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Meditative concentration is a crucial factor in the practice and realization of the Dharma, one of the important Three Non-Outflow Studies emphasized by the Buddha, and the key to attaining liberating wisdom. Discipline gives rise to concentration; concentration gives rise to wisdom. Without concentration, there is no wisdom. Therefore, to attain liberation, the cultivation of concentration is an indispensable necessity. For most practitioners today, the bottleneck in their practice lies precisely in meditative concentration. Without proper cultivation of concentration, the mind remains scattered, impure, and unable to subdue afflictions. Consequently, when contemplating and reflecting on the Dharma, they lack the strength and cannot achieve genuine realization. This book introduces multiple practical methods for cultivating concentration, combining stillness and activity. These methods are highly practical, concrete, and flexible. By following them, one can swiftly initiate meditative concentration. The book details the factors that influence the arising of concentration and provides methods to address them, along with solutions for handling obstacles that may arise during concentration practice. Later sections focus specifically on explaining effective methods and precautions for investigating the critical phrase (huatou) within meditative concentration, as well as the correct knowledge and views regarding awakening in the Chan (Zen) tradition—how to ensure genuine awakening without mistaking it for false awakening. Additionally, the book includes accounts of practical contemplative experiences for practitioners to reference and learn from, enabling them to continually improve the quality of their practice and realization, ensure the actualization of the Dharma, and attain true wisdom.
