The *Paramita* of *Dhyana*/Meditation
*Dhyana*, or meditative concentration, is the fifth of *the paramitas*. When perfected, this represents a mind free from distraction, dullness, and afflictive emotions.
The term *samadhi* also describes meditative absorption, and can be translated as "application" or "contemplation." It can be understood as "collecting" or "bringing together," implying the unification or concentration of the mind with phenomena. In Pali, the term samadhi translates to "unifying the mind and directing its awareness toward a specific object." Samadhi represents the final step of *the eightfold path*.
In life there are many benefits to cultivating meditative concentration. This skill enables us to focus more effectively on what we are doing, and it can also help us approach tasks without feeling overly eager or anxious about the outcome. We become more attentive to others and can respond to their needs more effectively.
The *Paramita* of *Prajna*/Wisdom
The sixth paramita is *prajñaparamita*, the perfection of wisdom. *Prajña* (Sanskrit) or *panna* (Pali) is frequently translated as "wisdom." However, a more accurate interpretation would be insight, non-discriminating knowledge, or intuitive apprehension. Prajñaparamita is considered to be the foundation or source of the other paramitas. It refers to transcendent wisdom that leads to Buddhahood. Prajñaparamita is traditionally subdivided into four additional aspects, bringing the total to ten paramitas. These four are: skillful means, aspiration, power, and primordial wisdom.
The perfection of wisdom is the realization of emptiness, the ultimate nature of all things. *Sunyata*, or emptiness, is the teaching that all phenomena lack self-essence or independent existence. Everything we see and hear is interconnected; each moment is a gentle expression of one continuous, ever-evolving landscape. Everything exists in a constant state of arising and passing away, eternally “becoming” and never truly “being.” Ultimately, sunyata is something that is realized directly through practice, but until then, a conceptual understanding is helpful. Fully understanding emptiness requires time and consistent practice of both shamatha and vipassana. This wisdom cannot be grasped through intellect alone, we realize it through the practice of the other perfections: generosity, discipline, patience, diligence, and meditation.
Right *Samadhi*
The cultivation and development of *right samadhi* (correct concentration) serves as a foundation for both daily life and meditation practice, allowing the mind to become focused and stable. As the eighth factor of the *noble eightfold path*, right samadhi represents the culmination of ethical conduct and mental discipline, providing the concentrated awareness necessary for liberating insight.
Right samadhi involves training the mind to rest steadily on a chosen object of meditation—such as the breath, loving-kindness, or a visualization—while gradually reducing mental scattering and agitation. This practice develops the capacity for sustained, one-pointed attention that can be maintained without strain or forcing. The concentrated mind becomes like a still lake that clearly reflects whatever appears, rather than choppy waters that distort perception.
The development of right samadhi follows natural stages: initial efforts to stabilize attention on the meditation object, gradual lengthening of periods where the mind remains focused, and eventual spontaneous settling into deep states of absorption and tranquility. This process requires patience and consistent practice, as the untrained mind habitually jumps from thought to thought.
Concentration alone can be considered neutral, as it can direct us towards either positive or negative actions depending on the underlying motivation. Therefore, it is a tool, not a goal. When developed within the context of the eightfold path, right samadhi creates the mental stability necessary for insight (vipassana) to arise, revealing the true nature of phenomena and leading to liberation from suffering. Without ethical conduct and right intention as its foundation, concentration lacks the wisdom and compassion that characterize authentic Buddhist practice.
Through this practice, we strengthen mental clarity and cultivate the discipline necessary to progress in our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Right Action
*Right action* is the fourth factor of the noble eightfold path, focusing on ethical conduct through bodily actions that promote harmony and reduce suffering. According to Buddhist teachings, it centers on three fundamental principles: refraining from taking life (ahimsa), not taking what is not given (stealing), and avoiding sexual misconduct that causes harm to others.
Right action extends beyond simply following rules—it requires developing awareness of how our physical actions affect ourselves, others, and the broader web of our relationships. This includes considering both immediate and long-term consequences, recognizing that even well-intentioned actions can cause harm if undertaken without wisdom or proper timing. The practice involves cultivating sensitivity to the interconnected nature of all life, understanding that our actions ripple outward in ways we may not immediately perceive.
The foundation of right action is the motivation behind our choices. Actions performed with greed, hatred, or ignorance tend to create negative consequences, while those rooted in generosity, loving-kindness, and wisdom naturally promote well-being. By following these ethical principles, practitioners create harmony in their relationships, reduce suffering for themselves and others, and establish the mental clarity necessary for deeper meditation and insight. Practicing right action serves as both a preparation for and expression of inner development on the path to awakening.
Selfless Creativity
Art is a worthy pastime, even if you don't receive payment or recognition. There is value in creating art with the aim of simply observing things as they are, without bias or distortion, contributing to spontaneous enjoyment and self-awareness. The arts do not need a purpose beyond inspiring joy. Additionally, making art can be a viable way to earn a living.
