Samadhi

[morningstar2651]

Due to the abject lack of interesting discussions related to Non-Christian religion, I figured I'd start one up.

What is Samadhi? How does one attain Samadhi? How does one know when they have attained Samadhi?

 

[raffster]

Due to the abject lack of interesting discussions related to Non-Christian religion, I figured I'd start one up.

What is Samadhi? How does one attain Samadhi? How does one know when they have attained Samadhi?

Samadhi in Zen Buddhism is reaching a point of single-mindedness, being still and fully present in the "now". Beginners in Zen like myself are prescribed to do the "counting the breath" technique while doing zazen (seated meditation). Reaching samadhi is the first stage or level in realizing or "attaining" enlightenment. Samadhi just to be clear is not yet enlightenment itself. It is merely the first barrier to enter in the "pursuit" of enlightenment.

Many Zen Buddhists say that a Zen practitioner isn't truly a Zen practitioner until they have at least reached Samadhi. I believe the reason for this is that it is very logical to assume that unless you can keep your mind focused on being still, it will be impossible to attain the deeper levels/stages of enlightenment. In the Zen school, Kensho is next where mind and body fall away completely. At the end of the road there is what is known as Satori or full awakening.

 

[MercuryAndy]

equilibrium

 

[vajradhara]

Namaste Morningstar,

thank you for the post.

What is Samadhi?

this is an interesting term in Buddha Dharma.

Samadhi is a Sanskrit term which means, literally, "to establish or make firm". so, what is being alluded to here is a firmness of mind which is often likened to a single pointed concentration upon a given phenomena.

there are various stages of Samadhi or mental absorption, with the highest being Nirvikalpa-samadhi. when the Buddha Dharma talks about the Jhannas, this is what they are referring to. the Jhannas are the various levels of consciousness which can be acessed through the process of meditation and correspond to certain insights and realizations through the path.

How does one attain Samadhi?

through the process of meditation. Buddhism has two forms of meditive practice, generally, which are called Samatha and Vipassana, calming and insight. what raffster is referring to is part of the Samatha meditation, the calming the mind. in the Suttas, Buddha Shakyamuni advises that the use of the "watching the breath" meditation is the most expedient. once the mind is calm, it can then be turned to Insight into the nature of phenomena or what ever the object is of the meditation.

How does one know when they have attained Samadhi?

Samadhi is not the goal, so there isn't much value in trying to work for the attainment of it, per se. that said, it is through Samadhi that one can engage in the Insight meditation which leads to the higher absorptions in the Jhannas. the Jhannas are, for all intents and purposes, way stations along the path. places to rest whilst planning the next part of the journey.

in point of fact, the attainment of the various powers in Buddhism come through realization and absorption in the Jhannas, the ability to recall all previous arisings, the ability to know the thoughts of others and so forth.

i suppose that the easiest answer to your query is thus:

once you, yourself, have tasted the water; you will know if it is warm or cool.

metta,

~v

 

[raffster]

in point of fact, the attainment of the various powers in Buddhism come through realization and absorption in the Jhannas, the ability to recall all previous arisings, the ability to know the thoughts of others and so forth.

~v

There are actually some martial arts schools (especially in Asian martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do) that teach meditation and don't necessarily realize that they are working towards some type of mental power. In Zen it is called "joriki". When you see a blackbelt chop through slabs of brick with ease or a Zen archer hit with such accuracy the arrow pierces another arrow -- these martial arts practitioners have manifested a degree of Samadhi.

I am currently hoping to develop enough joriki to stay away from Lindt dark chocolates and Godiva ice cream

 

[vajradhara]

Namaste raffster,

thank you for the post.

There are actually some martial arts schools (especially in Asian martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do) that teach meditation and don't necessarily realize that they are working towards some type of mental power.

some years ago, i studied the Northern Long Fist style of Kung fu. i was quite pleased with the training, however, life circumstances dictated a cease in those activities.

meditation, in and of itself, does not lead to absorption in the Jhannas. one must first develop the Paramitas before the firmness of mind is able to be taken into the Jhannas, according to the Suttas. there are, actually, several things which need to be done in order to have the experience of the Jhannas but the Paramitas are prominent in this respect.

In Zen it is called "joriki". When you see a blackbelt chop through slabs of brick with ease or a Zen archer hit with such accuracy the arrow pierces another arrow -- these martial arts practitioners have manifested a degree of Samadhi.

you know... we once had a demonstration at a graduating ceremony where we had to break bricks and wood and that sort of thing. no real meditational techniques are needed other than concentration. of course, meditation helps to develop concentration to the nth degree, so there is no doubt that these beings have amazing powers of concentration developed through their meditational practice.

I am currently hoping to develop enough joriki to stay away from Lindt dark chocolates and Godiva ice cream

do not worry, i'll consume it prior to it reaching you! oh, they make more, i see.

metta,

~v

 

[Tomoz]

In the Raja Yoga teachings of Patanjali (known as 'ashtanga' meaning 'eight limbed') Samadhi is the last of eight steps to realisation. They are:

1) Yama (observing non-violence, truth, no stealing, continence especially in sexual activity and non-attachment to material things)
2) Niyama (practicing purity, happiness, austerities, scripture study and surrender to God)
3)Asana (steady posture)
4)Pranayama (control of the prana, or life force, through the breath)
5)Pratyahara (wihdrawal of the senses)
6)Dharana (focused attention)
7)Dhyana (meditation)
8)Samadhi (the ultimate state of oneness and absorption in which all duality between the soul, God and the universe ceases to exist to theYogi).