Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

the teachings of the Lesser Vehicle, passing on to that of
the Greater, and finally coming to the Diamond Vehicle
instructions. In all, we have found that preparation
precedes practice.
Now from this pinnacle, we shall pass downwards again
in examining preparations, first in the various religions
outside Saddharma and then with regard to worldly
learning.
D. PREPARATIONS IN OTHER RELIGIONS
In the religions apart from the Dharma of the Buddhas,
even though as systems they contain only incomplete
spiritual instructions, must still contain some
preparations made for the practice of their own
meditations. The little evidence of this offered here is
not intended to be comprehensive but only as selected
examples to call attention to necessity taught by all
religious teachers of first laying down secure
foundations before commencing practice.
1. Hinduism: the eightfold training of Patanjali, known
as Astangayoga, is widely known and frequently
referred to in books on the yoga of that religion. The
first four degrees are preparation for the later stages,
thus: Yama (control), niyama (restraint), asana (posture),
pranayama (breath-control), pratyahara (withdrawal);
are preliminary to dharana (concentration) dhyana
(meditation) and samadhi (equanimity).
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