There are several general types of meditation. In order to engage in any of them effectively, we need to know with precision and decisiveness the exact state of mind that we wish to generate. The details include knowing what to focus on, what are the details concerning this focal object, how should our minds relate to it, what will help to develop this state, what will hinder it, what is its application once this state of mind is achieved and what will it eliminate. We also need to arrange the proper conditions for meditating, the appropriate posture and seat, and how to begin and end our sessions.