Concentration (Buddhism)

In Buddhism equated with [samadhi]

, concentration is the centering of consciousness and all that it entails, properly and evenly on a single object. One must be clear that the mind is not, in fact, "directed" at the object of concentration nor are other objects consciously avoided, this is a resting of the mind on and a uniting with the object as the mind's activity is progressively calmed to allow an awareness of the non-duality of subject-object to arise. The "observer" experiences "being" the observed. This state needs to be experienced before true absorption - [dhyana]

, [jhana]

- can arise.

The term samadhi is used both to describe a state of mind, in particular [samma-samadhi]

or right concentration, and the method designed to induce this state. It is thus used in a different sense from the same term in Hinduism and yoga (separately described). In the Path of Purity it is defined as profitable unification of the mind or collectedness of moral thought. The characteristic is lack of distraction and it arises from a state of bliss. It is a state of pure mind, a necessary preliminary to higher progress towards Arhatship or final emancipation. Samadhi is developed by systematic training which inculcates the habit of mental concentration, resulting in spiritual progress experienced both in and through the human organism and leading to a point at which self illumination supervenes.

One of ten superhuman qualities described in the Sutta Vibhanga as being special attainments of insight above that of ordinary men. According to Hinayana Buddhism, concentration is considered as of one kind (monad), of two kinds (dyads), of three kinds (triads), of four kinds (tetrads) or of five kinds (pentad). There are four dyads, four triads, six tetrads and one pentad (which is an expansion of the third tetrad). All have the property of non-distraction (monad). One of the five constituent factors of jhana, concentration is intensified by the other four constituents and constitutes the one-pointedness of mind that expels sensuous desire.