Gotama Siddhattha was also considered to reach enlightenment through Dhyana (Meditation), and it had been thought to be important for ascetic practices of Buddhism as one of the 'San-gaku' (indispensable three practices when learning the teachings of the Buddha) (commandment, jo and wisdom) in Hynayana Buddhism and as one of the Rokuharamitsu (Charity, Morality, Endurance, Diligence, Mediation and Wisdom) in Mahayana Buddhism.
ゴータマ・シッダッタも禅定によって悟りを開いたとされ、部派仏教においては「三学」（戒・定・慧）の一つとして、また、大乗仏教においては「六波羅蜜」（布施・持戒・忍辱・精進・禅定・智慧）の一つとして、仏道修行に欠かせないものと考えられてきた。