Intrinsic motivation means having no incentive beyond the doing of the thing itself. Extrinsic motivation is the desire to gain a reward or avoid some punishment well described by the eight worldly dharmas—gain/loss, fame/shame, blame/praise, and pleasure/pain.
As we release extrinsic motivations, we can develop a stronger intrinsic motivation to create art for its own sake, enjoy the process, and view creativity as a practice of awareness.
Confidence in the Buddha and Many Possibilities
*Saddha* is a Pali word in Buddhism (*sraddha* in Sanskrit) that means "trust," "faith," "fidelity," or "confidence." Ultimately, this confidence means that we trust we can awaken ourselves just as the Buddha did. Traditionally, the first step is admiration for the Buddha's qualities and accomplishments. Secondly, one aspires to develop those qualities within oneself. Finally, one gains confidence that one can actually cultivate and ultimately realize these qualities, and the same awakened state.
While saddha often refers to confidence that the Buddha's teachings will bear fruit, aligning our intentions with the Buddha's teachings can also allow us to develop confidence that our own wholesome aspirations and activities will also bring benefit. We can engage creatively while aspiring to be awake, do no harm, and benefit others. This kind of confidence is very different from self-centered pride.
Buddha taught that the mind is naturally pure and clear, like the sky. Sometimes, this clarity is obscured by negative thoughts and emotions. Negativity can arise during the creative process, especially when learning a new artistic technique. When the outcome is not as hoped, it can lead to frustration. Cultivating faith in our own good nature helps us develop the resilience, patience, and diligence to persevere, especially when things don't work out as we planned. This humble kind of confidence is optimistic, believing in possibilities; the situation is always workable.
Growth mindset is a valuable concept in modern education—it refers to the belief that, through effort and support, we can learn anything we need to learn. This optimism is a choice, not a denial of reality or a delusion. It is an attitude that can be developed. Optimistic individuals are more likely to pursue their interests and experience flow in creativity.
*Tanha*: Sensory Enjoyment
*Tanha* is a Pali word that is usually translated as “desire” or “craving.” The Buddha discusses several kinds of tanha, one of which is *kama-tanha*, a craving for sensual pleasures. This craving is one of the main sources of suffering for beings. The three yanas take different approaches to minimizing this suffering, but all three agree that we should not cling to pleasure. The Buddha taught a middle path between indulgence and extreme renunciation.
Finding a middle path, we can still enjoy simple things such as moving our bodies without clinging to the pleasure, cooking and eating a healthy meal, singing or listening to a song, and creating or admiring a painting. Sensory experiences can be enjoyed with the awareness that they are temporary pleasures that can also be beneficial to our well-being.
Tending to our bodies, or self-care, can include eating well, bathing ourselves, dressing, and exercising. These experiences can be enjoyed as an act of self-generosity that honors our bodies as our vehicle for awakening.
Generosity and Offerings
*Dana* (Sanskrit/Pali) refers to the act of giving, such as food, money, time, kindness, or the dharma. It can also mean a gift or offering.
If we create something out of the wish to offer it to someone, without any expectation of praise, recognition, or receiving something in return, we are practicing a transcendent generosity, which goes against our habit of doing things to benefit ourselves. Free from selfish motivation, we can unlock our creative flow. What is there to lose if all we are doing is for the benefit of others?
*Paramitas* and Creativity
Diligence, concentration, and patience are three paramitas that support creative activity.
Mastery encompasses comprehensive knowledge and skill in a subject or discipline. Achieving mastery in any artistic field demands patience, concentration, and diligence. Diligence is the determined effort to accomplish something, which can be joyful and effortless if approached with patience. Concentration involves focusing attention on the technique, activity, process, and experience. Patience entails cultivating an attitude of perseverance throughout the process, which helps foster a mindset of non-aggression or gentleness towards oneself and the process.
Establishing a consistent habit of practicing—and sticking to it—enhances the learning and mastery of artistic and other techniques.
Siddhartha Gautama was a great artist and athlete before he left the palace. He practiced diligently, with concentration and patience, mastering many of the traditional worldly arts of his time.
Musical Awakening
Music can serve as a powerful form of expression, connection, and practice.
Traditionally, sound has played a vital role in transmitting the dharma through chanting, recitation, instrumental offerings, and the memorization of sacred texts. Across many Buddhist traditions, music has functioned as a vehicle for meditation, devotion, and awakening. Listening to music in person, or through recordings can help bring a subjective sense of the evocative power of music.
In contemporary times, the dharma continues to resonate through diverse musical genres including jazz, hip hop, punk, metal, and electronic fusion, revealing its relevance across cultures and generations.
By exploring both ancient and modern expressions of dharma through music, we can draw attention to the emotional, ethical, and contemplative dimensions of sound. This exploration fosters awareness of how rhythm, lyrics, and harmony can convey values such as compassion, wisdom, fearlessness, and interdependence, illuminating music as a path of transformation and offering.