Right Concentration: Objects

The Buddha gives many examples of objects of meditation, and these are quite different from one another and may be selected by a teacher for individuals who are at different stages of attainment, are in different circumstances, have different cravings and aversions, and diverse characters. To give some examples: one could focus on an external object such as a pebble, a leaf, a bowl of water or earth, a candle flame, or a sound; or an internal object such as an afterimage of a candle-flame, or an invented image in the mind such as a figure of the Buddha or a ball of light. An exercise in focussing on a slowly drying leaf is provided, intimating at the important Buddhist concept of ‘impermanence’. It is explained why not all objects need be pleasant, since a great deal is learned from our self-aware responses to the unpleasant. In this chapter guidance is given on bringing together the basics to start regular meditation at home or work.