Re:Shamatha v. Vipassana v. TM v. Zen

Okay, I'll let my ignorance show either by prentending to know or by not know, but here's my limited understanding of these forms of meditation, with the exception of shamatha. I never hear of that one. I too spent a long time trying to understand the forms.

I start with my understanding that all mediation is "mindful." That is that it focuses the mind on something even if the goal is "nothing."

Vipassana is "mindfulness" meditation. Observation of thoughts, breath, etc.

Zen attempts to stop thoughts where Vipassana require observation of thoughts,feelings, and sensations.

TM, transcendental mediation, is a mantra oriented meditation.

Now, I think that each have different goals in terms of "enlightenment" and the form it takes. My experience is closet that the Zen experience, instant knowing.

Earlier on the message board Dr. Spira, if I remember correctly, describes meditation techniques for different circumstances.

Replies:

Re:Shamatha v. Vipassana v. TM v. Zen, by Jim Spira, 01/14/03

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