[CicyHannyCeli]

As I am new to Buddhism, I am also new to meditation.

I know many elements to meditation, but I do not understand their significance. Perhaps if someone could explain them to me, it would better help me understand what im actually trying to do, rather than just seemlingly 'randomly meditating'.

- Focus on Breathing seems to be a common element to most basic instructions on meditation. Why? Should all I be trying to do is focus 100% on my breathing? What will this accomplish? Will I "feel" anything or any sensations? And does enlightenment simply "happen" one day after years of random practicing?

- Posture seems to be another big element. Why is it so strict? Can one not meditate slouched over, or laying down? I find, in the few attempts I have made at meditation and focus on breathing so far, is that when I get to a certain point where my breathing really starts to slow down, I naturally slouch over to a more relaxed position. Should I fight this urge and force a straight back? Does 'flexing' your back musscles to sit straight up not break concentration?

- I have decided to commit to trying to meditate at least for 15 minutes every day. What should I be trying to accomplish as my first goals? How long will they take me to accomplish (should I be expecting results soon? in years?)? And please be as specific as possible when answering this questioning. Saying something simple like "focus on clearing your mind" or "just focus on breathing", perhaps will leave me confused as to what my 'goal' in doing it is, what im accomplishing, or what I should be expecting to feel or experience.

I have experimented with meditation in the past before I discovered Buddhism, and I felt then that I was just randomly following the outlined steps but without really knowing what i was doing or what the expect from it, and therefore I didnt really experience/accomplish anything. Sure, I was more calm for that moment, but once the meditation ended I felt back to the same mental state I was in previous to it. So perhaps some guidance or further information on this topic will actually help me get something out of it.

Thanks guys,