Samadhi
Samādhi (concentration) has been a significant part of my practice and training. The ability to steady the mind, to gather attention, to rest in collectedness – this is both a support for insight and a taste of temporary freedom in itself.
Training in Samadhi
My understanding of samadhi is rooted in the Pa Auk Sayadaw lineage, which emphasizes the gradual development of calm (samatha) leading to jhāna (deep absorption). Practices I have trained in includes:
These practices calm the mind, steady the attention, and create the conditions for deep insight.
Why Samadhi Matters
The Buddha spoke of samadhi as one of the seven awakening factors, and as a necessary support for wisdom. A scattered mind cannot see clearly. A settled mind can.
In the Soṇa Sutta (AN 6.55), the Buddha compares the mind to a lute string: too tight, it breaks; too loose, it makes no sound. Samadhi is the tuning – neither too tight nor too loose – that allows the mind to resonate freely with present moment experience
Samadhi in Teaching
In retreats and mentoring, samadhi is offered as a resource. For some students, it is the primary support for calming an agitated mind. For others, it is a gateway to deeper insight. For many, it is simply the joy of a mind that has learned to rest.
There is no requirement to develop deep jhāna. But for those who are interested, guidance is available.
Learning More
Samadhi is best learned in practice. In residential retreats, there are opportunities to develop concentration in a supportive environment. In individual mentoring, we can explore what supports your particular mind to settle.
Click below to listen to talk on samadhi:
Training in Samadhi
My understanding of samadhi is rooted in the Pa Auk Sayadaw lineage, which emphasizes the gradual development of calm (samatha) leading to jhāna (deep absorption). Practices I have trained in includes:
- Mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati)
- The brahmavihāras as concentration practices
These practices calm the mind, steady the attention, and create the conditions for deep insight.
Why Samadhi Matters
The Buddha spoke of samadhi as one of the seven awakening factors, and as a necessary support for wisdom. A scattered mind cannot see clearly. A settled mind can.
In the Soṇa Sutta (AN 6.55), the Buddha compares the mind to a lute string: too tight, it breaks; too loose, it makes no sound. Samadhi is the tuning – neither too tight nor too loose – that allows the mind to resonate freely with present moment experience
Samadhi in Teaching
In retreats and mentoring, samadhi is offered as a resource. For some students, it is the primary support for calming an agitated mind. For others, it is a gateway to deeper insight. For many, it is simply the joy of a mind that has learned to rest.
There is no requirement to develop deep jhāna. But for those who are interested, guidance is available.
Learning More
Samadhi is best learned in practice. In residential retreats, there are opportunities to develop concentration in a supportive environment. In individual mentoring, we can explore what supports your particular mind to settle.
Click below to listen to talk on samadhi: