Manifestations When the Dharma Permeates the Mental Faculty

Journal of Contemplative Practice by Lantian

November 19th Contemplation Diary - 220th Day of Meditation - Observing the Breath

Last night during seated meditation while observing the breath, my breathing was relatively smooth, with warmth and comfort in the chest and abdomen. As breath observation continued, I perceived the warm flow of breath continuously extending throughout my body, gradually spreading from the abdomen to the back, until finally the warm current surged into the back of my head. Breathing became increasingly smooth, energy channels opened, vision cleared, and distracting thoughts were few. Attention was focused on bodily sensations throughout the body, so I prepared to contemplate the Dharma meaning. The phrase "form is impermanent, form is non-self" spontaneously flashed in my mind. At that moment, all my muscles suddenly tensed, breathing deepened sharply, and my body twisted with muscular contractions. This state lasted approximately two minutes before gradually subsiding.

Afterward, I continued observing the breath and perceiving bodily sensations. Following the full-body muscular tension and contraction, the energy channels throughout my body opened further, especially in the head where they became more unobstructed. Continuing contemplation in this manner for a period, my head felt clear and vision was tranquil. Once again, I deliberately brought to mind "form is impermanent, form is non-self." This time, the whole body still reacted, though less intensely. Gradually, while maintaining clear vision, I contemplated the specific Dharma meaning of "form is non-self." Throughout this contemplation, attention remained focused—free from distracting thoughts, any agitation, or unwarranted disturbances—maintaining a state of deep tranquility. Soon the alarm sounded, and I ended the session. This morning's entire seated meditation was spent observing the breath without contemplating Dharma meanings. Energy channels throughout the body were unobstructed, and I remained immersed in a state of full-body bliss.

Commentary: When the thought "form is impermanent" arose, causing the entire body's muscles to tense and the body to twist, this indicates that the manas (mind-root) was stirred by the truth of impermanence of form. Previously, when the Dharma of impermanence had not touched the manas, such vibrational phenomena did not occur. Many Dharma meanings understood by the conscious mind (mano-vijñāna) do not stir the body or mind until they permeate the manas. Only when the manas directly confronts the Dharma meaning do such vibrations arise. Continued contemplation and investigation will eventually enable the manas to realize the truth, whereupon samadhi or the purified Dharma-eye will naturally follow. Profound psychological activities like shock, astonishment, panic, and disorientation are manifestations of the manas being stirred.

When observing the breath, one should wholeheartedly experience the impermanence of breathing. During this experience, avoid intellectualizing; simply observe objectively without deliberately invoking the topic "form is impermanent." The practice of contemplating the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to sever the view of self occurs naturally: through the "gateway" of breath, one experiences the impermanence of form and body; then, through objectively observing the foundations of feeling, mind, and mental objects, one experiences the impermanence of mind and phenomena, thereby severing the view of self. When skill matures, observation and experience occur spontaneously—one need not deliberately flash Dharma questions unrelated to the current contemplation. This is natural realization, realization by the manas.

Contemplation is also called direct observation (pratyakṣa-pramāṇa). One observes whatever phenomenon is currently present, perceiving its actual state as it is. Observing the breath means observing the breath as it truly is—directly perceiving the breath. The scene of breathing simply presents itself before awareness. How the manas recognizes it and what conclusions it draws are the manas' affair. The truths "form is impermanent, body is impermanent" should allow the manas to reach this conclusion itself, letting it confirm independently. The conscious mind need not remind it; its role is merely to present phenomena truthfully to the manas. The rest belongs to the manas. Do not fret for the manas; do not make decisions for it. Let each resolve its own matters—helping is useless. The result of this approach is direct experiential realization—free from emotional interpretations, logical deductions, reasoning, or speculative imaginings.

Dedication Verse: May the merit from all Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform be dedicated to all beings throughout the Dharma realm, dedicated to the people of the world. May we pray for world peace, the cessation of war; may conflicts cease, and weapons forever rest; may all disasters completely subside! May the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, extending kindness toward one another; may favorable weather prevail, and nations prosper with people at peace! May all beings deeply believe in cause and effect, cultivate compassion and refrain from killing; may they widely form wholesome connections and extensively cultivate virtuous deeds; may they believe in the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and increase their roots of goodness; may they understand suffering, abandon its origin, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may the door to wretched destinies close, and the path to Nirvana open! May Buddhism flourish eternally, and the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms transform into the lotus land of Ultimate Bliss!