Samadhi in Buddhism

Somdet Phra Buddhaghosacariya (P. A. Payutto)

II. Techniques to Prevent and Overcome the Potential Misuses of Samādhi

It is stated in the scriptures that samādhi can produce both positive and negative effects. What negative effects can samādhi produce? The scriptures say that samādhi can lead to sloth (kosajja). Once samādhi is attained, the mind becomes calm. Calmness can bring idleness; idleness can bring laziness-having no desire to do anything. It is usual that when one is happy and comfortable, one does not want to do anything. Such being the case, care has to be exercised in the practice—it has to be in equilibrium. The scriptures teach us to keep our five controlling faculties in balance.

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