Characteristics of Meditative Concentration (Samādhi)

Meditative concentration (samādhi) is the union of meditative concentration and wisdom; lacking either one, it cannot be called samādhi. Realization of the Path at various levels gives rise to samādhi states of various levels. These samādhi states include the characteristics of meditative concentration, the characteristics of wisdom, the characteristics of the physical body's feelings and sensations, and, for those with deep concentration, the characteristics of supernatural powers and spiritual abilities. With the arising of samādhi, the feelings and sensations of the physical body become supremely light and at ease, sleep is reduced or eliminated, body and mind are joyful, the mind becomes increasingly empty, ignorance diminishes, wisdom grows ever deeper, and afflictions become ever lighter or disappear altogether.