Entering Shamatha Meditation

By Victor M Fontane

Shamatha meditation consists of turning inwards in order to cultivate peace and calm in the mind. Developing this kind of focus can help to lay the foundation for other types of meditation practices. While it may be difficult to still our thoughts at first, Tibetan Buddhist monk Khenpo Sherab Sangpo encourages beginners to keep practicing with advice from his book, The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism.

“When you practice meditative concentration, your thoughts may flow very strongly—like a stream rushing down a steep mountain— and it may be difficult for the mind to be still. At that time, you must not become discouraged."