The Contemplative Practice of Single-Mindedness

Recently, this disciple has contemplated the Noble Truth of Suffering and the impermanence and suffering nature of the five aggregates, gaining some insights. Alongside the recent pandemic situation in Changchun, this disciple has not gone out for nearly a month. During these days, the impermanence of life has been felt even more acutely. In the past, I always wanted life to be "fixed," progressing and studying the Dharma at a familiar pace, but things do not go as one wishes. Life is impermanent; illness and misfortune always arrive unexpectedly. In this process, what can ultimately be experienced is only suffering. In the past, I loved this world, enjoyed sports, singing, music, and had very broad interests.

However, in the process of pursuing these loves and interests, my life did not undergo an essential change, nor did I attain inner peace. Now, by continuously reducing my preferences, studying the true Dharma, and striving to act according to the true Dharma's teachings, my mind has undergone some transformation. I gradually discovered that whether it is form, sensation, or the others, they are all unreliable. They constantly change, and chasing after them only increases afflictions. Whatever causes afflictions is suffering—whether it's pleasurable sensations, beloved things, or pure pain.

Comment: Theoretical contemplation and analysis can never be as direct and profound as real-life experiences. The firsthand feelings and experiences of the five senses always have a greater impact and deeper influence on a person than solitary mental consciousness analysis. Therefore, grounding contemplation in real life leads to more direct and profound realization, faster awakening, and easier opening of wisdom. Xinyi's observation and realization are very good. With this observation, wisdom can enhance the power of meditative concentration (samadhi). Using wisdom to guide concentration, and then using concentration to increase wisdom—concentration and wisdom mutually aiding and accompanying each other—will lead to great progress in practice. Continue to maintain this.

Dedication Verse: May all the merit from propagating the Dharma 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 and the absence of war; may conflicts cease and arms of war be forever laid down; may all disasters completely subside! May the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, with compassionate hearts towards one another; may the weather be favorable and the harvests abundant, may nations be prosperous and people at peace! May all beings deeply believe in cause and effect, have compassionate hearts that refrain from killing; may they widely create virtuous connections and widely cultivate wholesome karma; may they believe in the Buddha and learn the Buddha-Dharma, increasing their roots of goodness; may they understand suffering, abandon its origin, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may they shut the door to evil destinies and open the path to Nirvana! May Buddhism flourish forever, may the true Dharma eternally abide; may the burning house of the Three Realms be transformed into the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss!