Observing the Phenomenon of Breathing for the Attainment of Clear Knowing

Ignorance towards the observed Dharma is falling into the phenomenal realm, regarding the phenomenal realm as true and real. Knowing is awareness of the arising and ceasing of the phenomenal realm, and its lack of truth and reality. The process of contemplative practice in between is crucial; the turning point from ignorance to knowing is vital. Observing the principle behind the phenomenal realm is knowing. When the mental faculty (manas) attains knowing, samadhi characterized by balanced concentration and wisdom will surely arise. This process may take longer because the foundation from past lives is weaker, making this life's effort more arduous. Refer to the method of Ānāpānasati (mindfulness of breathing) practiced by Śuddhipanthaka in the Śūraṅgama Sūtra. Śuddhipanthaka contemplated the breath without ever leaving the tip of the nose, maintaining intense single-mindedness. Ultimately, he attained the Four Fruits of Enlightenment and also cultivated the Four Dhyanas.

Dedication Verse: With all the merit from Dharma propagation and group practice on our online platform, we dedicate it to all sentient beings throughout the Dharma realm, and to the people of the world. We pray for world peace, that wars may not arise; may the flames of war be extinguished, and all armed conflicts cease forever; may all calamities completely subside! We pray that the people of all nations unite in mutual aid, extending kindness towards one another; may favorable weather bring abundant harvests, and nations prosper with their people at peace! May all sentient beings deeply believe in cause and effect, harbor compassionate hearts and refrain from killing; may they widely cultivate wholesome connections and extensively perform virtuous deeds; may they have faith in the Buddha, learn the Dharma, and increase their roots of goodness; may they understand suffering, cease its origins, aspire to cessation, and cultivate the path; may they close the door to the evil destinies and open the path to Nirvāṇa! We pray that the Buddha Dharma flourishes eternally, and the true Dharma abides forever; may the fiery abode of the Three Realms be transformed into the Lotus Land of Ultimate Bliss!