Cultivating More Concentration Leads to Samadhi

Meditative concentration is essentially a state of focused attention, directing all one's energy towards the task at hand without distraction, thereby enabling the task to be done well. First, one must cultivate a deep sense of responsibility and a strong interest in what one is doing; only then can one immerse oneself wholeheartedly, resolving the problem. The more focused one is, the better the resolution, the more profound and significant insights one discovers, and the deeper one's wisdom becomes.

For example, researchers, scientists—they feel a strong sense of responsibility for their work, they greatly enjoy it, and possess a deep exploratory interest. Consequently, they diligently and tirelessly delve into their studies day and night, forgetting to eat and sleep, oblivious to all else. In the end, they achieve certain results and make remarkable discoveries.

Those whose minds are still scattered should persistently recite mantras or memorize the Heart Sutra while walking, standing, sitting, or lying down during the day. During free time, they should sit in meditation to calm the mind, so that later they can contemplate and reflect on the Dharma. Once able to contemplate the Dharma during meditation, they should then train themselves to contemplate simple aspects of the Dharma while walking, standing, sitting, or lying down during the day. Initially, train oneself to be clearly aware of the task one is currently performing, avoiding unmindful distraction and grasping. Keeping the mind abiding on the present task is the rudimentary level of concentration.

For those with a scattered mind, to initially gather the mind and begin cultivating concentration, it is best to start by reciting the Shurangama Mantra. Recite the Shurangama Mantra three or seven times daily; achieving the ability to recite it from memory is ideal. In this way, whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, the mind remains on the Shurangama Mantra, reducing grasping at the objects of the six senses. Gradually, concentration will develop. Moreover, reciting the Shurangama Mantra brings the blessings of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Dharma-protecting deities, accelerating one's progress on the path. For those with scattered minds, during seated meditation, visualize an extremely captivating scene; the process should be prolonged and require some mental construction so that the mind can focus on the visualization, and meditative concentration will arise. Once the meditative concentration stabilizes, then relinquish these visualized scenes and shift to contemplating a principle of the Dharma. If one always mistakes the visualized scenes for reality, it is easy to deviate.