The Buddha was very clear on this in the Satipatthana Sutta (The Foundations of Mindfulness):
This is the only way, monks, for the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow and lamentation, for the destruction of suffering and grief, for reaching the right path, for the attainment of Nibbana, namely, the four foundations of mindfulness.
"This is the only way, monks" is a translation of the Pali
EKYĀNO AYAṀ BHIKKHAVE MAGGO
There are different interpretations to what is meant by this:
- There is no other way leading to nibbana (= "Awakening") than Satipatthana
- This way must be practiced by oneself alone
- This way is not crooked, it's the direct/shortest way to nibbana
At the end of the teaching he says:
"Now, if anyone would develop these four frames of reference in this way for seven years, one of two fruits can be expected for him: either gnosis right here & now, or — if there be any remnant of clinging/sustenance — non-return.
"Let alone seven years. If anyone would develop these four frames of reference in this way for six years... five... four... three... two years... one year... seven months... six months... five... four... three... two months... one month... half a month, one of two fruits can be expected for him: either gnosis right here & now, or — if there be any remnant of clinging/sustenance — non-return.
"Let alone half a month. If anyone would develop these four frames of reference in this way for seven days, one of two fruits can be expected for him: either gnosis right here & now, or — if there be any remnant of clinging/sustenance — non-return.
So practicing Satipatthana would be the best option for you. For a basic understanding of the practice you can read the original teachings itself, and read/listen to explanations by other teachers like these
- Ajahn Sumedho: Talk on mindfulness
- Bhikkhu Bodhi: Talk on the Noble Eightfold Path
- "How To Meditate" by Ven. Yuttadhammo
Of course the only thing that really matters is your actual practice of meditation and mindfulness.
