Concentration meditation (shamatha) has nine stages of mental development starting with the mind mostly off its object. With the second stage the mind is equally on and off the object. By the third stage the mind is mostly on the object, and by the forth stage always on the object. By the fifth stage the mind is firmly on the object, and the sixth enhances mental clarity, which becomes complete on the seventh stage. On the eighth stage the mind is fully stable on the object and clear but effort to maintain this is required. On the ninth stage effort is no longer required. Full concentration with clarity happens naturally.
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness is now a household term yet most people do not know what it means. This is bolstered by the fact that different experts define it differently. The Tibetan word is ‘tenpa,’ which can also […]
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2018 Mar. 29 Shantideva
Mar. 29, 2018 Shantideva Shantideva “A Guide to the Boddhisattva’s Way of Life” is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist texts regarding compassion. Dr. Barry Kerzin who is an American doctor and Tibetan monk, […]
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Meditation and mindfulness
Meditation and mindfulness are like dance-partners. They each support the other gracefully. There are two types of meditation: focused (shamatha) and contemplative (analytical). Focused meditation also is translated as calm abiding, concentration, and single-pointed meditation. […]