Diminished Clinging Facilitates the Emergence of Meditative Concentration

If the mind is constantly swayed by various external conditions and shifts along with them, it cannot achieve cessation. Without cessation, contemplation is impossible. Precepts serve to prevent wrongdoing and cease evil, guarding against mental distraction; they are used to subdue afflictions. Only after afflictions are subdued can the mind cease its restless agitation. When external conditions arise, if the mind engages less in grasping, the cultivation of concentration becomes easier. If the mind is preoccupied with food, clothing, shelter, and material possessions, filled with numerous desires and attachments, entangled with countless people and things, and in a state of disarray—how can one achieve cessation? Reduce interests and hobbies, lessen the objects of mental attachment, and the mind can gradually settle. Strive to cultivate disinterest and detachment toward all people and things in the surroundings, minimize mental grasping, turn the mind inward rather than letting it scatter outward—concentration will surely arise.

Among humans, with numerous interests and hobbies, grasping at every worldly affair, constantly seeking to display oneself in every time and place, an "I" always arises within the heart—such a mind cannot attain tranquility. At the moment of death, one will realize that this lifetime has yielded no true gains, only futile efforts. Therefore, it is better to turn back early now, to diligently develop the inner resources of the mind, rather than greedily seeking external things that agitate the heart. Life always involves gains and losses; one must carefully calculate what constitutes the greatest benefit, ensuring reliable security for future lifetimes.