A meditation method is a technique that evokes a deeper sense of awareness, serenity, and insight in the mind and body. Each meditation method is a different path that can lead you to the same inner state of meditation. At different times, different methods may be most meaningful and relevant.
There is a striking metaphor used by Buddha to describe meditation methods to his disciples:
“Suppose a man were traveling along a path. He sees a great river, with the near shore dubious and risky, and the further shore secure and free from risk, but with neither a ferryboat nor a bridge going from this shore to the other. He gathers grass, twigs, branches, and leaves and, having bound them together to make a raft, crosses over to the other shore. Having crossed over, he might think, ‘How useful this raft has been to me! For it was on this raft that I have crossed over to safety on the further shore. Why don’t I, having hoisted it on my head or carrying it on my back, go on my way?’ What do you think, monks? Would the man, in doing that, be doing what should be done with the raft?”
“No, lord,” replied the monks.
“And what should the man actually do with the raft? Having crossed over, he would think, ‘How useful this raft has been to me! For it was on this raft that I have crossed over to safety on the further shore. I will drag it onto dry land or sink it in the water, and then go on my way.’ In doing this, he would be doing what should be done with the raft. In the same way, monks, I have taught the Dhamma compared to a raft, for the purpose of crossing over, not for the purpose of holding onto. Understanding the Dhamma as taught compared to a raft, you should let go even of Dhammas, to say nothing of non-Dhammas.”
A meditation method is a device, like the raft, that serves the purpose of unveiling your innate meditative awareness; in the process, you shed harmful behaviors and patterns that impede your intelligence, happiness, and growth. In Zen, it is said that a meditation method is like a thorn one uses to remove another thorn lodged in the skin; when the job is done, both thorns are discarded.
Methods can appear counterintuitive and often involve recognizing and challenging your existing beliefs and preconceived notions, which can be difficult at first – but that is the whole point, so that you can peel back the layers of conditioning and unlearn the habits, beliefs, and automatic patterns which are destructive. To overcome this difficulty, the methods should be tried experimentally, just as a scientist would tentatively accept a hypothesis and then perform the experiment to see what happens.
In terms of the metaphor of the raft, try the method just as you would tentatively trust and try the raft to see if it can help you cross the river. In some cases you may even need to tweak the raft to get it to work for you. But once you have crossed over, the raft should not be carried with you. In other words, methods are not objectively true, but in a subjective sense, they can reveal truths to you that are profoundly meaningful, beautiful, eye-opening, and even life-changing. The effects of meditation, when done properly and consistently, are not only intellectual and emotional, but existential.
Different methods are different only in their paths. All methods lead to the same underlying meditative awareness. As you go deeper, the methods start to merge together, but on the surface they appear very different, even contradictory. It is rather like using a map to find your way home. The particular route you take depends on where you are starting from; no single route is absolutely right or wrong. As such, there is no fixed number of meditation methods. Although the destination is the same, the starting points are many, and constantly changing.
Our deeper inner nature is peaceful, joyful, and radiant, but is blocked by unconsciousness and conditioned learning. Meditation, through various methods, helps uncover and unblock your original self.
Methods aren’t meant to be just read and understood, but rather to be tried and implemented experimentally. This difference is similar to, for example, reading about how to ride a bicycle versus actually getting on the bike and pedaling. Unless and until you actually do it, you cannot really get it. It takes some courage, some trial and error, and some practice, but once you get the knack of it, the benefit is instantly evident.
With sufficient practice, one starts to find new insights and methods spontaneously and intuitively. These kinds of insights and methods are extremely valuable because they came to you organically and are uniquely attuned and custom-fitted to you. They may make sense and work only for you, often only at certain points in time. These original methods should not be discounted but rather be implemented sincerely – they will often work better than other ready-made methods. This is the true art of meditation: to be able to practice not just one or two methods, but to apply the underlying methodology on objects, situations, and experiences that are unique to you or completely new, and not specifically addressed by known methods.
This collection of methods is just a small sample, and intentionally concise, meant not only as a reference guide but also to show the variety and kinds of methods possible. Indeed, these methods are meant to give you a solid foundation so that you can navigate and create your own unique individual journey of meditation.