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of meditative absorption, known in Pali as ‘jhāna’, leading to eventual attainment. As such, the practitioner concentrates on an object of attention until reaching full concentration and a state of meditative absorption. Traditionally, the practice of one-pointed concentration, known in Pali as ‘samādhi’, can be developed through mindfulness of breathing, through visual objects, and through repetition of a mantra. Jhāna is used to suppress the five hindrances in meditation (sensual desire, ill-will, boredom, restlessness, worry, doubt) in order to enter into samādhi, or perfect concentration. Jhanā is an instrument used for developing wisdom by cultivating insight and by using it to examine the true nature of phenomena with direct cognition. This leads to cutting off the defilements, realizing the Dharma and, finally, to self-awakening. During the practice of right concentration, the practitioner will need to investigate and verify his or her right view. In the process right knowledge will arise, followed by right liberation. Any singleness of mind equipped with these seven factors—right view, right resolve, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, and right mindfulness—is called right concentration. All eight steps of the Path should be practiced simultaneously. Buddhism is based on personal experience. True wisdom can be acquired by practice only. Instead of beliefs and dogmas, the importance of practice is emphasized. The validity of Buddhist teachings can be practiced and verified by experience. Rational understanding is encouraged, not blind faith.
“Suffering I teach—and the way out of suffering”…. The Buddha