Samādhāna or ''samādhānam'' ( sa, समाधानम्) is a Sanskrit noun derived from the word, (), and variously means – putting together, uniting, fixing the mind in abstract contemplation on the true nature of the soul, contemplate oneness, concentrated or formless meditation, commitment, intentness, steadiness, composure, peace of mind, complete concentration, clearing up of doubt or replying to the , agreeing or promising, a leading incident, justification of a statement, proof, reconciliation or eagerness.
Meaning
is the single-pointedness of the mind (); it is the state of the mind which one has with a single goal in sight which is gained on the strength of the control of the mind and the senses, withdrawal from worldly pursuits, endurance of life-pangs and faith in the scriptures and teacher’s instructions.
In the
Mahabharata
The ''Mahābhārata'' ( ; sa, महाभारतम्, ', ) is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India in Hinduism, the other being the ''Rāmāyaṇa''. It narrates the struggle between two groups of cousins in the Kuruk ...
(277:6), is explained as the absorption of meditation or as that state of mind in which one has no longer any affection for the world.
Realisation of Brahman
It is one of the four practices for the realisation of
Brahman
In Hinduism, ''Brahman'' ( sa, ब्रह्मन्) connotes the highest universal principle, the ultimate reality in the universe.P. T. Raju (2006), ''Idealistic Thought of India'', Routledge, , page 426 and Conclusion chapter part X ...
() that directs the energy of consciousness towards ''
moksha
''Moksha'' (; sa, मोक्ष, '), also called ''vimoksha'', ''vimukti'' and ''mukti'', is a term in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism for various forms of emancipation, enlightenment, liberation, and release. In its soteriology, ...
'' ('liberation') and not towards ''
siddhi
In Indian religions, (Sanskrit: '; fulfillment, accomplishment) are material, paranormal, supernatural, or otherwise magical powers, abilities, and attainments that are the products of yogic advancement through sādhanās such as meditation ...
'' or ''
vibhuti
In Hinduism, ''vibhuti'' ( sa, विभूति, vibhūti), also called ''bhasma'' or ''thiruneeru'', is sacred ash made of burnt dried wood, burnt cow dung and/or cremated bodies used in Agamic rituals. Hindu devotees apply ''vibhuti'' tradi ...
'' ('accomplishments').
In his
Vivekachudamani (Sloka 26),
Shankara explains that:
The perfect establishment of the ''
buddhi'' always in the pure (''
nirguna'') Brahman (free from all limitations) is said to be , not the indulgence of the mind (not giving free rein to the mind to stray at will).
Six virtues
, which develops mental concentration, is one of the six virtues () that a seeker after truth is expected to develop so as to cultivate the attitude of detachment from all selfish-ends; it develops the ability to hold the mind on a single point. For achieving this qualification the mind is required to be sufficiently trained, and is achieved by the combination of the other five virtues – ''
sama
Sama or SAMA may refer to:
Places
* Sama, Burkina Faso, a town in the Kouka Department, Banwa Province, Burkina Faso
* Sama, China (Sanya), a city in Hainan, China
* Sama, Chalus, a village in Mazandaran Province, Iran
* Sama, Nowshahr, a vil ...
'', ''
dama'', ''
uparati
Uparati, is a Sanskrit word and it literally means "cessation, quietism, stopping worldly action". It is an important concept in Advaita Vedanta pursuit of moksha and refers to the ability to achieve "dispassion",Eliot Deutsch (1980), Advaita Veda ...
'', ''
titiksha
''Titiksha'' or ''titikṣā'' (Sanskrit: तितिक्षा 'forbearance') is defined by the ''Uddhava Gita'' as the "patient endurance of suffering." In Vedanta philosophy it is the bearing with indifference all opposites such as pleasure ...
'' and ''
śraddhā
Śraddhā ( sa, श्रद्धा) is often glossed in English as ''faith''. ''Āsthā'' is used for faith, religious beliefs and God. The term figures importantly in the literature, teachings, and discourse of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism ...
''.
Shankara defines it as a state of poise and tranquility that the mind gains when it is trained to revel continuously in the concept of a perfect ideal, at once universal and omnipotent.
See also
*
Samadhi
''Samadhi'' (Pali and sa, समाधि), in Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and yogic schools, is a state of meditative consciousness. In Buddhism, it is the last of the eight elements of the Noble Eightfold Path. In the Ashtanga Yoga ...
*
Abstinence
Abstinence is a self-enforced restraint from indulging in bodily activities that are widely experienced as giving pleasure. Most frequently, the term refers to sexual abstinence, but it can also mean abstinence from alcohol, drugs, food, etc.
...
*
Mettā
*
Vidyā (Clarity)
*
Yoga philosophy (Epistemology)
References
{{Indian philosophy, state=collapsed
Vedanta
Sanskrit words and phrases
Hindu philosophical concepts