Meditation
Buddhists meditate in order to become kinder and wiser. With regular meditation they can become calmer and more relaxed and more aware of themselves, other people and the world around them. They can think more clearly, concentrate for longer and
understand their feelings better. Greater awareness helps them to practise the Five Precepts: they can make wiser and kinder choices about how to behave. Knowing that they have acted kindly and wisely helps them relax when they meditate.
With stiller minds, they find they understand the Buddha’s teachings more, have a better effect on others and suffer less. Eventually, Buddhists hope they will have perfectly still and clear minds, like that of a Buddha.
It is traditional to sit on cushions on the floor to meditate. This is the custom in many eastern countries, and it gives a feeling of balance so that when you relax, you do not fall over! If the floor is hard, they may put a mat under them. Some meditators feel more comfortable on upright chairs.
In the teachers' section of this website there are some non-religious 'stilling exercises' you can do with your class or ar home. They will give you an idea of what meditation is like for Buddhists.