Cultivation of Samādhi and Prajñā

Question: The disciple's understanding of the mindfulness of breathing process: Focusing on the breath is cultivating concentration, while being aware of the sensations of the material body is cultivating wisdom. Is this understanding correct?

Answer: Focusing on the breath is cultivating concentration, and being aware of the sensations of the material body is cultivating wisdom. However, when focusing on the breath, one must necessarily know the breath, and this knowing itself is wisdom. Although being aware of the sensations of the material body is wisdom, it is wisdom with discernment. It is not merely being aware of the sensations of the material body, but rather being aware of all states of the material body without becoming attached to the sensations, without being disturbed or swayed by the sensations. One must see through the sensations, be free from mental engagement with them, be liberated from them, and relinquish them—this is true wisdom.

The difference between concentration and wisdom is: Concentration is when the mind remains fixed and unmoving on one object, or is free from thoughts about objects, having no mental engagement with objects, and not knowing objects—this is meditative absorption. Wisdom is correct awareness; incorrect awareness is not wisdom. Focusing exclusively on knowing one dharma (phenomenon) combines both concentration and wisdom. After concentration is strengthened, one can know multiple aspects of the entire body, maintaining correct awareness while attending to the whole body, with the mind undistracted, possessing a holistic view of the material body. When one has this holistic view, it becomes easier to clearly perceive the entire body, recognize the truth, and give rise to wisdom.

Dedication Verse: By the merit of all Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate this virtue to all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realm, and to all people of the world. We pray for world peace, that wars may cease; that conflicts may not arise, and weapons may forever be laid down; that all disasters may completely subside! We pray that the people of all nations may unite in mutual aid, treating one another with kindness and compassion; for favorable weather with gentle breeze and timely rain, and for national prosperity and people's well-being! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, and with compassionate hearts refrain from killing; may they widely cultivate good affinities and extensively perform virtuous deeds; may they believe in the Buddha, learn the Buddha's teachings, and increase their roots of goodness; may they understand suffering, abandon its causes, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may they close the door to miserable realms and open the path to Nirvana! We pray that Buddhism may flourish eternally and the true Dharma abide forever; may the burning house of the three realms be transformed into the lotus land of ultimate bliss!