Analyse the relationship between nibbana and meditation - Scottish Highers Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - Question 1 - 2022

Meditation is a critical practice in Buddhism that facilitates a deeper understanding of the mind and cultivates the qualities necessary for attaining nibbana. Through meditation, practitioners develop mindfulness and insight, which enable them to recognize and let go of attachments and desires.

There are various forms of meditation in Buddhism, such as Samatha (calming meditation) and Vipassana (insight meditation). Samatha focuses on concentration and tranquility, while Vipassana encourages insight into the nature of reality, both contributing to the understanding and realization of nibbana.

The practice of meditation helps individuals extinguish the 'three poisons' of greed, hatred, and delusion, which are fundamental to suffering. By overcoming these poisons through meditation, a practitioner moves closer to achieving nibbana.

In summary, meditation serves as a vital method for understanding and realizing nibbana. It not only aids in the cessation of suffering but also provides a framework for practitioners to embody the teachings of Buddhism, ultimately leading them toward liberation.