Vasubhandu said that in genuine shamatha, the mind is able to rest in mind. The mind becomes so relaxed that it rests in itself, just as it is, in a natural way, undisturbed by thoughts. “Distracted” in Tibetan is yeng wa, (Tib. gyeng ba), which means “swept away” or “wandering off.” The word distracted in this context has the connotation of losing control, as if one were carried away by a strong river. In the same way, one’s mind cannot stay still and is just carried away. If the mind is resting in the mind, it is just where it is, and the mind becomes stable, peaceful, and relaxed.

Thrangu Rinpoche

from the book The Practice of Tranquillity & Insight: A Guide to Tibetan Buddhist Meditation

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