This book primarily elucidates the contents of five meditation methods: the contemplation of impurity, the contemplation of loving-kindness, the contemplation of dependent origination, the contemplation of counting breaths, and the contemplation of Buddha-mindfulness. These five contemplative practices are used to combat afflictions such as greed, hatred, delusion, and scattered thoughts. Among them, the contemplation of impurity and the contemplation of counting breaths are most highly valued in the Theravada tradition, known as the Two Gates to the Deathless. Subsequently, the text mainly explains the states attained through the practice of meditation, namely the four dhyanas and eight samadhis, as well as the relationship between these states and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Five Supernatural Powers, and the contemplation of the Four Noble Truths. Those who wish to attain the four dhyanas and eight samadhis may contemplate the faults of the desire realm, while those seeking to approach Nirvana should practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with calm-abiding and insight meditation. Simultaneously, the sutra explains specific methods for cultivating various samadhis, outlining the progressive path of realization from an ordinary being to a Bodhisattva. This book is an indispensable and reliable text for Buddhist disciples genuinely seeking practical realization. It is rare and precious; may all Buddhist practitioners rely upon this book to practice and realize the truth according to its teachings, faithfully following its instructions to swiftly attain the fruit of the path.
Meditative concentration is a crucial factor in the practice and realization of the Dharma, one of the important Three Non-Leaking Studies emphasized by the Buddha, and the key to attaining liberating wisdom. Discipline gives rise to concentration, and concentration gives rise to wisdom; without concentration, there is no wisdom. Therefore, to attain liberation, cultivating concentration is an indispensable necessity. For most practitioners today, the bottleneck in their practice lies precisely in meditative concentration. Without proper cultivation of concentration, the mind remains scattered and impure, afflictions cannot be subdued, and one will lack the strength for contemplative practice and examination of the Dharma, thus failing to achieve genuine realization. This book introduces multiple practical methods for cultivating concentration, combining stillness and activity, making it highly applicable, concrete, and flexible. By following these methods, one can swiftly initiate meditative concentration. The book details factors that hinder the arising of concentration and their antidotes, as well as methods for addressing obstacles encountered during concentration practice. Later sections focus specifically on the concrete and effective methods and precautions for investigating the critical phrase (*huatou*) within meditative concentration, along with the correct knowledge and views for awakening in the Chan tradition, addressing how to ensure genuine enlightenment rather than erroneous enlightenment. Additionally, some practical contemplative experiences are shared for learners' reference, aiding them in continually enhancing the quality of their practice and realization, ensuring genuine realization of the Dharma and the attainment of true wisdom.
Meditative concentration is a crucial factor in the practice and realization of the Dharma, one of the important Three Non-Outflow Studies emphasized by the Buddha, and the key to attaining liberating wisdom. Discipline gives rise to concentration; concentration gives rise to wisdom. Without concentration, there is no wisdom. Therefore, to attain liberation, the cultivation of concentration is an indispensable necessity. For most practitioners today, the bottleneck in their practice lies precisely in meditative concentration. Without proper cultivation of concentration, the mind remains scattered, impure, and unable to subdue afflictions. Consequently, when contemplating and reflecting on the Dharma, they lack the strength and cannot achieve genuine realization. This book introduces multiple practical methods for cultivating concentration, combining stillness and activity. These methods are highly practical, concrete, and flexible. By following them, one can swiftly initiate meditative concentration. The book details the factors that influence the arising of concentration and provides methods to address them, along with solutions for handling obstacles that may arise during concentration practice. Later sections focus specifically on explaining effective methods and precautions for investigating the critical phrase (huatou) within meditative concentration, as well as the correct knowledge and views regarding awakening in the Chan (Zen) tradition—how to ensure genuine awakening without mistaking it for false awakening. Additionally, the book includes accounts of practical contemplative experiences for practitioners to reference and learn from, enabling them to continually improve the quality of their practice and realization, ensure the actualization of the Dharma, and attain true wisdom.