Samadhi

Meaning

Samadhi is concentration and collectedness of mind - a state of complete absorption in which the mind is calm, one-pointed, and free from distraction. It is not a goal in itself but an instrument for developing insight.

As part of the Noble Eightfold Path, right concentration (samma-samadhi) is connected to concentration practices such as mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati).

Doctrinal context

Key characteristics:

• Stability of mind - like still water reflecting everything without distortion.
• Absence of the five hindrances - removal of desire, aversion, sloth, restlessness, and doubt, opening the way to jhana.
• Stages of deepening - from narrow concentration on an object to broad and stable awareness of phenomena.

In other traditions: the concept of samadhi in Hinduism/Yoga differs somewhat from the Buddhist understanding. Despite similarities, in Yoga samadhi is the “highest” point of realization. In Buddhism it is an instrument - a set of concentration practices and a specific mental state of working with attention, with its own attributes and levels.

Practical significance

Samadhi is the highest degree of concentration and imperturbable awareness. It is a necessary condition for wisdom practices (panna); otherwise the mind is too scattered to penetrate into the true nature of phenomena. Without proper samadhi, wisdom remains a mere intellectual concept rather than a truth experienced firsthand. The attainment of nibbana comes through the combination of samadhi (concentration), panna (wisdom and insight), and sila (moral discipline).