Lesson video

Hello, my name's Ms. Ramalli, and welcome to today's RE lesson, which forms parts of our unit on Buddhism Practises.

Today we are going to be exploring forms of meditation: samatha and mettabhavana.

Okay, let's begin today's lesson.

Today's lesson outcome is, "I can explain the nature, purpose, and significance of meditation, including samatha and mettabhavana meditation, for Buddhist today." To help guide us through today's lesson, there are four key words, meditation, mettabhavana, mindfulness of breathing, and samatha.

Meditation is a spiritual experience that opens a person up to the highest state of consciousness.

Mettabhavana is the development of loving-kindness, usually through meditation.

Mindfulness of breathing is a form of meditation found in Theravada, Zen, and Tibetan Buddhism.

It focuses on the practise of breathing.

And samatha, a method of meditation, meaning calmness or a breathing meditation.

Today's lesson on forms of meditation: samatha and mettabhavana take three parts.

First of all, we're going to explore meditation, its nature, purpose, and significance.

Moving on to samatha meditation, its nature, purpose, and significance.

And finishing with mettabhavana, its nature, purpose, and significance.

Let's begin by exploring meditation, it's nature, purpose, and significance.

Meditation is a spiritual experience that opens a person up to the highest state of consciousness.

It was the method used by the Buddha to achieve enlightenment.

It is one of the Mahayana six perfections, and is part of the Eightfold Path.

Meditation is a significant spiritual practise in Buddhism.

The main purposes include developing a still, calm, and focused mind, and developing greater wisdom and understanding of the Buddha's Dharma and teachings.

For example, the Eightfold Path.

This reduces dukkha and eventually leads to enlightenment.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

Select three purposes of meditation in Buddhism.

A, to reduce suffering, which leads to enlightenment, B, to develop greater wisdom and understanding of the Buddha's Dharma, C, to develop A still, calm, and focused mind, or D, to worship God.

Remember, for this check for understanding, you are selecting three answers.

Good luck, pause a video, and press Play when you're ready to see the correct answers.

Well done if you selected A, B, and C.

The purposes of meditation in Buddhism are to reduce suffering, which leads to enlightenment, to develop greater wisdom and understanding of the Buddha's Dharma, and to develop a still, calm, and focused mind.

Laura wants to learn more about Buddhist attitudes towards non-Buddhists who meditate.

She interviews Katrina, and Mahayana Buddhist.

Laura says, "My mum attends meditation classes, but she does not have a Buddhist worldview.

Is that okay, Katrina?" Katrina says, "Yes, I have many friends who are non-Buddhist but also participate in meditation.

Many non-Buddhist might meditate because they view it as a method to reduce stress, increase focus, and improve their ability to regulate emotions." A survey conducted in 2022 in Southeast Asian countries asked Buddhists about their views on non-Buddhist participating in certain activities related to Buddhism.

The result shows this.

The percentage of Buddhists in each country who say it is appropriate for non-Buddhists from other countries to participate in Buddhist practises such as meditation and chanting.

So here from the data, we can see that 91% of participants in Cambodia, 93% of participants in Sri Lanka, and 90% of participants in Thailand all said it is appropriate for non-Buddhists to participate in Buddhist practises such as meditation and chanting.

Right now, it's time to hand over to you according to the data.

How do many Buddhist view non-Buddhist participating in meditation? Pause the video here, and either on your own, take some time to reflect or discuss with your partner the question, and then press Play when you're ready to move on with the lesson.

Laura asks, "How does meditation benefit you, Katrina?" Katrina says, "As a Buddhist, I receive lots of benefits from meditation.

One benefit from regular meditation is that it helps me reduce negative emotions such as hatred and anger.

Hatred is one of the three poisons which I want to avoid because it leads to dukkha." True or false? Meditation should only be carried out by Buddhists.

Pause a video, press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you said that statement is false.

According to one survey, many Buddhists believe that it is appropriate for non-Buddhists to participate in meditation.

Meditation is also a common practise in Hindu Dharma.

The bud talks about the importance of meditation in the Dhammapada.

In Dhammapada verse 282, it says, "Wisdom springs from meditation.

Without meditation, wisdom wanes.

Having known these two paths of progress and decline, let a man so conduct himself that his wisdom may increase." What does this first teach about the significance of meditation? Pause the video here and either speak to me or with your partner, explain what this first teaches about the significance of meditation.

Press Play when you're ready to reflect on your answers.

Okay, welcome back.

So what does this first teach about the significance of meditation? Remember, significance means importance.

Meditation is significant because if practised regularly, it develops wisdom.

Many Mahayana Buddhists will be guided by the teachings in the Surangama Sutra on meditation.

The Surangama Sutra, suran meaning great, gama, solid or durable, and sutra, book of teachings.

The Surangama Sutra suggests that without the concentrated state of mind made possible through a meditation, following the Buddha's Dharma is meaningless.

Let's pause and complete a check for understanding.

