Date:10/12/2024 10/13/2024
Location: Star Ocean Meditation Center
Teacher: Sara
Sitting Meditation
The Practice of Samatha: The Path to Mental Calm
Samatha is not suppressing thoughts, but allowing the mind to settle naturally. When chasing stops, calm appears. The essence of samatha is cessation of pursuit, not creation of emptiness.
1. Bodily Stability as the Starting Point
When the body is settled, the mind can rest.
Postural stability supports calm.
Without it, stillness is difficult.
2. Breathing as the Anchor
Breath is natural, continuous, and accessible.
An anchor prevents scattering.
This is the basic method.
3. Non-Interference as Principle
Do not suppress or chase thoughts.
Know their coming and going.
Calm emerges naturally.
4. Patience as Strength
Restlessness is normal.
Allowing it leads to calm.
Patience sustains practice.
5. Awareness as Safeguard
Calm is not dullness.
Awareness keeps stability alive.
Dullness is deviation.
6. Continuity as Emphasis
Calm develops over time.
One session defines nothing.
Consistency matters.
7. Relaxation as Deepening
Seeking calm creates tension.
Relaxation deepens stillness.
This marks transition.
8. Natural Resting as Completion
No further adjustment is needed.
The mind rests on its own.
Calm becomes natural.
Summary
Samatha is not fabricated calm, but the result of ceasing pursuit. When grasping stops, tranquility appears.
