Cessation & Contemplation | Sanskrit: शमठविपश्यना | IAST: śamatha-vipaśyanā | Framed Zen Art | 12 inch x 12 inch

Samatha and vipassanā (cessation and contemplation) are one of the most basic and core practice methods in Buddhist practice and have a very high status. Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism emphasize the importance of tranquility/cessation and insight/contemplation.

Theravada Buddhism:

In Theravada Buddhism, Samatha and Vipassana are regarded as part of the Eightfold Path, especially the practice of Right Concentration and Right View. Through samatha and vipassana, practitioners can cultivate concentration (samatha) and wisdom (awareness), and ultimately achieve the goal of freeing themselves from troubles and realizing nirvana.

Mahayana Buddhism:

In Mahayana Buddhism, Samatha-Vipassana is considered one of the important practices of the Bodhisattva path. Master Zhiyi (Master Zhiyi) of the Tiantai Sect elaborated on the practice method of samatha and vipassana in "Maha Shima-Vipassana" and developed it into a complete system of practice. The wise master emphasized that stopping and observing must go hand in hand. Only on the basis of stopping can in-depth observation be carried out, and vice versa.

Samatha and vipassanā not only help practitioners achieve mental peace and gain insight into the nature of things, but are also the key to liberation and enlightenment. Whether in ancient times or modern times, the practice of tranquility and insight can help people find inner peace, reduce worries, and improve the quality of life.

Read our meditation blog to understand more about Samatha and vipassanā: Śamatha-Vipaśyanā: A Deep Dive into Buddhist Philosophy.

*** Meditate with Every View 🖼️ ***