Shamatha Training

Service Description

IN PERSON and ONLINE 29th August 2026 9.30am - 11.30am A simple attention exercise is to Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and gently bring your attention to the breath. For a moment, let the breath be your only point of reference. What usually happens is that our attention may rest on the breath for only a few seconds before the mind begins to produce clutter -A later task comes to mind. - A recent conversation starts replaying -You question whether the meditation is working Often, we only realise the mind has scattered when attention returns to the breath. Our everyday experience of attention deficit ruminating is where shamatha meditation begins. The Shamatha approach is to train attention. Shamatha, from the Sanskrit śamatha, means “calm abiding.” Its Tibetan equivalent, shi-né, points to meditative stillness: a mind that rests in deep tranquillity, not merely silenced. Shamatha practice is a systematic integral approach to working with the mind, like the roots of a tree, its trunk, and external foliage they are interconnected. First Level - Relaxation and learning to let go: The first step into Shamatha, which is crucial and especially important for anyone living with the speed, pace and pressure of modern life. Second Level – Learning how to Stabilise the Mind: Once relaxation is in place, stability can naturally arise. This means sustaining focus intentionally and steadily, without becoming side tracked. The impetus on physical stillness begins to ruminate on this level. Third Level – Clarity: A mind that is sharp and lucid, born from relaxation and stability without them tension remains. These three qualities develop together: as relaxation deepens, stability strengthens, and the luminous, clarity aspect of the mind becomes vivid.