Questions and Answers on the Practice of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness 37

Question: When one truly enters the meditative state of skeleton contemplation and the skeleton manifests, is there still breathing? I have been practicing skeleton contemplation for a long time, but I remain trapped in mental delusions within my consciousness and cannot bring forth the manifestation of the skeletal image at the level of the manas (mind faculty). Is this due to insufficient cultivation?  

Answer: The entire process of practicing skeleton contemplation occurs within meditative states below the first dhyāna. Naturally, there is still breathing. Even upon attaining the realization of skeleton contemplation, when the skeleton manifests, it is still a samadhi state below the first dhyāna, so naturally, there is still breathing. In meditative states below the fourth dhyāna, there is always breathing. Above the second dhyāna, there is neither perception (vitarka) nor observation (vicāra), and skeleton contemplation cannot manifest. Therefore, when the samadhi of skeleton contemplation arises, there must still be breathing.

The entire process of skeleton contemplation practice begins by using the isolated consciousness (mano-vijñāna) to contemplate, continuously cultivating the manas so that it too engages in contemplation. When the manas successfully contemplates, the samadhi of skeleton contemplation will manifest. This is the actual realization of skeleton contemplation, the attainment of the fruit. The degree to which the manas is cultivated determines the level of the skeleton contemplation state. If it is not cultivated, there will be no manifestation of the skeleton contemplation state. 

Question: Previously, my breathing was deliberate. Since yesterday, it became natural breathing, but the breath has become shorter. I don’t know why? 

Answer: Do not be concerned whether the breath becomes longer or shorter. As long as the mind is focused on the breath, the depth of practice and the power of contemplation increase, and once the energy channels are unblocked, the breath will naturally become deep, subtle, and prolonged. As long as there is meditative concentration (dhyāna), everything can be managed, and even physical conditions can change. Observing the breath means focusing the mind solely on the state of the breath; do not consider anything else. Do not think about other matters; simply understand the state of your own breathing clearly. The scriptures outline steps for contemplation. If the first step is not mastered, do not proceed to the second step; do not move forward. Focus on contemplating one method during a single period; do not attempt too many, as this will agitate the mind. When the power of concentration reaches a certain level, gradually increase the content of contemplation, and the mind will not become agitated. During contemplation, apart from observing the breath, other understandings or reflections on the Dharma are useless. Do not let the mind think too much, to avoid interfering with the observation of the breath.