Samadhi

Meaning

Samādhi 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 (sammā-samādhi) is connected to concentration practices such as mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati).

Doctrinal context

Key characteristics:

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

In other traditions: the concept of samādhi in Hinduism/Yoga differs somewhat from the Buddhist understanding. Despite similarities, in Yoga samādhi 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

Samādhi is the highest degree of concentration and imperturbable awareness. It is a necessary condition for wisdom practices (paññā); otherwise the mind is too scattered to penetrate into the true nature of phenomena. Without right samādhi, wisdom remains a mere intellectual concept rather than a truth experienced firsthand. The attainment of Nibbāna comes through the combination of samādhi (concentration), paññā (wisdom and insight), and sīla (ethical discipline).