Fill in the missing word from the Buddha's teaching, "Wisdom springs from." Pause the video, and press Play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you said that meditation was the missing word.

Time to complete our first practise task.

Alex has written an extended paragraph as part of an answer to the question, "Explain the significance of meditation for Buddhists." Alex has said, "Meditation is significant because it is a method used by the Buddha to achieve enlightenment.

It is also one of the Mahayana's six perfections and is part of the Eightfold Path.

It is significant to Buddhist because it helps develop a calm and focused mind.

Meditation reduces stress and negative emotions such as hatred and anger, which leads to dukkha." Complete his answer by writing the second extended paragraph to the question, "Explain the significance of meditation for Buddhists." You could use a guidance below.

So you could start by making a point.

So, for example, many, most, some Buddhists believe, then develop this point by explaining the meaning.

Then make reference to a source of authority.

For example, you could say it is supported by, and name the source and state what it says;.

Also including what it shows.

So, for example, linking your source to the belief.

And finally, referring to the importance of the teaching.

Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video here, and press Play when you are ready to check your answer.

Okay, welcome back, everybody.

So you are asked to complete Alex's answer by writing the second extended paragraph to the question, "Explain the significance of meditation for Buddhists." So you may have included the following points in your answer.

Another reason meditation is significant to Buddhist is because most Buddhists believe it helps develop wisdom of the Buddhist Dharma.

This means Buddhists gain greater insight into the teaching, such as the Eightfold Path, increasing their chances of achieving enlightenment.

In the Dhammapada, it states that wisdom springs from meditation.

Without meditation, wisdom wanes.

This teaches Buddhists that it is important to practise meditation regularly.

Fantastic.

Well done on all of your hard work completing the first practise task.

We're now gonna move on to the second part of today's lesson, to explore the nature, purpose, and significance of samatha meditation.

There are several methods of meditation.

Here are some examples.

Samatha meditation, which focuses on creating a state of calmness, vipassana meditation, which focuses on gaining insight, mettabhavana meditation, which focuses on loving-kindness, and zazen meditation, which focuses on the present moment.

Samatha meditation is one of the main methods of meditation.

Samatha meditation, also known as calming meditation, is believed to cultivate deeper concentration.

This method is often used by Theravada Buddhists.

The method often focuses on mindfulness of breathing.

Mindfulness of breathing focuses on the experience of breathing.

Mindfulness means to be aware or focused on a present moment.

This can also involve acknowledging and accepting feelings, thoughts, and sensations in the body.

Let's pause and complete a check for understanding.

What does Buddhist mean by samatha? A, the development of loving-kindness, usually through meditation, B, calmness or breathing meditation, or C, insight meditation.

Pause a video here, and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you selected B as a correct answer, calmness or breathing meditation is what is referred to by samatha meditation.

Thich Nhat Hanh was a very famous Buddhist monk.

According to him, breathing is essential to focus the mind.

He said, "Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.

Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again." How does this first link to samatha meditation? Pause the video here and either speak to me or to your partner and discuss the question.

Press Play when you're ready to move on with the lesson.

Niti, a Theravada Buddhist monk, explains the nature of Sam amateur meditation for him.

Niti says, "When I practise samatha meditation, I focus on the technique of mindfulness of breath.

This means I'm aware or focused on the sensation of breathing in and out and how that impacts the movements within my body.

I concentrate on the air flowing in and out of my nose and my shoulders as they rise and fall.

If I find that my mind wanders, I return my thoughts to my breath." Ajahn, a British Theravada Buddhist monk, explains the purpose of samatha meditation.

Ajahn says, "I practise samatha meditation to help my mind become calm and to open to deeper concentration.

Samatha meditation helps me develop positive emotions, and this leads me to feel more restful and peaceful." Let's complete a check for understanding.

Which two of the following describe the purpose of samatha meditation? A, to become calm, B, to develop negative emotions, or C, to develop deeper concentration.

Pause the video here, and press Play when you're ready to check your answers.

Well done if you selected A and C, to become calm and develop deeper concentration describe the purpose of meditation.

Some Buddhist may also use visual objects or kasinas whilst practising samatha meditation.

Niti and Ajahn, who are both Theravada Buddhists, explain why.

Niti says, "Some of the monks in my vihara use kasinas to focus during meditation.

They place a coloured disc in front of them and concentrate their thoughts and attention on it." Ajahn says, "I use a bowl of water as a kasina whilst practising samatha meditation.

To reach enlightenment, I must be able to focus and concentrate." True or false? Kasinas can aid samatha meditation.

Pause a video, and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you said that statement is true, kasinas can be used as a point of focus during samatha meditation, and they help improve concentration.

Laura says, "Why is samatha meditation significant to you, Niti?" Nitty tells us, "Samatha meditation is significant to me because it creates a state of calmness and concentration in my mind.

When my mind is calm, it then enables me to gain insight into the Buddhist teachings.

I practise samatha meditation before moving on to vipassana meditation, or insight meditation." Ajahn explains why samatha meditation is significant to him.

