Samadha

Samadha, sometimes transliterated as Samādha, is a Pali and Sanskrit term that refers to a state of meditative absorption. It is a core concept in various schools of Buddhism and Hinduism, often considered a crucial element for achieving enlightenment or liberation.

In general terms, Samadha signifies a concentrated and unified state of mind, free from distractions and mental agitation. It is a state of deep stillness and tranquility, cultivated through various meditative practices. The level and depth of Samadha can vary, ranging from a relatively focused attention to profound and altered states of consciousness.

In the context of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism, Samadha constitutes the eighth factor, encompassing Right Concentration. It is through the development of Right Concentration that one can cultivate wisdom and insight. This involves training the mind to focus on a single object of meditation, gradually deepening the concentration and eventually leading to altered states of consciousness known as the jhanas.

Within the jhanas, the meditator experiences increasing levels of bliss and detachment from the external world. These states are not ends in themselves but are tools for developing wisdom and understanding the true nature of reality. Different traditions and schools of thought may offer varying descriptions and interpretations of the jhanas and the specific practices used to attain them.

In Hindu traditions, particularly in Yoga, Samadhi represents the final limb of Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga. It is considered the ultimate goal of yogic practice, a state of complete union with the divine or the true self. In this context, Samadhi is a transcendental state of consciousness where the individual self dissolves into the universal consciousness. It is a state of profound peace, bliss, and liberation from suffering. Similar to Buddhist concepts, various types of Samadhi exist within different schools of Hindu philosophy, each with its own nuances and interpretations.