Practical Tips for Cultivating Samadhi

Poor meditative stability is partly due to a restless mind with heavy habitual tendencies, and partly caused by blockages in the body's meridians and channels. Therefore, addressing the clearing of these bodily meridians is also an effective method to enhance meditation. How can one keep the meridians clear and unobstructed? The approach involves regulating diet—eating less, or abstaining from food entirely for three to five days while drinking plenty of water, then gradually transitioning to reduced intake. The standard for "eating less" depends on individual physical constitution and psychological endurance; generally, achieving one or two-tenths fullness yields noticeable results, and longer durations enhance the effects further.

What effects can be expected? During the gradual resumption of eating, the mind becomes exceptionally clear with fewer delusional thoughts. A natural, powerful flow of qi channels begins to circulate rhythmically within the body, bringing deep comfort and tranquility to both body and mind. This energy gathers and unifies the entire body, making one content to remain seated without desire to move—unwilling to rise for an entire day, free from distracting thoughts, and highly focused. In this state, mental processes become fully controllable, allowing one to exclude irrelevant matters and concentrate solely on contemplating the intended Dharma principles. It is like using a remote control to switch channels at will—this "remote control" is entirely in one's own hands, obeying personal command. Such focused investigation and contemplation of the Dharma swiftly lead to genuine progress.

This internal flow of qi channels also expels various pathogenic factors from the organs, such as dampness, cold, and other illness-causing energies, while regulating the functions of the spleen, stomach, and other organs. Thus, eating less or fasting serves as an excellent method for eliminating disease. Those with poor physical health or difficulties in meditation practice may try this approach, following guidelines similar to those of bigu (grain-avoidance) practices.

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