Public Dharma glossary
Samatha
Pronunciation: SUH-muh-tuh
Canonical definition: Meditation practices that calm the active mind and cultivate sustained absorption (samādhi).
Morphological structure
From √śam, to be calm, quiet, or extinguished; serenity or tranquil concentration.
Canonical usage
Meditation practices that calm the active mind and cultivate sustained absorption (samādhi).
Common misunderstanding
Samatha is not meant to induce dullness or escapism, but to establish a luminous, undisturbed foundation for wisdom.
Practical significance
Calms emotional agitation so reality can be investigated clearly.
Source anchor
AN 4.170; MN 118