Expedient Means in Contemplative Practice

Blue Sky Meditation Journal July 6th

Eighty-sixth Day of Meditation: Mindfulness of Breathing

Upon sitting, I took ten deep breaths; the air passage was long and unobstructed, generating warmth in the dantian. Subsequently, I silently recited the Heart Sutra from its beginning to the phrase "reached ultimate nirvana." My attention gradually focused on the sutra text, distracting thoughts diminished, and abdominal breathing deepened. Then I shifted to observing the breath, changing the focus from silently reciting the sutra to observing the breath, placing the meditation object on the breath: knowing "I am taking a long inhalation" while inhaling and "I am taking a long exhalation" while exhaling. At this time, the power of concentration was stronger than before, and I was able to maintain it steadily. With the breath, I gradually felt a slight outward swelling sensation in both ears, which later disappeared naturally. The breath became naturally relaxed and grew long and unhurried. The abdomen felt warm, soft, and spacious, the mind was at ease. After rising from sitting, both body and mind were joyful.

Comment: Observing phenomena according to the Dharma should be practiced when samadhi is stable and the power of meditative observation is sufficient; it is not necessarily a matter of single-mindedly observing all the time. If samadhi is not yet stable, one must first cultivate body and mind to accumulate concentration. During this process, various methods suitable to one's current state can be employed to stabilize body and mind and enhance concentration. Only after concentration is sufficient should one proceed to observe phenomena; this is proper observation. Otherwise, it becomes disordered observation, wasting time without yielding results.