Observing the Breath Is Also for Cultivating the Mind

Throughout the entire process of observing the breath, one should not work only on the body; one must also put in more effort on the mind, for after all, cultivating all dharmas is for the sake of cultivating the mind. The mind is the master of the body. Once the body has been regulated to a certain degree and no longer affects the mind, one should then apply effort on the mind. When the mind has been regulated well and become tranquil, the body will also become harmonized accordingly. In the end, all effort is applied on the mind, and the body no longer needs much attention. After rising from the seat, in interactions with people and affairs, and when encountering conditions and circumstances, what are the reactions of body and mind? What is the state of mind? How are the afflictions? What changes have occurred in one's mental attitude? These are the results after contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā), and they best reveal the truth. Has your mind's capacity grown? Has your tolerance of others increased? Have you come to consider matters with more long-term and broad vision? Has your compassion for sentient beings increased? Has your sense of responsibility strengthened? Has your great bodhi mind increased? Has your resolve for the Path become firm? Is your mind tied to Buddhism and to sentient beings? These are all the standards for examining one's cultivation. If you still fall far short, then you are still far from seeing the Path, and you need to continue striving, diligently applying effort and attention.