Little Tips on Cultivating Meditation

Poor meditative concentration stems partly from the heavy habit of the mind's chasing after objects, and partly from blockages in the body's channels and meridians. Therefore, working to clear and unblock the body's channels and meridians is also a good method for strengthening meditative concentration (dhyāna). How can the channels and meridians be cleared and unblocked? That is to regulate one's diet—eat less, or simply fast for three to five days, drink plenty of water, and then gradually transition to eating less. The standard for eating less depends on one's physical condition and psychological endurance. Generally speaking, the effect becomes quite noticeable when one reaches only one or two tenths of fullness; with a longer duration, the effect will be even better.

What effect? It is that, in the process of gradually resuming eating, the mind is very clear and lucid, with few wandering thoughts, and within the body a current of qi naturally circulates through the channels in a regular pattern. Its force is very strong, making both body and mind comfortable and tranquil. This current of qi gathers and consolidates the entire body, so that once seated, one does not wish to move—one does not want to leave the seat even for a whole day. No scattered thoughts arise in the mind, and one is quite focused. At this time, the flow of thought in the mind can be regulated at will: one can set aside all other miscellaneous matters and concentrate solely on contemplating the dharma principles one needs to investigate. It is like a remote control that can switch channels at will—a remote control held in one's own hands, obeying one's own command. In this way, one can quickly get on the right track in investigating the Buddha-dharma and engaging in contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā).

This current of qi within the body can also expel all kinds of illnesses lodged in the body's organs, such as diseased qi like dampness and cold, and can regulate the functions of the spleen, stomach, and other organs. Therefore, eating less and fasting are also good methods for eliminating illness. Those whose physical constitution is poor and who cannot cultivate meditative concentration well may give it a try; for the specific method, refer to the rules of bigu (grain-avoiding fasting).