In short: samadhi is steady, unified concentration of mind. In the Noble Eightfold Path it covers right effort, right mindfulness and right immersion, and it supports wisdom. The early texts describe four deepening stages of immersion, the jhanas. You do not need them to benefit from meditation.
Samadhi in the path
The path has three trainings: ethics (sila), concentration (samadhi) and wisdom (panna). See right immersion and right effort.
How it grows
- Choose one object: the breath is common. See anapanasati.
- Return each time the mind wanders, gently and without blame.
- Over time, distractions loosen and the mind settles. See the five hindrances.
Samatha and vipassana
Concentration (samatha) and insight (vipassana) work together. See samatha and vipassana and four ways to develop stillness.
Related: mindfulness vs vipassana · how to focus
Questions people ask
What does samadhi mean?
Samadhi means collectedness or concentration: a steady, unified mind. In the Noble Eightfold Path it is the third group, alongside ethics and wisdom.
What are the jhanas?
The jhanas are four deep, stable states of meditation described in the early texts, marked by growing calm, joy and equanimity.
Is samadhi the same as mindfulness?
No. Mindfulness notices what is happening. Samadhi steadies the mind on one object. They support each other.