Samatha means calm. Samatha meditation is an effective but gentle way of training the mind to develop inner strength and freedom from turmoil.

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The purpose of Samatha meditation is to calm, brighten, stabilize, and purify the mind. Over time, those mental qualities make it possible for us to cultivate clearer, wiser ways of seeing things and kinder, more skilful ways of acting in the world. By this gradual process, the meditator develops a greater capacity for happiness and freedom from the habits and compulsions that give rise to unnecessary suffering and stress, both for oneself and for others.

 

The Buddha taught that when the mind is calmed and purified by Right Concentration, supported by Right Mindfulness, it is natural for Liberating Insight to arise. For this reason, Samatha meditation is an integral component of the traditional Buddhist path to inner peace and freedom.

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There are several different methods of Samatha meditation. The practice taught at the Alameda Center is based on a structured, progressive method of increasingly focused and refined attention to the breath. This method has its roots in the Theravadin Buddhist traditions of Southeast Asia but it may be practiced by anyone, regardless of belief.

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More Information

For more information about this meditation practice in North America, please see: https://samathameditation.org.
For Great Britain and Europe, please see:
https://samatha.org.

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The Alameda Center for Buddhist Meditation is managed by the California Samatha Association under the direction of the Samatha Foundation of North America, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. The Center is wholly supported by voluntary contributions. All teaching is offered free of charge.

 

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