Training in Higher Mentality

Training in Higher Mentality is the study of methods to train the mind to become peaceful and to stop still in meditation (Samadhi). Synonyms are Samatha-bhavana and Samatha-kammatthana, both of which mean making the mind peaceful. This is the way to train the mind to become firm, fixed in deep meditation to control and eventually eliminate the Five Hindrances (Nivarana) which prevent wisdom (Pañña). The Five Hindrances are: (1) Drowsiness, (2) Doubt, (3) Ill Will, (4) Restlessness, and (5) Sensual Desire. Overcoming them will make the mind spotlessly pure and clear.

The word Samatha means making the mind calm or tranquil, free from the Five Hindrances. The word bhavana means mental development. The word kammatthana means meditation exercises or the act of meditating or contemplating. Thus, Samatha-bhavana and Samatha-kammatthana both have the same meaning, eliminating the Five Hindrances in order to purify the mind.

Whenever a person has any one of these Five Hindrances in the mind, he or she is not able to see and contemplate nature clearly as it really is. Thus, the Five Hindrances are the major obstacle to wisdom and Samatha-bhavana or Samatha-kammatthana is the most important preliminary preparation for Vipassana insight meditation which is the means for developing the mind to become “Transcendent Mentality,” able to overcome  ignorance (Avijja), which is the main root of all suffering.