Meditation practice, according to the literal meaning of the Tibetan term, is "mental stabilization." In order to develop a stable mind, it is necessary to begin by abandoning attachment to sense objects and distracting activities. To do this, we enter into retreat, restraining our desires and learning to be satisfied with what we have. We sit down in the meditation posture and observe perfect silence; this way the mind can learn to abide in single-pointed concentration, whether on lucid emptiness, absence of fixation, the coming and going of the breath, contemplation of an aspect of Buddha, seed syllables, points of light, or other objects of meditation.
— Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche, Luminous Mind