Sati is not samadhi or concentration
I discovered a fundamental miscondeption during my first solo retreat. I have always confused sati with samadhi, peace, or a calm mind empty of objects. The experience of establishing sati (mindfulness) always tends to involve tension, a certain tension around the forehead. but what I think I’m doing when in that moment is actually pacifying or pushing away the mental objects, thoughts, proliferation, instead of watching, observing, paying deliberate attention.
It seems there is quite a difference there. No wonder I struggle with “maintaining sati”. Who can maintain constant peace of mind throughout theday? Only the noble ones.
Sati is not concentration, vitakka.
From 45.41.03 - Monastery 03 - 10-2020 to 01-21, page 91.