Practical Cultivation Requires Regular Examination of Results

Observing the breath aims to transform thoughts, behaviors, and character. In daily life, one should examine what changes have occurred in one's mental conduct, whether there has been a shift in attitude towards people, affairs, objects, and principles, whether thoughts have become somewhat purer, whether attachment to the six sense objects (form, sound, smell, taste, touch, and mental objects) has lessened, whether one has become more accepting of circumstances, whether one is less critical, whether interpersonal relationships have improved somewhat, whether character has improved somewhat, whether the mind has become more peaceful, whether affairs requiring mental exertion have decreased, whether one has become more sincere, and whether one makes others feel more approachable. In short, one should examine one's mental conduct from all aspects, promptly summarize the findings, recognize the good and the bad, maintain and solidify positive results, and improve negative habits. In this way, merits and virtues will accumulate more abundantly, and precepts, meditation, and wisdom will progressively increase.