Meditative concentration

Meditative concentration (Skt. dhyāna; Tib. samten; Wyl. bsam gtan), the fifth of the six paramitas, is defined as the capacity to remain undistracted. It is the topic of the eighth chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.

Subdivisions

The Two Types of Dhyana

There are two types of dhyana: the causal meditative dhyanas (Tib. gyu nyom juk gi samten) and the resultant dhyana levels in which one is reborn (Tib. drebu kyewé samten). The causal meditative dhyanas are the states of meditation that are realized while still here in this world of Jambudvipa. For example, we might reach the meditation of the first or second dhyana. If we can maintain that state of meditation, then when we die we will be reborn in the corresponding first or second dhyana level of the form realm.

The Three Types of Meditative Concentration

Chökyi Drakpa says:

"Meditative concentration includes the childish concentration of those who practise in isolation away from distractions and busyness, but are attached to the experiences of bliss, clarity and absence of thought. There is also the clearly discerning concentration in which emptiness is clung to as an antidote; and the concept-free samadhi of intrinsic reality, which is known as 'the concentration delighting the Tathagatas'. These should be practised successively, in stages."

The Four Dhyanas

Khenpo Pema Vajra says:

• The first dhyana level which is accomplished in this way has five features: conception, discernment, joy, physical wellbeing and samadhi.
  

• The second dhyana, which is even more peaceful, has four features: the perfect clarity in which conception and discernment have been relinquished, joy, physical wellbeing and samadhi.
  

• The third dhyana, which is more peaceful still, has five features: equanimity in which the concept of joy has been abandoned, mindfulness, watchful awareness, physical wellbeing and samadhi.
  

• The fourth dhyana, which is called the ultimate dhyana because it is yet more peaceful, has four features: the neutral sensation in which the sensation of physical wellbeing has been abandoned, mindfulness, the mental formation of equanimity, and samadhi.