The first method is known as Samatha, which literally means peace or tranquility. This method is undertaken with initially one purpose in mind, concentration of the mind. The student is required to choose from forty subjects, including the ten Kasinas (like, different colored discs, light such as a candle flame, water, etc) and a range of bodily decay (like a rotting corpse). A technique that is usually followed is Anapanasati, mindfulness of breathing.

In this, a person calms both his body as well as his mind by focusing on his breathing. It is believed that as a person concentrates his mind on one particular aspect, the five major hindrances of his life, namely ill-will, sensual desire, anxiety, sloth and doubt, will cease to exist, even if on a temporary basis. The person who meditates then goes to the states of great happiness and rapture, known as Jhanas. However, still he does not attain enlightenment.

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