Introduction to Samādhi

Samādhi is often translated as "concentration," but this term does not fully encompass its breadth. Samādhi involves a collectedness and unification of mind and body, characterized by well-being and a harmonization of internal energies. Far from being merely a narrowed focus, samādhi can encompass a range of states, from those borne of attention on a single object to those arising from insight and open awareness. This chapter predominantly discusses samādhi related to the steadiness of attention on one point.

The Blessings of Samādhi

The Buddha emphasized samādhi's role in cultivating deep insight. Samādhi is not solely about sharpening the mind to minutely examine phenomena; it is about understanding concepts like emptiness, fabrication, and dependent arising. Experience shows that samādhi has many supportive functions on the path to insight, even though these may not be immediately visible.

A Resource for the Whole Path

Samādhi brings a "juiciness" to practice, providing nourishment and aiding in the letting go of unhelpful attachments. This inner well-being contributes to a confidence in happiness that is less reliant on external conditions. Contrary to expectations, attachment to states of bliss and peace from samādhi is rare; rather, it encourages non-clinging and can give rise to numerous additional benefits extending beyond the meditation practice.

The Significance of Samādhi for Insight Practices

Samādhi contributes several qualities to the citta (heart/mind) which are nearly indispensable for insight practice, such as a stable mind, malleability to view things differently, and a refinement of consciousness that enables work with more subtle aspects of experience. The well-being and emotional cushioning from samādhi also help balance insights that might otherwise become brittle or intense.

A Wise Relationship to Samādhi Practice

Seeing the Bigger Picture

We should view the cultivation of samādhi in a broader context. Early on in samādhi practice, foundational qualities such as patience and perseverance are being developed. Kindness towards oneself and relinquishing the habit of self-judgment are also critical components being nurtured. Awareness of these can maintain inspiration and avoid a contracted view of practice.

Tending to Elements Which Support Samādhi

Samādhi depends on happiness to an extent. It is important to foster elements that contribute to a supportive climate for its development, such as kindness, simplicity, and love of the Dharma. These aspects, though seemingly unrelated, profoundly nourish the citta and are indispensable for cultivating samādhi.

Playfulness and Experimentation

Developing samādhi involves an artful skill akin to learning an instrument. It's essential to allow a quality of play and experimentation, which helps us adapt to changing conditions and remains an integral part of practice. A wise attitude towards the hindrances is also central; understanding they are part of normal human experience helps to not take them personally or get entangled in their narratives.

A Few More Subtle Points about Samādhi Practice

There are many aspects to the art of cultivating samādhi, including dealing with subtle hindrances like sinking (too much calm) and drifting (too much energy), as well as feelings of tightness that suggest a need to balance effort. Becoming sensitive to the whole body, and cultivating an attitude that allows pleasurable feelings to emerge, also supports the unification sought in samādhi. Working with the subtle body—fostering well-being, encouraging pleasure to spread, and unblocking energies—leads towards the enriching depth that samādhi offers.

The Relation between Samādhi and Insight

Insight practice can support the development of samādhi by cutting through craving and clinging, leading to a more settled mind. The interplay between samādhi and insight suggests that they can fluidly complement each other; samādhi can prepare one for states of less fabrication encountered in deep insight practice. However, special care is needed to avoid attachment to the experiences, pleasures, or views associated with both samādhi and insight practices. Understanding fabrication and emptiness deeply is crucial to becoming free from limited perspectives and achieving comprehensive insight.