To develop samatha meditation (samādhi/calmness/concentration), the crucial ingrediance is happiness, even rapture and bliss.

But it has to be spiritual happiness ('nirāmisa sukha'/'nekkhamma-sita sukha'), completely aloof from sensuality or unwholesome states.

Ajahn Dhammasiha suggests to carefully feel out whichever meditation object works best for us to generate non-worldy happiness in our heart, and then to gently and gradually allow it to unfold into gladness, joy, rapture and bliss

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