17th March 2020

Meditation is the most important thing in Buddhism

Meditation is a physical and metal training which many uses to separate themselves from
their thoughts and feelings to get to a state of peacefulness. Meditation is extremely
important in Buddhism as in its highest stages, it combines the discipline of progressively
increased introversion with the insight brought about by wisdom. A major reason as to why
meditation is a central part of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama’s frequent practice of
meditation and how meditation led to his enlightenment. When Siddhartha realised the
cruel reality of the world, he sat under the Bodhi tree and meditated. His meditation was
what brought him to enlightenment and make him a Buddha (enlightened being).

Meditation can help many to reach enlightenment, but it should not be considered a vital
and central part of Buddhism as there are many more elements to Buddhism to consider.
Buddhism is not only about enlightenment but also a guide for Buddhists on how to lead
their lives with teachings of various virtues such as patience, compassion, generosity and
wisdom. To achieve successful meditation and reach enlightenment, one should learn to
practice Buddha’s teachings of generosity and compassion. This is demonstrated by
millennial monks who strongly believe helping others and training their physical and mental
strength with Kung Fu is a better step towards enlightenment. They help others around their
village by spreading awareness about human trafficking and the removal of traditional
barriers has encouraged more nuns to join.

Contrarily, there have research suggesting that meditation is not only a religious element
but has many benefits to one’s mental health as it reduces stress and anxiety. This can also
be shown in Buddha’s teachings, Dhammapada, where it says, “Wonderful, indeed, it is to
subdue the mind, so difficult to subdue, ever swift, and seizing whatever it desires. A tamed
mind brings happiness.” This tells Buddhists that meditation is a process of subduing the
mind which leads to enlightenment as it helps Buddhists to let go of desires and bring them
happiness.

Although meditation is taught by Buddha to be an important step towards enlightenment

for Buddhists, it should not be considered the most important part of Buddhism as the core
values and goal in Buddhism is to understand the truth of suffering and finding
enlightenment. The teachings of the Buddha are aimed solely at liberating sentient beings
from suffering and many Buddhists believe that the core of Buddhism is the Four Noble
Truths. The Four Noble Truths contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings. It was
these four principles that the Buddha came to understand during his meditation under the
bodhi tree. In the first two Noble Truths he diagnosed the problem (suffering) and identified
its cause. This tells us that meditation is of no use if you are unable to understand the four
noble truths and that the four noble truths are more important than meditation.
In conclusion, although meditation is an important part of Buddhism, I think that it is not the
most important as there are so many other teachings and beliefs in Buddhism such as the
Four Noble Truths and meditation is only a step that would help Buddhists towards
enlightenment and being free from suffering.