Excerpt from Mahāśamatha-vipaśyanā

Original text of Mohe Zhiguan: When the contemplation of Dharma principles in the mind is excessive, it is like the sun scorching sprouts; one should then apply cessation, moistening them with the water of concentration. Or when abiding in concentration for too long, like sprouts rotting from flooding and failing to grow, one should then apply contemplation, enabling the wind and sun to stir them, bringing wholesome dharmas to manifestation. At times when the mind races and not a single thought can settle, one should apply cessation to remedy the scattered mind. Or when sunk in dullness and confusion, sitting in fog, one should apply contemplation to break this heavy drowsiness. When cessation brings clarity and openness, one should exclusively apply cessation. When contemplation becomes bright and lucid, one should exclusively apply contemplation. This is the self-cultivation of faith-practice, the eight skillful methods for settling the mind. Commentary: When contemplation of Dharma principles in the mind is excessive, like sunlight shining on withered sprouts, one should then cease contemplation, settle the mind and cultivate concentration, just like watering and nourishing the withered sprouts. After dwelling in concentration for a long time, like flooded sprouts rotting and ceasing to grow, one should then generate mental activity from the stillness of concentration to contemplate Dharma principles, enabling wholesome dharmas to manifest and increase in the mind, like blowing wind upon the nearly rotten sprouts, shining sunlight upon them, and applying the balanced nourishment of earth, water, fire, and wind so the sprouts may thrive. During practice, at times when examination races incessantly, thoughts surge uncontrollably, the mind becomes agitated, and wholesome dharmas vanish or fail to manifest, one should cultivate concentration, settle the mind to counteract the scattered, clinging mind, enabling the birth of wisdom's merit. During practice, at times when sitting in stillness the mind becomes dull, hazy, and foggy, with dimness preventing the birth of wisdom's benefit, one should generate mental contemplation of Dharma principles to break the drowsy state. During practice, when the mind within concentration is clear, bright, and illuminating like the midday sun, one should continue single-mindedly cultivating concentration, as this easily gives rise to the water of wisdom. At other times, upon introspection, if contemplation-wisdom flows forth like a gurgling stream, one should continue single-mindedly cultivating contemplation to ensure the continuous outflow of wisdom-water. The above are the eight skillful methods for settling the mind that sentient beings should understand and apply during practice, striving to maintain an equal balance of concentration and wisdom without neglecting either, otherwise practice cannot succeed.