samadhi
Deep contemplative oneness
Samadhi is a state of intense meditative absorption in Hindu and Buddhist practice, where the meditator's consciousness merges with the object of meditation.
It represents the culmination of yogic discipline—the mind becomes still, distinctions between self and other dissolve, and ordinary awareness gives way to profound unity or emptiness.
After years of practice, she finally experienced samadhi.
The term appears in discussions of enlightenment, though traditions differ on whether samadhi is the goal itself or a prerequisite for deeper insight.
Sustained single-minded attention
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- focusConcentrated attention point
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- contemplationSustained reflective attention
single-mindedness · collected · stillness · unwavering · steadiness · fixation · immersion · depth
Release from cyclical existence
- mokshaRelease from rebirth cycle
- liberationRelease from constraint
- awakeningReturn to consciousness
- satoriSudden spiritual awakening
bodhi · realization · self-realization · transcendence · illumination · insight · wisdom · freedom
Zen seated meditation
- vipassanaClear-seeing contemplative practice
- sittingBeing in seated posture
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
- cushionStuffed fabric for comfort
retreat · mindfulness · yogic · pranayama · asana · mantra · insight · cultivation
Sanskrit for spiritual bliss
- raptureOverwhelming ecstatic feeling
- ecstasyOverwhelming intense delight
- blissfulnessSupreme joy state
- serenityUndisturbed mental quietude
tranquility · equanimity · peace · contentment · joy · sublime · beatitude · stillness
State of being unified
- nondualityAbsence of fundamental separation
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- mergingBlending into one
- dissolutionBreaking up completely
wholeness · integration · interconnection · Brahman · atman · cosmic · universal · boundlessness
Hindu philosophy of ultimate reality
- UpanishadsVedic philosophical scriptures
- BuddhistFollower of Gautama's teachings
- JainIndian faith emphasizing nonviolence
- SanskritAncient Indo-Aryan language
ashtanga · eight limbs · consciousness · states · Vedas · tantra · Kashmir Shaivism
concentration
Sustained single-minded attention
- absorptionProcess of taking in
- focusConcentrated attention point
- attentionFocused mental awareness
contemplation · single-mindedness · collected · stillness · unwavering · steadiness · fixation · immersion · depth · clarity
nirvana
Release from cyclical existence
- mokshaRelease from rebirth cycle
- liberationRelease from constraint
- awakeningReturn to consciousness
satori · bodhi · realization · self-realization · transcendence · illumination · insight · wisdom · freedom · unbinding
zazen
Zen seated meditation
- vipassanaClear-seeing contemplative practice
- sittingBeing in seated posture
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
cushion · retreat · mindfulness · yogic · pranayama · asana · mantra · insight · cultivation · deepening
ananda
Sanskrit for spiritual bliss
- raptureOverwhelming ecstatic feeling
- ecstasyOverwhelming intense delight
- blissfulnessSupreme joy state
serenity · tranquility · equanimity · peace · contentment · joy · sublime · beatitude · stillness · quietude
oneness
State of being unified
- nondualityAbsence of fundamental separation
- unityWholeness through cohesion
- mergingBlending into one
dissolution · wholeness · integration · interconnection · Brahman · atman · cosmic · universal · boundlessness · infinite
Vedanta
Hindu philosophy of ultimate reality
- UpanishadsVedic philosophical scriptures
- BuddhistFollower of Gautama's teachings
- JainIndian faith emphasizing nonviolence
Sanskrit · ashtanga · eight limbs · consciousness · states · Vedas · tantra · Kashmir Shaivism
samadhidistraction
Thing diverting one's attention
monkey mind · confusion · racing thoughts · anxiety · rumination
samadhisamsara
Cycle of rebirth
bondage · maya · delusion · unenlightenment · ignorance
samadhicraving
Powerful urge to have
kama · hedonism · worldliness · rajas · extroversion