The Difference Between Samatha and Zen Practice

To attain enlightenment, realize the mind, and perceive true nature, one must use the methods of investigating Chan (Zen), investigating huatou (critical phrase), and investigating gongan (koan) to verify the Tathagatagarbha and realize the true Suchness mind, the eighth consciousness. The so-called "investigation" means using the conscious mind to investigate the principle of Suchness and seek the location of the eighth consciousness. Since it is investigation, this conscious mind should naturally be clear, wise, and discerning, not confused, dull, or disappearing in meditative absorption. Only a rational conscious mind can investigate and seek the eighth consciousness. Without the conscious mind or if the conscious mind is dulled, one cannot investigate or seek, resulting in knowing nothing and failing to achieve the goal of realizing the mind and awakening to the Way.

It is like searching for a person: one must have a seeking mind, know where to look, and how to look. If one doesn't know where to look, how to look, what the person looks like, and has no photograph of them, it is impossible to find that person no matter what. Investigating Chan to seek the eighth consciousness, the Suchness, is the same. We must first understand the essential nature of the eighth consciousness, which is equivalent to having a "photograph" of it. However, merely having this "photograph" is insufficient; one must also know how to seek it and where it generally manifests. Without knowing these, it would be like fishing for a needle in the ocean—a futile effort yielding no results.

Therefore, the method of breath-counting cannot lead to enlightenment because it lacks the investigative mind. The method of focusing on thoughts cannot lead to enlightenment because it lacks the mind seeking the eighth consciousness. The method of sitting meditation to enter absorption (samadhi) also cannot lead to enlightenment because the conscious mind in absorption knows nothing and thus cannot resonate with the eighth consciousness. These are all methods for cultivating concentration (samadhi), not methods for investigating Chan. When counting breaths, attention is on the numbers, not on investigating and seeking the eighth consciousness, so one certainly cannot find it. Moreover, prolonged breath-counting easily leads to dullness or absorption, making it even harder to find the eighth consciousness. Focusing on thoughts keeps the conscious mind on the thoughts, not investigating or seeking Suchness, so one cannot awaken. In sitting meditation absorption, there is no perception or knowing, no mind investigating and seeking; thus, no truth can be discovered, and the true Suchness, the eighth consciousness, cannot be found.

The above methods for cultivating concentration cannot be used to investigate Chan and attain realization. The direction is unclear, the methods are incorrect, and the effort is misguided. The result, as can be imagined, will be gaining nothing. If this continues, after some time, one easily loses confidence and inevitably regresses on the path. During spiritual practice, understanding the principles is paramount; having wisdom and correct views is most important. One must not practice blindly or haphazardly. Buddhists should constantly examine whether their practice methods and path are correct and whether they can achieve the goal. If not, they should adjust their practice direction promptly and carefully choose a method suitable for themselves. Cultivating concentration requires methods for cultivating concentration; attaining enlightenment requires methods for investigating Chan. One must understand what Chan is, how to investigate it, when to begin investigating, and so on. This series of questions must be clarified. Furthermore, one must observe whether the conditions for investigating Chan are complete and strive to perfect all necessary conditions before beginning Chan investigation.