The Gandhara Buddhists practiced various forms of meditation, influenced by both local traditions and the broader Buddhist practices of the time. The primary meditation techniques followed in Gandhara were:
Mindfulness (Sati): Practitioners focused their attention on the present moment, cultivating awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This practice aimed to develop insight and promote a deep understanding of reality.
Concentration (Samadhi): Meditators concentrated their attention on a single object, such as the breath or a visual image, to attain a state of deep mental absorption. This practice aimed to calm the mind and develop focused attention.
Loving-kindness (Metta): This form of meditation involved cultivating feelings of love, compassion, and goodwill towards oneself and others. Practitioners extended these positive emotions to all beings, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and universal compassion.
Contemplation (Vipassana): Meditators engaged in contemplative practices, examining the nature of reality and the impermanent and interconnected nature of all phenomena. This practice aimed to gain insight into the true nature of existence and overcome suffering.
Gandhara Buddhists may have also practiced walking meditation (Kinhin), where they combined mindfulness and concentration while walking slowly and mindfully. It's important to note that specific details of Gandhara Buddhist meditation practices may vary, as they were influenced by individual teachers and the evolving traditions of Buddhism.
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