If you want an effective meditation practice, you need to know these essentials: Observation of Facts Consciousness (Soul, Buddha nature, Essence, Awareness, Perception) The Tree of Life (Kabbalah), the Wheel of Becoming (Bhavachakra), and the many dimensions of nature Levels of spiritual instruction (Sutrayana, Mahayana, Tantrayana) Concentration, Imagination, Liberation (Shamatha, Vipashyana, Samadhi / Calm Abiding and Insight) Three Higher Trainings: Ethics, Meditation, Profound Wisdom (Sila, Samadhi, Prajna)