Essentials of Buddhist Meditation
Tiantai · Zhiyi · calming and insight
Bhikshu Dharmamitra’s bilingual Chinese–English edition of Zhiyi’s Essentials for Practicing Calming-and-Insight and Dhyāna Meditation includes an introduction and endnotes.
Contents
- Fulfillment of the Prerequisite Conditions
- Renunciation of Desires
- Elimination of the Hindrances
- Making Adjustments
- Utilizing Skillful Means
- The Actual Cultivation
- Manifestation of Roots of Goodness
- Recognizing the Work of Demons
- Treatment of Disorders
- Realization of the Fruits
Translations & sourcesEditions & translators
The publisher offers Bhikshu Dharmamitra’s translation, including a free bilingual PDF, alongside printed editions.
Edition & attribution
An introduction. Follow the source link below to explore the translated work.
Introductions, reflection questions and added section headings are editorial material, separate from the attributed translation.
The opening image is AI-generated nature artwork created for Buddhist Atlas. It is an evocative companion, not a depiction of the text’s historical setting.
translation · free PDF available
Source link checked October 1, 2026. The linked publisher provides the text and its usage terms.
Connections
Guru Viking0
No connected episodes found for this text.
People & teachers1
- Zhiyi
Author of this shorter manual of calming and insight.
Source
Traditions & history5
- Tiantai
The tradition in which Zhiyi integrated meditation and doctrinal teaching.
Source
- Lotus-centered traditions
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Lotus-centered traditions.
- East Asian traditions
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to East Asian traditions.
- Tiantai
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Tiantai.
- Tendai
Study context: this text is included in the Atlas guide to Tendai.
Books1
- Emptiness and Omnipresence
Philosophical companion to Zhiyi’s Tiantai approach to meditation.
Source
Topics3
- Mindfulness & awareness
Explore Mindfulness & awareness across the Atlas.
- Mindfulness of breathing
Explore Mindfulness of breathing across the Atlas.
- Jhāna & concentration
Explore Jhāna & concentration across the Atlas.
Make yourself comfortable
About this textContext & reading guide
Zhiyi’s shorter meditation manual introduces calming and insight together with the practical conditions that support them. It brings preparation, bodily conduct, attention and understanding into a connected account of cultivation.
This work is often called the Smaller Calming and Insight, or Xiao Zhiguan. It offers an entrance into Tiantai meditation; it is not the much larger Great Calming and Contemplation.