By looking continuously at a visible element such as a COLOUR, CLAY, WATER, FIRE, or the WIND shaking a leaf, the mind can also develop one-pointedness. This is known as KASINA MEDITATION. Fixation on a CORPSE or a SKELETON as an object, known as ASUBHA MEDITATION, is a good practice for a person who has a developed concentration. Someone who is irritable, depressed or worried would benefit from concentrating on thoughts of LOVING-KINDNESS by thinking repeatedly: “May all beings be happy”. This practice of METTA MEDITATION is also well-known to many people.

Now you can begin to understand the principle of Samatha Meditation, which is to focus the mind on one object repeatedly. The object may be YOUR OWN BODY, an external object, or even a WHOLESOME THOUGHT. Numerous objects can also be found in nature. Hindu meditators have found many such various objects of Samatha Meditation. There are 40 traditional objects of Buddhist Samatha Meditation.