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Buddhist vs Vedic Meditation
Buddhist meditation is one of the oldest and richest traditions in the world, and it covers many different techniques. Here is what it is, how it is practised, and how it compares to the effortless, mantra-based Vedic technique.
What is Buddhist meditation?
Buddhist meditation refers to the practices developed within Buddhism, which traces to the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, some 2,500 years ago.
Its aim is insight, wisdom and, ultimately, liberation from suffering. It is usually practised alongside ethical conduct, mindfulness in daily life, and study of the Buddhist teachings.
How Buddhist meditation is practised
- Mindfulness and insight (Vipassana), non-judgmental awareness of the present
- Loving-kindness (Metta), cultivating compassion toward yourself and others
- Concentration (Samatha), focused attention on a chosen object
- Walking meditation, attention on each step and the body
- Body scan, systematic awareness from head to toe
Buddhist vs Vedic meditation
The benefits of learning Vedic meditation
- Stress reduction
- Mental clarity and focus
- Increased creativity
- Greater wellbeing and happiness
- Improved physical health
- Emotional resilience
The science
Vedic meditation is the same mantra technique studied as Transcendental Meditation, so it is among the most researched meditation practices.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found meditation programmes produce small to moderate reductions in anxiety, depression and stress.
Goyal et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2014 ↗A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found Transcendental Meditation significantly reduces trait anxiety, with the largest effects in people with high anxiety.
Orme-Johnson & Barnes, Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 2014 ↗
Common questions
What is the main difference between Buddhist and Vedic meditation?
Buddhist meditation usually involves active practices like mindfulness, insight or concentration, aimed at wisdom and liberation. Vedic meditation uses a silent personal mantra to settle the mind effortlessly, aimed at deep rest and reduced stress. One takes effort; the other does not.
Do I have to be Buddhist to practise Vedic meditation?
No. Vedic meditation is taught as a secular technique. You do not have to adopt any belief. You learn the skill and your nervous system does the rest.
Which is easier to learn?
Vedic meditation is effortless and you can practise on your own from the very first session. Many Buddhist techniques are rewarding but ask for sustained concentration and practice.
Try the effortless approach.
The simplest way to feel the difference is to begin. Start free with the 14-day Reset, or learn the full technique with Sam.