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The Difference between Samatha and Vipassana Meditation

Writer's picture: Croydon Buddhist CentreCroydon Buddhist Centre

In the West, we tend to divide the brain, heart, and body. But in Buddhism, the concept of "mind" includes the heart—it’s a holistic view. Meditation is not just about calmness or control; it’s also about heart-opening responses and seeing into the true nature of reality.


Samatha (Calming) Meditation


Traditionally, meditation is divided into two types: samatha and vipassana. Samatha practices, like mindfulness of breathing and the metta bhavana (loving-kindness) meditation, are calming and help settle the mind. These are essential in the complexities of modern life, just as they were in ancient India.


Samatha meditation helps integrate our energies and lay the ground for insight practice. Without a strong samatha practice, vipassana meditation won't take us far.





Vipassana (Insight) Meditation


Meditation isn’t only about calming the mind. Vipassana meditation is about seeing clearly. It’s about asking the big questions: What is reality? Why are we here? Why do people age and die? These are questions many of us had when we were younger but may have forgotten. Buddhism encourages us to keep these questions alive and explore them.





Learn more about Buddhist Meditation with the Croydon Buddhist Centre


If you would like to learn more about Buddhist meditation, sign up to one of our courses or retreats at the Croydon Buddhist Centre. Here you can learn from experienced Buddhist teachers in a supportive environment, amongst like-minded people. See our courses here.

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