Kammata

Kammata refers to a specific type of Buddhist meditation practice found in the Theravada tradition. The term itself is Pali, a language closely related to Sanskrit, and translates roughly to "work" or "effort." It generally denotes a state of sustained mental application or concentration directed towards a particular object or purpose.

In practice, kammata is often associated with the development of samadhi, or deep concentration. This is achieved by focusing the mind on a single object, such as the breath (anapanasati), a visualization of a Buddha image, or a specific meditation theme like loving-kindness (metta). The practitioner actively cultivates and maintains this focus, gently redirecting the mind whenever it wanders. This sustained effort is seen as the "work" of meditation.

There are various classifications and methods of kammata described in Buddhist texts. Some traditions distinguish between localized concentration (samatha), which aims to calm and stabilize the mind, and insight meditation (vipassana), which uses this stable mind to investigate the nature of reality. While distinct, both can involve elements of kammata in their disciplined application of attention. The goal is not merely to achieve a temporary state of calm, but to cultivate mental discipline and insight that can lead to liberation from suffering.