An Intro to Meditation and How it Works with Phra Pandit [S6.E48]

Ed interviews our favorite expert on Buddhism, Phra Pandit. This
time the focus is on meditation, exactly what it is, and what
role it plays in the Buddhist religion as a whole. Phra Pandit
begins with explaining the basic difference between meditation
and prayer: meditation is a form of mental training in which the
meditator focuses on an 'object of meditation,' such as the
breath, and attempts to build up concentration and focus on that
object. 


However, meditation ultimately has a spiritual goal of 'union
with God' or what Phra Pandit refers to as a 'super mundane'
mental state. (And you thought the Bangkok Podcast was all about
durian jokes.) Phra Pandit makes clear though that Buddhism as a
religion is a very broad community and only a portion of Buddhist
believers are seriously interested in meditation.


Ed queries Phra Pandit about such issues as the scientific
studies of mediation, the popularity of 'mindfulness' in the
corporate world and whether it is good or bad, and the best way
to begin a meditation practice. Some issues, such as the pros and
cons of meditation retreats have to be left for another day, but
be sure to listen in for future episodes. 


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