You might think that practicing Buddhist meditation is the same as practicing Buddhism, the religion.
However, while both share some things in common, as well as origins, the two are different.
This kind of meditation is dependent on Buddhist doctrines, but it has mostly to do with concentration and controlling the mind.
Buddhism is based on the teachings of Buddha.
It involves a lot of concentration, which is fundamental to the successful practice of Buddhist meditation.
The amount and intensity of concentration required in Buddhist meditation is what makes a lot of people mistakenly think that the practice involves hypnosis and going into a trance.
Anyone who is completely new to this type of meditation is certainly going to assume this.
Buddha's teachings are centered on the "8 noble truths".
These noble truths basically espouse the need to eradicate cravings and desires.
Once these are eradicated, misery and suffering are eradicated too.
By being able to control and discipline the mind, the individual achieves a higher state of life (Nirvana).
The "fourth noble truth" is primarily where Buddhist meditation draws inspiration from.
Buddha's teachings also describe the mind as being the core of human life.
Buddhists believe that it is only through the mind that and individual can achieve peace and unity with God.
Thus, it makes sense to exercise the mind so that it can be released from the dangers of human follies and shortcomings.
The mind exercises are the core of this sort of meditation.
Many people tend to think that meditation is one approach to achieving spiritual growth.
While meditation does lead to spiritual growth, it isn't necessarily a religious tool or something that a person should practice with the exclusive goal of achieving spiritual growth.
All forms of meditation, this kind of meditation included, are simply a practice of releasing the mind and allowing the body to relax.
Buddhist meditation bears a lot of similarities with other forms of meditation.
However, This way of practicing meditation is different from the others in terms of what it preaches and what the principles are.
The ultimate goal of Buddhist meditation is for the individual who practices this meditation to achieve Nirvana, the highest state of life wherein there is complete freedom from misery and strife.
Buddhist meditation is a very personal journey; when an individual reaches Nirvana, it mans he is enlightened, his mind, body, and soul in perfect harmony.