Skillful Means in Contemplative Practice (Vipaśyanā-caryā)

Blue Sky's Contemplative Practice Diary, July 6 

Day 86 of Sitting Meditation: Observing the Breath 

Upon taking my seat, I did ten deep breaths; the breath channel was long and unobstructed, and the dantian grew warm. Afterward I silently recited the Heart Sutra, reciting from the beginning up to "ultimate nirvāṇa." My attention gradually concentrated on the sutra text, distracting thoughts diminished, and abdominal breathing deepened. Then I observed the breath, shifting my attention from silently reciting the sutra to observing the breath, placing the object of meditation on the breathing: while inhaling, I knew I was taking a long in-breath; while exhaling, I knew I was taking a long out-breath. At this point my meditative concentration was stronger than before, and I was able to hold it steadily. With the breathing, I slowly felt a slight outward swelling in both ears, which later disappeared on its own. The breathing became natural and relaxed, and grew long and deep; my abdomen was warm, soft, and spacious, and my mind was at ease. After rising from the seat, both body and mind felt joyful. 

Assessment: Contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) of the Buddha's Dharma can only be carried out when meditative concentration is stable and the power of concentration for contemplation is complete; it is not necessarily a matter of merely contemplating all the time. If meditative concentration is not yet stable, one must first cultivate body and mind to accumulate the power of concentration. In the meantime, one may employ various methods suited to one's current state in order to stabilize body and mind and strengthen concentration. Only when the power of concentration is complete can contemplative practice become correct contemplation; otherwise it is chaotic contemplation, a waste of time with no results.