Significance of One-pointedness
One-pointedness is a crucial concept across various spiritual traditions, referring to a focused and undistracted state of mind centered on a single object or idea. In Buddhism, it is vital for shamatha and experiencing alaya, while in Vaishnavism, it represents undivided devotion to the divine. Yoga emphasizes concentration to overcome distractions and achieve mental clarity, and Vedanta highlights it as a state achieved through contemplation. Similarly, in Theravada, one-pointedness (ekaggata) is essential for deep meditation and mental stability.
Synonyms: Concentration, Single-mindedness, Resolve, Determination, Unity of purpose, Absorption, Attentiveness
In Dutch: Eenpuntigheid; In Finnish: Yksisuuntaisuus; In Spanish: Concentración en un solo punto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'One-pointedness'
One-pointedness (ekaggata) in Buddhism signifies a focused and undistracted mental state crucial for deep meditation. It enhances concentration, achieves mental clarity, and stabilizes consciousness, vital for spiritual practice and experiencing advanced meditative states.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A concentrated state of mind in meditation where the individual focuses on a single object or thought, essential for deep meditative practice.[1] (2) A concentrated state of mind shared across all Jhanas, essential for deep meditation.[2] (3) Mental focus which is crucial in achieving states of deep concentration.[3]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Ekaggata, which stabilizes citta by focusing it on a single object.[4] (2) One pointedness (ekaggata) is a jhana factor that refers to the undistracted and focused state of consciousness during meditation.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A state of mental clarity and calmness achieved by the poor man after eating.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A focused and undistracted mental state essential for deep meditation and spiritual practice.[7]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) A focused state of mind where attention is solely directed towards meditation, minimizing distractions.[8]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A state of unwavering focus without thoughts, regarded as essential for experiencing alaya.[9] (2) The focus of the mind on a single object or meditation point, essential for the practice of shamatha.[10]
Hindu concept of 'One-pointedness'
One-pointedness in Hinduism denotes intense mental focus on a single object or idea, leading to divine experience, clarity, and self-realization. Achieved through yoga and devotion, it emphasizes mental purity and undivided concentration.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) A state of focus or concentration in the mind, noted as similar to sleep but distinct in its implications for mental clarity.[11] (2) The ability to focus the mind intensely on a single point or objective, resulting from mental purity.[12] (3) One-pointedness signifies the state of concentration where the mind is undivided in its focus on a single object of meditation.[13] (4) The state of being focused on a single object or thought, crucial for overcoming distractions and achieving clarity of mind.[14] (5) Another characteristic of the mind defined as the state of focused concentration. This state implies that the mind is centered on a single idea or object, demonstrating clarity and intent.[15]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Repeating and contemplating on ‘OM’ brings about one pointedness to the mind.[16] (2) A characteristic of the mind where it becomes engrossed in its own actions and curtails its habit of serving all.[17] (3) A focused state of mind that is achieved through the purification process and contributes to self-realization.[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A state of concentrated devotion and focus that leads to the direct experience of the divine presence.[19]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A focused and undivided devotion or concentration on the divine, achievable only by adhering to the teachings of past mahajanas.[20]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The focused state of mind achieved through yoga that prepares the individual for deeper meditation.[21]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The state of focused concentration achieved by the disciple through the practice of contemplation.[22]