“The eighth factor of the
path, samadhi, is one of the Buddha’s most misunderstood teachings.
Concentration is often taken to imply a volitional placement of the mind upon
an object, a tightly focused state of mind. Many teachers and practices are
influenced by this view. In fact, the Buddha taught that the mind is
concentrated – naturally united and settled – when it is happy and calm. He
said:
For one who is joyful,
there is no need for an act of will: ‘May my body be serene!’ It is a natural
law that the body will be serene for one who is joyful.
For one of serene body,
there is no need for an act of will: ‘May I feel happiness!’ It is a natural
law that one who is serene will feel happiness.
For one who is happy,
there is no need for an act of will: ‘May my mind be concentrated!’ It is a
natural law for one who is happy that the mind be concentrated.
For one who is
concentrated, there is no need for an act of will: ‘May I know and see things
as they really are!’ It is a natural law for one with a concentrated [calm and
unified] mind to know and see things as they really are.
This teaching points
toward the ease and calm inherent in samadhi.”
Kramer G. “Insight dialogue. The interpersonal path to freedom.” Shambhala, Boston, 2007.
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| Ronen Golan www.dpreview.com |
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