He says, "I believe that the Buddha practise samatha meditation, and I want to follow his example so that I can also achieve enlightenment.

Samatha helps calm my mind and let go of my cravings.

Cravings cause suffering and will stop me from attaining nibbana, a state of perfect peace and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth." Okay, time to complete our second practise task.

Lucas has written part of a response to the following task, explain why Buddhist might practise samatha meditation.

Lucas has said, "One reason Buddhist might practise samatha meditation is because it can help create a state of calmness and cultivate a deeper understanding.

Some Buddhists may practise using objects or kasinas to aid meditation.

The kasinas help focus and improve concentration, which is required to attain enlightenment." Complete the next part of the response with another reason Buddhists might practise samatha meditation.

Include a source of wisdom and authority and accurately apply this to your point.

Good luck completing this practise task.

Pause the video here, and then press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Welcome back, everybody.

So Lucas had written part of a response to the following task, explain why Buddhist might practise samatha meditation.

You needed to complete the next part of the response and include a source of wisdom and authority and accurately apply this to your point.

Your response might be similar to this.

"Another reason Buddhists might practise samatha meditation is because the Buddha practise this form of meditation.

Most Buddhists want to follow the example of the Buddha, achieving enlightenment and reach nibbana, a state of perfect peace and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth." Fantastic.

Well done on your hard work completing the second practise task.

So that moves us on to the third and final part of today's lesson, where we are going to explore the nature, purpose, and significance of mettabhavana meditation.

The term mettabhavana has its origins in the ancient Pali language.

Meta, meaning friendship, benevolence, or goodwill, and bhavana, meaning cultivation or development.

So mettabhavana means a development of loving-kindness.

Metta is referring to friendliness or kindness, not love in a romantic sense.

Metta means loving-kindness.

Mettabhavana meditation is another type of meditation.

The purpose of mettabhavana is to develop feelings of loving-kindness, usually through meditation.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

What do Buddhist mean by mettabhavana? A, a form of meditation that focuses on the practise of breathing, B, calmness or breathing meditation, or C, the development of loving-kindness, usually through meditation.

Pause a video here, and press Play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you selected C as the correct answer.

When Buddhists refer to mettabhavana, they're referring to the development of loving-kindness, usually through meditation.

Mettabhavana meditation is usually practised in five stages.

So beginning a focus on feeling kindness towards yourself, repeating phrases such as, "may I be well and happy." Secondly, thinking of a good friend and their good qualities, repeating phrases such as, "may they be well and happy." Thirdly, think of someone you have no strong feelings towards.

Think about their humanity and include them in your feelings of loving-kindness.

Fourthly, thinking of someone you find difficult or dislike.

Try to feel kindness towards them.

And lastly, imagine all four people together and then spread loving-kindness to everyone in the world.

Laura asks, "Why is mettabhavana significant to you, Katrina?" Katrina says, "Practising mettabhavana meditation is significant to me because it helps me develop feelings of loving-kindness.

It is important that I first grow a kind and caring heart towards myself, no matter what thoughts I have.

I can then focus on loving-kindness towards others no matter their thoughts.

This enables me to show genuine loving-kindness towards others and develop compassion, a key Buddhist virtue." True or false? Mettabhavana meditation helps Buddhist develop compassion.

Pause the video, and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you said that statement is true, mettabhavana meditation develops feelings of loving-kindness, which can result in developing the virtue of compassion.

So now we're going to complete our third and final practise task.

Here we have the statement, "Samatha meditation is the most important form of meditation." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.

Sam has written the first part of this answer.

You need to provide an alternative view.

Sam has said, "Some Buddhists might agree that samatha meditation is the most important form of meditation because the Buddha practise this method.

Most Buddhists want to follow his example.

Samatha meditation also helps with calming the mind and increasing concentration, which assists with gaining wisdom." So, remember, you are providing an alternative view to Sam's.

Pause a video, and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Welcome back, everybody.

So you were given the statement, "Samatha meditation is the most important form of meditation." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.

Your answer may include these points.

"Some Buddhists would disagree with this statement because they may believe that mettabhavana is the most important form of meditation.

They may agree that MEA develops loving-kindness towards oneself and others.

This is important because it encourages a Buddhist to show compassion, which is a key Buddhist virtue.

Demonstrating loving-kindness also reduces suffering, which is important for most Buddhists." Fantastic.

Well done on all of your hard work on the practise tasks and in today's lesson.

So that brings us to the end of today's lesson on the Forms of meditation: samatha and mettabhavana.

So here is a summary of our key learning points.

Samatha meditation is mostly practise within Theravada Buddhism.

Samatha emphasises calmness and often involves focusing on mindfulness of breathing.

Many non-Buddhist practise meditation to relax, manage stress, and enhance concentration.

Some Buddhists choose visual objects known as kasinas to aid their focus during meditation.

And the purpose of mettabhavana meditation is to develop feelings of loving-kindness.

Thank you very much for joining me for today's RE lesson.

Goodbye.