Meditation

Using information found on this website (https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/why-do-buddhists-

meditate/zdt9f4j) answer the following questions

1. Which tradition was meditation used in prior to Siddhartha Gautama

meditating under the Bodhi tree?
There were other spiritual traditions involving quiet introspection.
2. What is the difference in between meditation in a Tibetan tradition and in
a Theravada tradition? (look back to first lessons work for a reminder
about some of the differences with Buddhist traditions)

In the Tibetan tradition, meditators use a mantra to focus their minds and
embodies the truth of Buddhist teachings where else in Theravada
traditions, mindfulness is developed through attention to the breath, body,
and feelings.
a. Is there one that you think you’d prefer? Why?
I think I would prefer the Theravada tradition which focuses on self
reflection and attention towards movement, mind feeling as I feel
that would help me with reflection and mind clearing the best.
3. Why does Ani Lhamo say that she meditates?
Ani Lhamo says that meditating helps keep her mind healthy and can make her
life more peaceful and happier.

4. Write a step-by-step process for meditating including an Ani Lhamo’s

explanation of the mind as a waterfall
First, you have to sit down with your legs crossed and your hands
together placed comfortably on your lap. You should have a natural curve
to your spine to allow air in and out of your diaphragm. You should then
 focus on the sensation of the air moving in and out of your chest. As you
become more concentrated you can experience a new state of mind
clarity.
5. What is the difference between prayer and meditation?
Prayer is about worshipping a higher power, a deity, where else
meditation focuses on the transformation of the meditator with their own
efforts.
6. Explain an example of meditation being used in the secular (non-
religious) world
Studies have shown that meditation has helped students with releasing
stress and relaxing.
7. Do you think that meditation is worthwhile? You must explain your
reason for your answer
I think that meditation is extremely helpful psychologically as it helps clear
the mind and helps with stress and being away from the outside world and
can help with self-reflection which is extremely important.
Try some mindfulness techniques and share any good ideas you have for this
with the rest of the class on Teams.

Below are some helpful links and some mandalas (for mindfulness colouring!)

How to meditate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMMerxh_12U

Music to help with meditation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIIEI33EUqI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wruCWicGBA4

Mandalas:
You might like to print these out or copy them to colour in. If you have a
mindfulness colouring book you might like to spend some time just colouring
these in