The Definition of Meditative Concentration

So-called meditative concentration (dhyāna-samādhi) is precisely the degree to which the manas has been subdued. Only when the manas makes few external engagements, or none at all, can meditative concentration appear. Starting from wisdom, one can also cultivate meditative concentration: when the mind understands that the surrounding six sense objects are false and illusory, that one's own seeing, hearing, perceiving, and knowing are false and illusory, that thoughts and mental activities are false and illusory, that feelings are false and illusory, and understands that all dharmas are false and illusory, the mind's external engagements will diminish. When the mind's engagements are few, thoughts are also few, and one can concentrate one's energy on contemplating the Buddha-dharma; then it becomes easy to realize the Buddha-dharma. This is the method of entering meditative concentration through right mindfulness. Right mindfulness means having the correct understanding of the Buddha-dharma—knowing that the five aggregates (pañca-skandha) are false and illusory, that they are empty, and knowing that there is a self-natured pure mind (prakṛti-viśuddha-citta) operating ceaselessly, never arising nor ceasing, within the body of the five aggregates. When the conditions of time and circumstance are complete, one can realize this self-natured pure mind.