Question

Briefly describe the characteristics of the two types of Buddhist meditation practice; the Mindfulness meditation with gradual enlightenment and the Hwadu Seon practice with sudden enlightenment.

Then, examine its potential usefulness for modern practitioners; in other words, if you are the one who wants to meditate, which type of meditation would you prefer? and why?

Answer 1

Mindfulness meditation:

Mindfulness is that state in which we slowly remove our wandering minds from things they concentrate on and put them back to things that we need to concentrate on. That is, it is a process where we focus our mind on one particular thing slowly but gradually. This type of meditation takes a lot of time to enlighten.

Suddden enlightenment:

Sudden enlightenment can be compared to awareness. Unlike mindfulness where mind focuses on one thing, awareness is when mind suddenly focuses on a 360 degree view. It is like a person is suddenly aware of a process. It is sudden and happens immediately.

I would choose mindful meditation because even if it takes more time it is an art or practice of ultimate focus. Once it is achieved, it stays forever and it is a very powerful art that gives greater results.