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In Meditation
IV. SEVEN KINDS OF MEDITATION IN SECRET
BUDDHISM
Research on meditation from different religions, schools of
philosophies, or from various sects, reveals an exciting, but
difficult subject that surpasses the scope of this book. However,
the main methods of meditation of the Great Vehicle can be
summarized in the following seven groups.
- Meditation by observation of the breath
According to the Oneness
Principle of the Heart and Breath,
if we can control the breath, we
can harmonize the heart. The
practice on controlled breathing is
the best method to enter Samadhi.
The most common method is
counting the breath, following or
holding one's breath. The first
method is safer and easier. Zen
masters strongly recommend this
method, which was practiced over
centuries. With this method one
does not have to depend on the guidance of a Guru if he
understands basic breathing techniques and principles of Yoga.
Monk Zhi`Kai, the first founder of the T’ien T’ai sect of
China explained the “counting and following” breathing
technique in his famous book “The Gate to the Six Wonderful
Doctrines” (or Six Wonderful Ways to Enlightenment).
In Meditation
