On Right Concentration and Tantra

Ken: Right Concentration is one of the factors of enlightenment and a part of the Eightfold Path. But does it have to be just sitting meditation?

Pi: Concentration, or samadhi, is indeed vital in Buddhist practice and is a key element of the Eightfold Path. However, it’s not limited to sitting meditation. While seated meditation is a well-known way to develop concentration, it’s not the only path.

You can cultivate concentration in daily life through mindfulness activities — like walking meditation, mindful eating, or simply being aware of your breath or bodily sensations. The goal is to focus on one thing at a time without getting distracted.

The deeper aim of concentration in Buddhism isn’t just mental calmness but to use that focus to gain insight into the nature of reality and the causes of suffering. So while sitting meditation is effective, the practice can extend beyond the cushion into every aspect of life.

Ken: That’s great! So Right Concentration isn’t something rigid?

Pi: Exactly! One of the beautiful things about Buddhist practice is its flexibility. Different people have different preferences. Some may prefer sitting meditation, while others incorporate mindfulness into their daily activities.

The Eightfold Path itself isn’t a strict, linear process. It’s a holistic guide where all the elements are interconnected and reinforce each other. So even if you’re not sitting in formal meditation, you’re still engaging in concentration practice, which can support your overall spiritual journey.

Ken: There doesn’t seem to be a clear boundary between mindfulness and concentration.

Pi: Right. They’re closely linked — like two sides of the same coin. Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment, non-judgmentally, while concentration is focusing the mind on one specific thing.

In practice, they often work together. Mindfulness helps us notice when our minds wander, and concentration helps us stay focused. Certain meditation practices, like vipassana or insight meditation, blend both. These practices use focused attention alongside mindfulness to develop deeper insights into the nature of reality and the roots of suffering.