Questions and Answers on the Contemplative Practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness 7

Question: When sitting in meditation, I merely observe the breath, trying not to participate in it or guide the breathing. Suddenly I had a slight realization that this respiratory system is like an automated machine, and I somewhat felt it to be like a piece of dead flesh. What phenomenon is this? 

Answer: This is progress in cultivating the Path, the initial effect of practicing the Way. This is precisely the effect sought in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) within meditative concentration. There will be many more new discoveries in the future. When this kind of quantitative change accumulates to a certain degree, it will reach a qualitative change. The qualitative change is that you will gradually discover that the body of the five aggregates (pañca-skandha) is all as false and illusory as an automated machine, not under one's own control, all impermanent and without self. Ultimately, you will be able to achieve the eradication of the view of self (satkāya-dṛṣṭi-prahāṇa). Therefore, contemplative practice is simply pure observation, observation through direct perception. Do not add in the assertions and ideas of the mind consciousness. Gradually, you will discover facts and truths that have never been discovered throughout beginningless kalpas. To discover the truth, you only need to observe attentively, only need to focus on the dharma being observed. With time and deep practice, success will come naturally, and the facts contained within the dharma will reveal themselves.