... Evidence of meditation is found within the suttas of the Pali canon, in particular the Samannaphala Sutta4 and the Mahasatipatthana Sutta.5 However, an authority on meditation is found within the 'scholastic compendiums'6 of the Visuddhimagga of the Theravadin Buddhagosa (which dates back to the 5th century CE) and the Abhidharmakosa of the Vasubandhu(written in either the 4th or 5th Century CE). However, it is important to note that these sources were created independently, so do not always agree in detail. Though, this possibly, suggests meditation's great importance, throughout the history of Buddhism, in the fulfilment of the Buddhist path. In order to understand the purpose of Buddhist meditation it is essentially important to understand what is meant generally by the term 'Buddhist path'7 what the 'realization'8 of the 'Buddhist path' involves. All Buddhists share a common aim, the obtainment of enlightenment, which subsequently ends samsara, or rebirth. In order ...

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