Week 5 - Concentration

The perfection of mental stabilization - CONCENTRATION

Definition: Concentration is a mental factor that is capable of abiding one-pointedly on an object of virtue without distraction. (Geshe Loden)

Synonyms for concentration: one-pointedness, fixed mind, which when cultivated, achieves calm abiding, tranquil quiescence, mental quiescence. Concentration is a general term for focusing the mind on an object, calm abiding is a particular type of concentration.

There are nine levels of concentration to attain calm abiding and we need particular conditions, merit, perseverance and motivation in order to perfect concentration.

Mental stabilization brings the mind closer and closer to its object until the mind and object mix.

Special insight and calm abiding are interdependent “as the trunk of a tree is the source of all variety of branches, twigs and leaves, calm abiding and special insight are the source of all realizations.” (Geshe Loden pg 792)

Six pre-requisites or optimum conditions to achieving calm abiding (in 6 months according to Pabonka Rinpoche):

1.) a suitable place
2.) few desires
3.) contentment/being satisfied
4.) not having many activities
5.) pure ethics
6.) abandoning disturbing thoughts/conceptions

Main Practise of concentration – nine stages or levels; 5 obstacles – 8 antidotes

Nine Stages:
1.) placing the mind
2.) placement with continuity
3.) patch-like placement
4.) close placement
5.) controlling
6.) pacifying
7.) complete pacification
8.) single pointed concentration
9.) placement with equanimity

Five Obstacles:
1.) laziness
2.) forgetting the instructions
3.) laxity and excitement (gross and subtle forms)
4.) non-application
5.) over-application


Eight antidotes to the obstacles:
1.) Laziness: faith, aspiration, effort, pliancy
2.) Forgetting: memory/mindfulness
3.) Laxity and excitement: awareness/vigilance
4.) Non-application: application of antidote
5.) Over-application: apply equanimity

Gross Laxity and Excitement are the two main obstacles to overcome while doing single pointed/concentration meditation.

Gross laxity – you are mindful of the object band the image is stable but unclear; it occurs when the mind is too withdrawn. The mind is heavy and we have to lighten it and be joyful. (Loden 810)

Antidotes to laxity in meditation:
- imagine the sun shining on you. Try and focus on the details of the object of meditation very closely. Expand the object, extend it, increase its brilliance.
- Massage the back of your neck. Splash cold water on your face. If need be get up, go for a walk then return to the practice.

Gross excitement: a type of attachment which is led astray by attractive objects; excitement and distraction are different ie you could be angry, this is a distraction not an excitement. Loosen your concentration, you are trying too hard which causes excitement; mind is too high, too happy;

Antidotes to excitement: imagine the moon shining on you. Contemplate death, suffering of lower realms, war, starvation, karma. Count breath for 21, do it twice ot to 100; do physical exercise, return and continue.

Benefits to Calm Abiding? - pliancy of mind and body; ability to achieve emptiness to understand and eradicate suffering; mind will absorb more information more quickly …

Questions to contemplate:What are some of the benefits of concentration we can see manifest in everyday life? What is the damage done by a distracted mind?