The Relationship Between Insight and Concentration

To develop strong concentration (samādhi), it is first essential to understand the Five Hindrances. Simply sitting and observing the breath does not automatically lead to deep concentration. In order to enter the first jhāna, the Five Hindrances must settle and subside.

These Five Hindrances arise from lust, hatred, and delusion (taṇhā, dosa, moha). Therefore, when insight into lust, hatred, and delusion is cultivated well, the hindrances naturally calm down, and concentration becomes stable. Conversely, when concentration deepens and the mind becomes calm and unified, insight into lust, hatred, and delusion becomes clearer and more precise.

In this way, insight and concentration are inseparable partners, each supporting and strengthening the other. However, their functions are different in nature. Insight is the direct seeing and penetrating of phenomena, while concentration is the steady unification of the mind in calmness.

Based on this understanding, the NBEF practice method develops insight and concentration together from the very beginning.