Significance of One-pointedness
One-pointedness is a crucial concept across various spiritual traditions, representing a state of focused concentration on a single object or thought. In Buddhism, it plays a significant role in shamatha meditation and is essential for achieving clarity and experiencing alaya. Similarly, Vaishnavism emphasizes undivided devotion to the divine, while Yoga promotes mental clarity through focused concentration. Vedanta and Shaivism also highlight this focused state as critical for deeper meditation. Overall, One-pointedness is vital for attaining mental clarity and spiritual understanding across these traditions.
Synonyms: Focus, Concentration, Single-mindedness, Resolve, Determination, Unity of purpose, Absorption, Attentiveness
In Dutch: Eenpuntigheid; In Finnish: Yksisuuntaisuus; In Spanish: Concentración en un solo punto; In German: Zielgerichtetheit; In Swedish: Enspetshet; In Malay: Satu titik; In Spanish: Un solo punto; In Malay: Satu mata; In French: Monopoint
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 in Buddhism signifies a concentrated and undistracted mental state crucial for deep meditation. It involves unwavering focus on a single object, facilitating profound clarity and spiritual practice essential for achieving states of deep concentration and tranquility.
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: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) One of the four limbs of meditation that augment the bodhisattvas� accumulation of knowledge, it refers to one-pointedness of thought.[7] (2) A focused state of mind where attention is solely directed towards meditation, minimizing distractions.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A focused and undistracted mental state essential for deep meditation and spiritual practice.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) A state of unwavering focus without thoughts, regarded as essential for experiencing alaya.[10] (2) The focus of the mind on a single object or meditation point, essential for the practice of shamatha.[11]
Hindu concept of 'One-pointedness'
One-pointedness in Hinduism refers to a concentrated state of mind achieved through contemplation, yoga, and mental purity, enabling focused devotion on a single object, leading to self-realization and direct experiences of the divine.
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.[12] (2) The ability to focus the mind intensely on a single point or objective, resulting from mental purity.[13] (3) One-pointedness signifies the state of concentration where the mind is undivided in its focus on a single object of meditation.[14] (4) The state of being focused on a single object or thought, crucial for overcoming distractions and achieving clarity of mind.[15] (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.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A state of concentrated devotion and focus that leads to the direct experience of the divine presence.[17]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A focused and undivided devotion or concentration on the divine, achievable only by adhering to the teachings of past mahajanas.[18]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The state of focused concentration achieved by the disciple through the practice of contemplation.[19]
The concept of One-pointedness in local and regional sources
One-pointedness denotes a concentrated mental state essential for grasping profound philosophical insights and achieving alignment with the Over-lord, emphasizing the importance of singular focus and intellectual clarity in spiritual and philosophical pursuits.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The state of having a singular focus or concentration, particularly in the context of aligning oneself with the Over-lord.[20] (2) A focused state of intellect characteristic of heightened concentration, which is deemed necessary to understand deeper philosophical truths.[21]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The state of mind with which one should think and meditate on Brahman, and the world will be benefited by such continuous current of thought.[22]