Kamalashila's Five Basic Methods are:

(1) Mindfulness of Breathing

(2) Metta Bhavana

(3) Contemplation of Impermanence, including:

-contemplation of a decomposing corpse

-reflection on death

-reflection on the Tibetan Book of the Dead "Root Verses"

-contemplations of mental states and external objects,

(4) Six Element Practice (earth, water, air, fire, space, "consciousness"),

(5) Contemplation of conditionality visualization, including:

-visualizations of Bodhissatvas

-kasina meditations,-recollection of the Buddha,

-visualization of the Six-Element Stupa.

http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/meditation.html offers this simple guide for beginners to try out meditation:

“The most basic form of meditation involves attending to one's breath. Begin by sitting in a simple chair, keeping your back erect if you can. The more traditional postures are the lotus position, sitting on a pillow with each foot upon the opposite thigh, and variations such as the half lotus (one foot on the opposite thigh, the other out in front of the opposite knee). This is difficult for many people. Some people kneel, sitting back on their legs or on a pillow between their legs. Many use a meditation bench: kneel, then place a little bench beneath your behind. But meditation is also done while standing, slowly walking, lying on the floor, or even in a recliner! Traditionally, the hands are placed loosely, palms up, one on top of the other, and with the thumbs lightly touching. This is called the cosmic mudra, one of a large number of symbolic hand positions. You may prefer to lay them flat on your thighs, or any other way that you find comfortable. Your head should be upright, but not rigid. The eyes may be closed, or focussed on a spot on the ground a couple of feet ahead of you, or looking down at your hands. If you find yourself getting sleepy, keep your eyes open! Beginning meditators are often asked to count their breath, on the exhale, up to ten. Then you begin back at one. If you loose track, simply go back to one. Your breath should be slow and regular, but not forced or artificially controlled. Just breathe naturally and count.” http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/meditation.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_meditation http://www.wildmind.org/