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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