Expert: Stuart Resnick - 1/25/2010

Question
Hello, I was just wondering - is there a difference between samadhi and satori? That is, when one achieves a state of one-pointed concentration, samadhi, and is completely focused with a calm mind, is this a satori, or is a satori something else? Is one usually in a state of mindfulness when satori occurs, or can it happen at any time? Are we usually focused on the present when it occurs, etc...? I seem to get these two events mixed up quite a bit - what exactly is the difference? Are they the same?

Answer
There is only one mind-state that matters: the one you have right now. In this moment, what do you see, what do you hear, what are you doing? That's all you need to concern yourself with. Ideas like Samadhi and Satori don't matter. Just make a strong decision to understand yourself, and help all beings.