There are several main types of Buddhist meditation that you can pursue when you are looking to achieve peace, relaxation and understanding in your own life. The first technique is called the Mindfulness of Breathing. During this type of Buddhist meditation, the practitioner must so fully relax their physical body that the only function they concentrate on is their own pattern of breathing. But putting an entire being’s focus just on the repetitions of breathing in and breathing out and breathing in and breathing out, one can successfully move to a higher plane of consciousness where the physical pains of life are not intrusive.

Another main type of Buddhist meditation includes Contemplation of Impermanence. During this type of Buddhist meditation, the practitioner must direct their mind to reflect upon the complete impermanence of life, which cycles through death and living and death and living continuously as a matter of sustaining mankind. By contemplating the mysteries of the impermanence of life, practitioners of Buddhist meditation are able to remove themselves from every day worries and instead exist at a conscious level where they are simply filled with the power of existing.

One of the most commonly used practices of Buddhist meditation includes visualization. During visualization, you will pick an object to picture in your own mind. The object can be nearly anything at all, but it must be something that you can visual in an all-consuming matter. During visualization, you will leave behind all conscious thoughts and all conscious words and simply focus on a mental picture of your chosen object. When you do so, you will be able to move beyond the physical plane and instead to a state where you become at one with the world around you.

Temples are classified into two main categories: Royal Temples and Common Temples. The Royal Temples were either built by royalty or came under their sponsorship. In Thailand, there are about 200 Royal Temples though there are only six of the highest grade. With its beautiful temples, rich culture and history, great weather, fine food and world-renowned beaches, Thailand is visited by approximately seven million visitors each year. It is a country of approximately sixty million people, with a land area equivalent to that of France. It is undergoing a remarkable economic expansion, with growth rates of approximately 8%-10 % each year.

Tourists and other foreigners should know some basic information before visiting Thailand and especially its temples. Thailand is a Buddhist country where Buddha images are held secret. Sacrilegious acts are punishable by imprisonment even if committed by foreign visitors. Visitors to temples should ensure that they are suitably dressed – no shorts or sing lets and ladies should also cover their arms. Shoes should be removed before entering any building and it would be polite to sit quietly when in the main temple buildings.

When visiting a temple it is polite to seek the permission of the Abbott before taking photographs or entering other than the main area. This can be done by approaching a monk or one of the many helpers found in the temple grounds. Normally permission is granted without seeing the Abbott, but your show of respect by asking, will be returned. If visiting popular temples, such as Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace grounds, there is no need to seek any permission, but you should look out for signs indicating where photography is forbidden.

Wat Phra Kaeo temple is situated in the capital city of Bangkok and is more commonly known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha because it houses a small two foot jade statue of Buddha which rests upon a huge golden alter. The temple is very elaborately decorated with a rich array of colours that are sure to astonish and dazzle all visitors. This Buddhist temple is also significant in that it is the official royal chapel where the revered Thai royal family goes to perform their religious ceremonies.

Wat Traimit, Temple of the Gold Buddha- the most amazing feature of this temple is the fact that the 3 meter tall Buddha image is made up of 5.5 tons of solid gold. It was made about 700 years ago in the Sukhothai period but the image was covered in plaster in fear of the invading Burmese. It was rediscovered about 40 years ago. Besides these one should also visit the Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Ratchabophit, Wat Ratchanatdaram, Wat Thepthidaram , Wat Saket, Wat Mahathat and the Wat Rakhangkositaram.