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Category：Prajñā Sūtras Reads：
This book primarily elucidates the contents of five meditation methods: the contemplation of impurity, the contemplation of loving-kindness, the contemplation of dependent origination, the contemplation of counting breaths, and the contemplation of Buddha-mindfulness. These five contemplative practices are used to combat afflictions such as greed, hatred, delusion, and scattered thoughts. Among them, the contemplation of impurity and the contemplation of counting breaths are most highly valued in the Theravada tradition, known as the Two Gates to the Deathless. Subsequently, the text mainly explains the states attained through the practice of meditation, namely the four dhyanas and eight samadhis, as well as the relationship between these states and the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Five Supernatural Powers, and the contemplation of the Four Noble Truths. Those who wish to attain the four dhyanas and eight samadhis may contemplate the faults of the desire realm, while those seeking to approach Nirvana should practice the Four Foundations of Mindfulness with calm-abiding and insight meditation. Simultaneously, the sutra explains specific methods for cultivating various samadhis, outlining the progressive path of realization from an ordinary being to a Bodhisattva. This book is an indispensable and reliable text for Buddhist disciples genuinely seeking practical realization. It is rare and precious; may all Buddhist practitioners rely upon this book to practice and realize the truth according to its teachings, faithfully following its instructions to swiftly attain the fruit of the path.
