The śamatha, samāpatti, and dhyāna sequence
Buddha’s teachings on twenty-five expedient practices, focusing on three groups within the alternating practice.
The first group involves seven practices with śamatha, emphasizing cessation as the main practice.
The second group comprises seven practices with samāpatti, focusing on illusion.
The third group consists of seven practices with dhyāna, dwelling in neither cessation nor illusion, prioritizing awareness.
The practices involve interconnections, analogous to tantric practices.
The article of reference elaborates on three specific sequences of these practices:
- śamatha first, followed by samāpatti
- śamatha first, followed by dhyāna
- śamatha first, then samāpatti, and finally dhyāna
Each sequence is described in the context of bodhisattva conduct and tantric practices, emphasizing the development and perfection of dharma.
The ultimate goal is to attain quiescent wisdom, cut off afflictions, and benefit self and others simultaneously.
The advanced stages involve simultaneous śamatha and samāpatti, followed by dhyāna, or simultaneous śamatha and dhyāna, followed by samāpatti.
The practitioner’s sharp faculty allows direct attainment of quiescent wisdom and engagement in activities for the benefit and liberation of sentient beings.
The article also emphasizes the completeness of the development dharma, encompassing the development, perfection, and great perfection of dharma.
