Types of Buddhist Samadhi

Buddhist samadhi is divided into two types: one involves only a state of concentration, common to mundane and non-Buddhist meditative attainments; the other encompasses not only concentration but also a state of wisdom. The latter, possessing a wisdom state, is not shared with mundane or non-Buddhist meditative concentrations.

The first type, concentration samadhi, has three forms, known as the three kinds of samadhi: samadhi with examination and analysis (below the first dhyāna), samadhi with examination but without analysis (between the first and second dhyāna), and samadhi without examination or analysis (above the second dhyāna).

These three kinds of samadhi involve focusing the mind and are unrelated to wisdom. Samadhi that incorporates contemplation and meditative observation gives rise to wisdom and constitutes true samadhi. This includes the contemplative wisdom of both Mahayana and Hinayana traditions. For example, when Buddha-visualization samadhi is attained, one may realize the mind's nature and perceive true nature. When Buddha-recitation samadhi is perfected, one may realize the mind's nature and perceive true nature. When the samadhi of contemplating the five aggregates is perfected, one may attain the purity of the Dharma-eye.

When the skeleton-contemplation samadhi is perfected, it can sever the view of self and lead to realization from the first to the fourth fruition. When the four foundations of mindfulness samadhi is perfected, one may realize from the first to the fourth fruition. When the seventh contemplation in the Sutra on Contemplation is perfected, one may realize the mind's nature and attain awakening. When the Pratyutpanna samadhi is perfected, the Buddhas of the ten directions stand before one, and the wisdom state is that of realizing the mind's nature and attaining awakening.

Pratyutpanna samadhi involves ninety days of Buddha-recitation, during which one neither sits nor lies down, only walks or stands, without sleeping. Upon attaining Buddha-recitation samadhi after ninety days, the Buddhas of the ten directions stand before one—thus perceiving the Buddha, the Tathāgata. This is the state of awakening.