What did you think about mediation before reading chapter 2?

To me, it is a way of relaxing your hinengaro, wairua and tinana into a state of balance between “mauri tau” and “mauri oho”. This allows you to stay focused and be in the present. (follow this link for a basic definitions of the kupu ‘wairua’ and ’mauri’). I also thought of it as a way of seeking enlightenment and true understanding of oneself.

What new things have you learnt about mediation?

It further emphasised the benefits of mindfulness for a person as a whole and that it's something that you can build on or train.

Did any of the suggested mediation techniques stand out to you?

Not really, I already use deep breathing to clear my mind/relax and focus on whats at hand. Although I did like parts of the Process Model of Mindfulness Meditation.

Any other musings?

A thought that comes to mind for me personally is comparing parts of the meditation process to when you are laying in bed trying to go to sleep. First you start by telling yourself to go to sleep, so you go through waves of slow deep breathing and trying to clear/calm your mind, all of a sudden you might have all these other whakaro come into your head, at the same time your tell yourself that you need to go to sleep. Back to square one with deep breathing and clearing/calming your mind until you are fully relaxed... nek minute your a sleep.
Here are a couple of the Dalai Lama quotes:

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple, the philosophy is kindness.”