Meditation Trains the Mind and Subdues Afflictions

Ru Chun: Previously, I believed that refining the mind amidst the mundane world could cultivate mental capacity and wisdom, thereby transcending afflictions. Later, I discovered that without the cultivation skills derived from the Dharma, refining the mind in the mundane world is impossible; it only produces another affliction, replacing the original one. For instance, upgrading from pursuing material enjoyment to seeking spiritual enjoyment might make one feel more advanced, but in reality, it's merely moving from a wolf's den to a tiger's den—essentially upgrading afflictions. Now, I realize that cultivating meditative concentration seems capable of altering human physiological structures. For example, it can promote the secretion of certain hormones in the brain and the opening of chakras, leading to physical and mental joy, emotional stability, and a calm, composed state. On this foundation, afflictions naturally become lighter.

Commentary: Meditation can transform the body, and changes in the body influence and transform the mind. Changes in the mind, in turn, prompt changes in the body. The physical and mental worlds mutually influence and elevate each other. Once the physical and mental worlds are transformed, afflictions will naturally be effectively subdued. However, to eradicate them completely, meditation must be combined with the wisdom of emptiness and non-self. Integrating meditative concentration with wisdom eradicates afflictions. The wisdom cultivated through the Four Preliminary Practices and the path of stream-entry can subdue and eradicate the coarsest afflictions. Only after these coarse afflictions are eradicated can one attain the path and sever the view of self. At this stage, the wisdom of emptiness and non-self can eradicate more subtle afflictions until the first dhyana arises, eradicating the root afflictions of greed, hatred, and delusion.