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Meditative concentration (dhyāna) is a crucial factor in the cultivation and realization of the Buddha-dharma, one of the three uncontaminated studies emphasized by the Buddha, and the key to liberating wisdom. Concentration arises from precepts, and wisdom arises from concentration; without concentration there is no wisdom. Therefore, if one wishes to attain liberation, cultivating meditative concentration is absolutely necessary. At present, the bottleneck for most practitioners is meditative concentration: when concentration is not well cultivated, the mind is scattered and impure, afflictions cannot be subdued, and one lacks the strength to contemplate and reflect upon the Buddha-dharma, and thus cannot realize it through direct practice. This book introduces a variety of methods for cultivating concentration, combining stillness and movement, and is highly practical, concrete, and flexible; practicing in accordance with it can swiftly give rise to meditative concentration (dhyāna). The book also explains the factors that affect the arising of meditative concentration and the methods for counteracting them, as well as the methods for dealing with obstacles that appear during meditation. The latter part describes the concrete methods and points of attention for investigating the huatou (critical phrase) within meditative concentration, as well as the correct views of enlightenment in the Chan school, and how to ensure genuine awakening and avoid mistaken awakening. It also presents accounts of practical contemplative experience for learners' reference and emulation, so as to continually improve the quality of one's cultivation and realization, guarantee the actual realization of the Buddha-dharma, and attain true wisdom.
