The Definition of Meditative Concentration (Dhyāna)

So-called meditative concentration (dhyāna and samādhi) is a matter of the degree to which the manas has been subdued. Only when the manas engages in little grasping, or no grasping at all, can meditative concentration appear. Starting from wisdom, one can also cultivate meditative concentration: when the mind understands that the six sense objects all around are illusory, that one's own seeing, hearing, awareness, and knowing are illusory, that thoughts and mental activities are illusory, that feelings are illusory, and understands that all dharmas are illusory, the mind's grasping diminishes. When the mind's grasping is slight, mental activities are also few, and one can concentrate one's energy on contemplating the Buddha-dharma; then it becomes easy to realize the Buddha-dharma. This is the method of entering meditative concentration through right mindfulness. Right mindfulness means the correct cognition of the Buddha-dharma—knowing that the five aggregates (pañcaskandha) are illusory and empty, and knowing that there is an intrinsically pure mind operating within the body of the five aggregates, never arising and never ceasing. When the conditions of time and circumstance are complete, one can realize this intrinsically pure mind.