What is Shamatha?

Settling meditation is a type of meditation in which the mind is gently placed and allowed to rest on a chosen object.

In Tibetan it is called (འཇོག་སྒོམ། jokgom). Jok means to settle and to place, and gom means to familiarise. Therefore, together, jok gom means settling the mind and becoming familiar with resting it steadily on an object, or resting the mind in stillness without analysis.

It is the precise, sustained, and vivid engagement of a clear and alert mind with its chosen object, maintained without wavering.

In this practice, the mind is placed one-pointedly on an object such as the breath or a simple point of focus. The aim is to remain relaxed yet aware, allowing the mind to rest naturally without following thoughts, emotions, or feelings. It is not about making the mind blank, but about staying present with clear and gentle awareness.

When the mind rests in this way, it gradually becomes calmer, more stable, and clearer. This is like letting stirred water settle. The mind becomes still, clear, and undisturbed. Or like allowing mud to sink to the bottom so the water becomes transparent and easy to see through.

In the same way, the mind comes to rest, firm and unshaken, like a mountain that remains unmoved by passing storms.