In the teachings of Buddhism, and Yoga, making the mind peaceful is known as Samadhi. Samadhi is a spiritual state of consciousness where a higher level of concentrated meditation is achieved. It is a state of complete control over the functions and distractions of consciousness. Have you ever noticed that the mind is completely changeable and unreliable? One minute, you are in a peaceful state of mind. Then, thoughts (often uncontrollably) start to take over your mind or state of consciousness changing your mood and robbing you of peacefulness. The mind seemingly always struggles to get away.
When developing Samadhi via meditation, fix your attention on the breath. Make awareness of the breath more important than anything else. Do not give any thoughts the opportunity to stir your mind. When thoughts creep in (which they will), return your focus to the breath.
There are all sorts of meditation teachers and books about meditation out there. This abundance of teachings, schools and practices has caused many people who I have spoken with to become uncertain about what they should be doing. But it is The Buddha’s teaching on insight meditation and concentration that is the most straight forward and easiest to practice. The Buddha’s discourse on the practice of mindfulness is found in the Mahasatipatthana Sutta (Discourse on the Four Cornerstones of Awareness). The Four Cornerstones are:
- The Physical Body (breath)
- Sensations (of the physical senses)
- Mind
- Mental Qualities & The 5 Hinderances