Shamatha meditation
- Andreea Dumitru
- May 19, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 4, 2023
Shamatha meditation, also known as calm-abiding meditation, is a form of mindfulness meditation that involves developing attentional stability and calmness. Here is a three-step Shamatha meditation practice:
Setting the intention: Start by selecting the intention for your meditation session. You can do this by taking a few deep breaths and silently setting the intention to develop a calm and stable mind.
Focus on the breath: Once you've set your intention, bring your attention to the breath. You can focus on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the body, or you can count the breaths (inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of two, exhale for a count of six, for example). The key is to keep your attention on the breath and gently bring your mind back to the breath whenever it wanders.
Cultivate mindfulness: As you focus on the breath, cultivate mindfulness by being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without getting caught up in them. When you notice your mind has wandered, simply bring it back to the breath and start again.
Start with 5-10 minutes of practice and gradually increase the time as you feel comfortable. Over time, this practice can help cultivate inner peace and stability, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and concentration.
