Samādhi: The Mark of Accomplishment in Dharma Practice

Question: Must one practice the Sun Visualization until the image remains continuously for 24 hours a day before proceeding to the subsequent stages?

Answer: In the Sixteen Visualizations of the Contemplation Sutra, each visualization is considered complete only after samādhi arises. Only then can one proceed to the next visualization. For the first visualization, the Sun Visualization, one must attain samādhi—the Setting Sun Samādhi—where the image of the setting sun continuously arises in the mind without ceasing. Both body and mind abide in meditative concentration, free from afflictions and distracting thoughts, remaining in this state except during sleep. Once this Sun Samādhi is attained, one may advance to the second visualization. In practicing any Dharma or realizing any path—including meditative absorption and wisdom—if samādhi does not arise, it cannot be considered successful practice or genuine realization. During the period before and after samādhi arises, sleep should not be heavy; there should be no chaotic or miscellaneous dreams, and the mind should maintain a degree of clarity. Sleep becomes light and brief, without dullness or torpor. Light sleep should still have the visual image, while deep sleep lacks it.

The Sun Visualization has been practiced in our group for about three years, hasn't it? Not a single person has attained it. Yet this is the simplest and easiest visualization practice. This shows that spiritual practice is no trivial matter—especially great achievements like severing the view of self or comprehending the mind and perceiving the true nature, which are far from easy. Among the Sixteen Visualizations of the Contemplation Sutra, only by accomplishing the third visualization can one be assured of rebirth in the Pure Land after death. One must attain the seventh visualization to comprehend the mind and attain enlightenment. If in three years no one has accomplished the first visualization, in what year or month might the third and seventh visualizations ever be achieved? Spiritual practice is not so easily accomplished—unless one had cultivated it in past lives and was already an adept, making it somewhat easier in this present life.