Meditative Concentration in Stillness More Easily Gives Rise to Wisdom

What is the difference between walking and sitting or lying down? While walking, the body consciousness and mind consciousness must be placed on the operation of the physical body, with attention on the body and the surrounding environment, so the attention of the solitary consciousness (mano-vijñāna-eka-citta) for contemplating the meaning of the Dharma must be reduced; there is not enough energy, one cannot be single-minded, the contemplation is not deep and subtle, and wisdom does not easily arise. Whereas in sitting or lying down, the conscious mind is less scattered, the solitary consciousness can concentrate more, the contemplation becomes deep, subtle, and meticulous, and wisdom easily arises. Therefore it is said that the meditative concentration (samādhi) in stillness while sitting or lying down more easily gives rise to wisdom. When sitting or lying down, the mind has no extra burdens; one can concentrate one's energy and contemplate meticulously, without worrying about what situations walking might encounter. With the mind at ease, it is easier to attain preparatory concentration (anāgamya-samādhi) and the concentration of the first dhyāna while sitting quietly.

Wisdom arises from meditative concentration—this concentration refers to preparatory concentration (anāgamya-samādhi) and the first dhyāna. Therefore, to realize the fruits and attain enlightenment, one must at minimum possess preparatory concentration. As long as it is not a thought-free preparatory concentration or first dhyāna, when the concentration is deep the contemplation becomes more meticulous, and there is no problem in opening wisdom and discovering a new continent. Without meditative concentration, contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) is impossible; if the concentration is shallow, the contemplative practice lacks power, the mind is not refined, and one does not accord with the Dharma. Therefore, after studying the Dharma, the two modes of practice are meditative concentration and contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā).