state of extinguishing worldly desires and achieving the complete wisdom of enlightenment. It is a state of perfect peace, free from all suffering and attachments.

The Buddha taught that through the practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipatthana), one can live without being trapped by the Five Hindrances (Gogai).

The Five Hindrances refer to the following:

・Sensual desire (欲愛蓋): Various forms of craving and attachment.
・Ill will (瞋恚蓋): Anger, resentment, and hatred toward things that oppose one's mind.
・Sloth and torpor (睡眠蓋): A state of mental dullness and drowsiness.
・Restlessness and remorse (掉挙・悪作蓋): An unsettled mind and regret.
・Doubt (疑蓋): Uncertainty and lack of confidence in facing challenges.

It is said that one should repeatedly practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to eliminate these Five Hindrances. The practice focuses on four aspects of awareness: body (身), feelings (受), mind (心), and mental objects (法).

Mindfulness of the body (shin-nenjo)

Observing bodily movements such as walking, standing, and lying down, and realizing that the body is impure. (Meditation on impurity - fujokan)

Mindfulness of feelings (ju-nenjo)

Observing sensations and realizing that all experiences of feeling are suffering. (All existence is suffering - issai-kaiku)

Mindfulness of the mind (shin-nenjo)

Observing mental states such as desire, anger, and ignorance, and realizing that the changing mind is impermanent. (All things are transient - shogyo-mujo)

Mindfulness of phenomena (ho-nenjo)

Observing all things and realizing that there is no inherent self. (All phenomena are without self - shoho-muga)

The Difference Between Meditation and Zazen

Meditation is said to have developed in Theravāda Buddhism in South Asia, while Zazen evolved in Mahāyāna Buddhism in East Asia.
Both share the common goal of reaching a state where the mind becomes empty and are practiced with awareness of breathing, but their purposes differ.
The goal of meditation is to relax the brain, relieve anxiety and fatigue, and achieve a calm state. In contrast, Zazen has no specific purpose. The act of practicing Zazen itself is its purpose. It is about not setting a goal and not thinking about meaning.

Let’s compare meditation and Zazen using the example of walking.
Meditation can be seen as walking with a specific purpose, such as "I walk to overcome a lack of exercise."
On the other hand, Zazen is simply "just walking." By walking continuously without a specific goal, one may ultimately overcome a lack of exercise as a natural outcome.

Temples Where You Can Experience Meditation and Zazen

Here are some temples in Japan where you can experience meditation and zazen. Please check each temple’s official website for detailed schedules and fees.

Daiensazan Zuiryuji (Hokkaido, Sapporo City)

Zuiryuji is a Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect. They regularly hold zazen sessions that are open to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Sessions include early morning zazen, regular zazen meetings, beginner zazen sessions, and nighttime zazen gatherings.

Koyasan Kongobuji (Wakayama Prefecture, Shingon Buddhism)

At Kongobuji, the head temple of Koyasan, visitors can experience Ajikan, a breathing and meditation method of Shingon Buddhism. This practice takes place in the Ajikan Dojo, a usually private hall located within Japan’s largest stone garden, Banryutei. Even beginners can participate, as monks provide careful guidance. Anyone above elementary school age can join, with sessions held four times a day, four days a week.

Daihonzan Myoshinji (Kyoto, Rinzai Sect)

At Myoshinji, participants can experience zazen practice. The Myoshinji Zendo-kai includes a 90-minute zazen session from 6:00 to 7:30 AM, followed by a Buddhist sermon. There are also shorter zazen experiences available, such as the Chokotto Zazen ("a little bit of zazen").

Akiba Sohonden Kasuisai (Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Soto Sect)

Kasuisai is home to the largest zazen practice space in the Tokai region. As a Soto Zen temple, it follows the facing-the-wall (menpeki zazen) meditation style. Zazen practice is conducted every morning, 365 days a year, at the Soto Zen training hall. Visitors can participate in a one-day zazen experience or stay overnight at the temple’s lodging for a more immersive experience. Guidance is available for beginners as well.

Meditation in Buddhism is a Form of Training

In Buddhism, meditation is a practice aimed at attaining enlightenment. It is also a means to achieve true happiness, which is the ultimate purpose of human existence. Through meditation, one seeks to eliminate desires, hatred, anger, and other worldly afflictions that cause suffering, thereby attaining a peaceful mind.

Moreover, the Eightfold Path, as taught by Buddha, consists of principles that can be applied in our daily lives. For example, Right Speech (Shogo) encourages the use of truthful and kind words, improving communication with family members and colleagues while fostering sincerity and mutual understanding.

Understanding Buddhist meditation can provide valuable insights for living a more meaningful and balanced life in today’s world.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this.