28 Questions and Answers on the Observational Practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Question: Today, while sitting for about forty minutes, I experienced waves of trembling and shaking from my legs to my waist. This continued until I ended the sitting session. During the trembling, I felt a slight sense of comfort. I've never experienced this before. What is happening?

Answer: This occurs because, after the mind quiets down, the flow of vital energy (qi) within the body's meridians becomes smooth, leading to the activation of the qi mechanism. The qi mechanism often originates from the dantian (elixir field) and then circulates throughout the body. The speed and path of this circulation vary from person to person, change over time, and depend on the individual's physical condition. The initiation of the Kāmāvacara dhyāna (Desire Realm concentration) and the Rūpadhātu prathamadhyāna (First Dhyāna of the Form Realm) both rely on the activation of the body's qi mechanism. This means that dhyāna (meditative concentration) cannot be separated from the functional activities of the physical body. Only when the physical body is free from obstructions can the Kāmāvacara dhyāna and Rūpadhātu dhyāna be initiated.

In the future, when the Rūpadhātu prathamadhyāna (First Dhyāna of the Form Realm) is initiated, it will similarly involve the movement of vital energy within the body's meridians. This force is not initiated by deliberate mental intention; it arises naturally when the body and mind become sufficiently quiet. Only when afflictions and thoughts arise do obstructions appear, causing the vital energy mechanism within the body to subside, and the First Dhyāna consequently disappears. Therefore, the First Dhyāna cannot be maintained apart from sitting in the full-lotus posture. It is most often initiated during seated meditation. During activity, dhyāna is difficult to sustain for long periods and is hard to maintain.

Since cultivating dhyāna cannot be separated from the body, it cannot be separated from sitting in the full-lotus posture. Sitting in the full-lotus posture is the foundation for cultivating dhyāna. Subsequent deeper states of concentration (dhyāna) are even more dependent on sitting in the full-lotus posture because this posture concentrates the qi and blood, allowing them to flow smoothly, thereby stabilizing both body and mind. Attaining dhyāna becomes faster and more stable. Then, based on the dhyāna attained while sitting, one can generate and maintain dhyāna during physical activities. If one does not sit in the full-lotus posture and relies solely on cultivating dhyāna during activity, several problems arise: First, dhyāna is difficult to generate. Second, once generated, it is difficult to maintain. Third, deep dhyāna will not be attained. Fourth, contemplative practice (vipassanā) becomes difficult. Some say that the path (of cultivation) does not depend on the legs. This statement is mistaken. If one cannot subdue the legs, one cannot subdue the body. If the body is not subdued, the mind cannot become truly and lastingly quiet. Consequently, dhyāna will not easily arise, cannot be maintained for long, and cannot deepen. The practice of past patriarchs and dhyāna practitioners throughout history has proven this point. The cultivation processes of all Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and Pratyekabuddhas have also proven this point.