When people ask what meditation is about, we can answer that meditation is about practicing two aspects: one is “samatha” (calm, tranquility), and the other is “vipassana” (insight, clear seeing).
“Samatha” is stopping, not directing others to do something. When we meditate, we simply stop — stop thinking, stop chasing after distractions, stop following useless thoughts. If we want our lives to be simple, we must stop the wandering thoughts, stop the worries and afflictions, and allow our minds to rest in the present moment.
Some people suffer from depression or anxiety because they lack the ability to live in the present, constantly worrying about the past or future. If we stop all thoughts and practice looking deeply into the present, that is “vipassana.” “Vipassana” is looking deeply into the present, stopping thoughts about the past and worries about the future.
So, meditation is not complicated; it only involves “samatha” (calm) and “vipassana” (insight). Although the transliterations may differ, the core meaning remains the same.
This article is compiled based on a sermon by Venerable Thích Pháp Hòa.
