Date: 08/09/2025 08/10/2025
Location: Star Lake Meditation Center
Teacher: Shilin Long
Sitting Meditation
The Five Stages of Developing Concentration
The development of concentration (samādhi) follows a gradual process. The mind does not become stable instantly; instead, it moves through stages—from physical preparation to deep mental stillness. Understanding the “five stages of cultivating concentration” helps practitioners progress steadily and confidently.
1. Stage One: Regulating the Body — Establishing a Stable Foundation
1. Relaxing bodily tension
A tense body disrupts breathing and stability.
2. Maintaining an upright yet relaxed posture
Straight spine, soft shoulders—balanced and grounded.
3. Minimizing physical movement
A still body allows the mind to settle naturally.
2. Stage Two: Regulating the Breath — Allowing Breath to Calm the Mind
1. Breathing naturally without control
Breath returns to its inherent rhythm.
2. Becoming aware of the breath’s sensations
At the nostrils, upper lip, or abdomen.
3. Breath gradually becomes subtler
Fine breathing arises from relaxation, not effort.
3. Stage Three: Regulating the Mind — Bringing the Mind Back Home
1. Noticing wandering without judgment
Distraction is normal, not a mistake.
2. Returning gently to the breath
Softness stabilizes attention better than force.
3. Observing thoughts as they arise and fade
Awareness sees them without being trapped.
4. Stage Four: Settling — The Mind Becomes Still and Stable
1. Thoughts no longer pull the mind away
They arise but do not disturb.
2. Breath becomes extremely subtle
Almost imperceptible as calm deepens.
3. Body and mind enter a unified peace
This is true concentration—relaxed yet steady.
5. Stage Five: Stillness — Deep Calm and Bright Awareness
1. A profound sense of tranquility
Clear, bright, and wakeful—not dull or sleepy.
2. Continuous, stable attention
Concentration becomes effortless.
3. Heightened clarity and sensitivity
Insight begins to arise from the stillness.
Conclusion
Cultivating concentration is a progressive journey—from grounding the body to stabilizing the mind, and finally entering deep stillness.
Understanding these five stages helps practitioners avoid force, impatience, and confusion, allowing samādhi to mature naturally.
When concentration stabilizes, it becomes the foundation for profound insight and genuine inner peace.
