Answers to Questions on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness Practice 33

Question: When I meditate, I focus my mind on one point, and then add another point of focus. Is my mind simultaneously focused on two points?

Answer: The meaning here is that when your concentration is not yet strong enough at the beginning, it is sufficient to simply observe the flow of breath at the nostrils. Once your concentration strengthens, you can then observe the movement of the breath after it passes through the nostrils, and further observe how the breath enters the chest cavity. As your concentration grows stronger, you can observe the details of the breath's passage through various channels and locations, increasing the number of observation points and extending the duration of observation. If your concentration strengthens further, follow the breath with your awareness—observe wherever the breath goes, letting the mind move with the breath. The same applies when the breath flows out. If your concentration is insufficient, simply observe the flow of breath within the nasal cavity or nostrils. Increase the scope of your observation object according to the strength of your concentration.

Question: How should one face the afflictions and suffering encountered during practice?

Answer: When you feel suffering, observe it carefully. After observing it for a long time, the suffering will cease. Everything that appears in life seems very significant to us, but once we observe these things long enough, they will seem insignificant—nothing really matters. The same applies to observing the Five Aggregates and the Eighteen Realms. After prolonged observation, you will realize that the Five Aggregates and the Eighteen Realms are nothing—they are empty and without self. All pursuits are ultimately empty; joy is empty, suffering is empty. It is better to let them be, without grasping or clinging. Thus, you sever the view of self, reduce the afflictions of self-attachment, and cease to suffer.