Samatha and Vipassana Meditation Flashcards

1️⃣ Familiarise yourself with the flashcards:

  • Look through all the flashcards to see what's on both sides.
  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

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  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is Samatha meditation?

Calming meditation that builds concentration by focusing on one object, often the breath.

What is Vipassana meditation?

Insight meditation. You watch body and mind to see change (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and no fixed self (anatta).

How does Samatha differ from Vipassana?

Samatha trains calm and steady focus on one thing. Vipassana observes many changing events to gain wisdom.

In Samatha, what is anapanasati?

Mindfulness of breathing. You place attention on the in-breath and out-breath.

What is a kasina in Samatha practice?

A simple object used to focus the mind, like a bowl of water, a candle flame, or a coloured disc.

Give a simple step-by-step way to start Samatha.

Sit upright. Close your eyes gently. Feel the breath at the nose. Count breaths from 1 to 10. If the mind wanders, return to the breath.

In Vipassana, what do meditators do when thoughts or feelings arise?

Notice them, name them if helpful (e.g., “thinking”, “sadness”), then let them pass and return to awareness.

Which core truths does Vipassana aim to see clearly?

The Three Marks of Existence: impermanence (anicca), suffering or unsatisfactoriness (dukkha), and no fixed self (anatta).

How can Samatha help Vipassana?

A calm, steady mind from Samatha makes it easier to see change and let go in Vipassana.

What is the goal of practising Samatha and Vipassana together?

To develop calm (samadhi) and wisdom (panna), reduce greed and hatred, and move towards nibbana.