Buddhists do not want to get into a different state or contact any other realm that may exist, they do it to become more aware. There are many different kinds of meditation, four of them are: Concentrative, Generative, Receptive, and Reflective. (Meditation)
In Concentrative meditation you focus on an object and then ease into the process. There is lots of focus on the breath or any sort of object or sound. Generative meditation is all about “development of loving kindness.” (Meditation) Basically in this mediation you send out good will for yourself and then for others. In Receptive meditation you just sit calmly and do not try to change or do anything, you just are. Lastly, in Reflective meditation you focus on qualities of the Buddha and just go with the flow. (Meditation) In Buddhist temples you have to take off your shoes as a sign of respect. (Buddhist Places) Some other common Buddhist temple guidelines to follow are not to enter the meditation room without being given permission. You also should not set things on the floor and that is why you sit on mats. Turning your back on the shrine is also not a good thing. (Visiting