Samādhi State in Contemplative Practice

Engaging in contemplative practice daily enhances wisdom for both consciousness and the manas, and naturally strengthens meditative concentration. At the initial stage of contemplation, the components of non-standard perception (aprāmāṇya) and inference (anumāna) are more prominent. As practice progresses, the element of direct perception (pratyakṣa) gradually increases, and the mind becomes increasingly able to recognize the illusory and unreal nature of the world of the five aggregates. Contemplative practice follows a definite process: as the power of concentration increases, the wisdom derived from contemplation also grows, and this enhanced wisdom, in turn, promotes deeper meditative concentration. Regarding the Dharma realized through contemplation, it is relatively easy for consciousness to confirm it, but difficult for the manas. Confirmation by consciousness alone brings no transformation in body or mind; the degree of transformation corresponds directly to the degree of confirmation by the manas.

If the manas can focus wholeheartedly on the work of contemplation, losing interest in other things, becoming less attached to the body and less fixated on phenomena, then meditative concentration will arise. Physical manifestations such as lightness, comfort, and ease will appear. As long as the mind is relatively focused and possesses meditative concentration, the Dharma principles contemplated and observed by consciousness are easily accepted by the manas. Once the manas accepts them, observation and comprehension become easier, leading to transformations in mental state and spiritual realm. Various states of meditative concentration will manifest, which are the states of samādhi.