The initial practice requires an extremely quiet environment.

Shi Ruyuan: I usually practice alone because it's difficult to develop meditative concentration in a crowd. Forget contemplating the Dharma principles—even trying to settle my mind is challenging. Finding time to stabilize and contemplate the Dharma requires deliberate effort, and if I accidentally hear any noise, it startles me greatly. For instance, I currently live in a high-rise building with neighbors above and below. Any sudden noise from others makes me jump. Nowadays, whether walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, when my mind settles, I cannot tolerate any sound, as contemplating the Dharma requires profound contemplation to make any progress. I usually wait until others are resting and quiet before I dare to calmly visualize and contemplate the Dharma principles. In noisy environments, I generally use my conscious mind to study the master's teachings.

Commentary: This describes Shi Ruyuan's state during her initial period of learning Buddhism before ordination. Her samadhi was newly developed and not yet firm; she feared disturbances and being startled by sounds. After some time, once her samadhi solidifies and her mental resilience strengthens, this situation will improve. Spiritual practice is difficult—its concepts and actions run counter to worldly ways. This world is not a practitioner's natural habitat; practicing within it is inherently challenging, requiring the overcoming of numerous obstacles and enduring immense psychological pressure. Others find it hard to understand, so practitioners often walk a solitary path, struggling to find like-minded companions.