The Merit of Practicing Samāpatti

The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment (Yuanjue Jing) mentions the practice of samāpatti, in which meditative concentration (samādhi) and wisdom are combined: the mind transforms the realm of objects, the mind turns the objects, and the objects follow the mind. This method is not difficult either. In meditation, the mind very intently contemplates a particular realm; as the concentration deepens and the mind transforms, the realm of objects will gradually change as well. Originally the mind harbored evil thoughts, but as the concentration deepens and the mind relaxes, evil thoughts turn into wholesome ones—one may try to think evil thoughts but can no longer do so, and everything comes to appear beautiful. The mind changes from anger to joy, the realm changes from ugly to beautiful; when the mind turns, the realm turns. Thus meditative concentration can subdue afflictions, eradicate afflictions, transform mental states, and change all dharmas. All the Buddhas and great Bodhisattvas practiced samāpatti, accomplished all dharmas, accomplished and transformed the inanimate world (bhājanaloka) of the three realms, turning defiled lands into pure lands.