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Nibbana is regarded as the ultimate goal of any Buddhist. It is the state of the mind released from all sufferings of mind phenomenon. But how to attain this state. Some say that meditation is a must implemented, but some just only mention what you need is only mindfulness in your daily life. Some practice koan . There are some people viewing what you truly need is developing your wisdom. What are u practicing now? and your experience and progress? Could you share ?
Nibbana is a pali word of Nirvana.
I have practiced Vipassana (insight meditation) in accordance with Phra Ajahn Mahasri Sayadaw lineage (Burma). Vipassana is based on Maha Satipathan ( four modes of mindfulness). It encourages Jahna (the stages of mind phenomenon). The result of practice affects to my mind changing. It minimizes anger, lust, anxiety (harmful aspects in mind). I do not know whether this is true path as mentioned in canon.
Mindfulness is one of mysterious aspects of practice. Is it just only consciousness? If so, what are we being aware of ? Our body which is continuously moving? or our wandering thoughts? Or our feelings, anger, uncomfortable,etc. or all of them but how to do all of them at present moment? This is a very difficult question for me. Sometimes it is very confusing not peaceful.
The outcome of Jahna results in the rapidity of mindfulness. Once, you often forget what are you doing or thinking but after practice covering all the stages of Jahna, you will discover that you can feel what you are thinking and doing. This means you begins to release from thoughts causing your sufferings.
As you mentioned, we cannot discuss about the phenomenon occurring during practice. It is limited by using words. The main focus is emphasized on the experience of practice. However, in Theravada, can I sum up these key issues of practice that should be taken into account :
1.Mahasatipathan (Mindfulness)
2.Jhannas (The outcome of practice mahasatipathan)
This shows that Jhannas is the most important
area that one should achieve in .
Traditionally, in Theravada countries classified
jhanna in sixteen stages: I have only Thai version and cannot find English version on webs. So this may rely on the master who provide guidedance.

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For those who are well experienced in meditation, what are some advanced techniques / types of meditation that one can learn and practice eventually?

I have taken up meditation, and so far have learned and been practicing the Buddhist "Mindfulness of Breathing" technique. However, I have heard this referred to as a foundation that is used in other meditative practices, and am curious if someone can describe what some higher types of meditation can be, where they are taught, etc (I live in New England if you know of any centers in my area).

In particular, I am curioius if there is any form of meditation in which you focus on expanding a specific idea, instead of trying to clear your head of all thoughts - i.e. can I motivate on an idea for writing and expand on it creatively through meditation.

Thanks
Thanks for the feedback

VAL - can you provide a source or information regarding where one can learn Shaman based meditations?
Rayne - Did your boyfriend go to the Maharishi (sp?) center in Fairfield, IA? Small world, I am from Iowa and lived in fairfield for a short time. Its typical small town Iowa, but then you drive down this long gravel road through cornfields, and suddenly there are the Middle-Eastern palace type buildings everywhere, strangest thing…. Thanks for the info friend.

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Zen Meditation in Plain English"
By: John Daishin Buksbazen ?

Have been practicing Mindfulness Meditation for a Year now, and been a Student of Buddhism for 9 months [only] - ya, Am a baby Buddhist within, still !

Best, personal source for Mindfulness Meditation comes from:

http://www.vipassana.com/meditation/mindfulness_in_plain_english.php

Simply, sharing in a friendly manner.

* ZEN Buddhists: "What are the differences in the meditative practices between Mindfulness Meditation and Zen Meditation ?
What are the various techniques, traditions that are encorporated in Zen meditation ?
Enjoy learning.

Is it Best to Read the Book: "Zen Buddhism In Plain English" which was recommended in the back of the book "Mindfulness in Plain English" ? Will buy it, if this is the only or best means of learning.

Are their some Excellent websites you prefer, which you can also refer me to ?

* Have "Present Moment Wonderful Moment" & "Miracle of Mindfulness"
Zen Author

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