The Method of Samatha Cannot Be Used to Practice Chan

To attain enlightenment and perceive one's true nature, one must use the methods of investigating Chan (Zen), investigating the huatou (critical phrase), and investigating gong'an (koan) to realize the Tathāgatagarbha and understand the true suchness mind, the eighth consciousness. The so-called "investigation" refers to using the conscious mind to inquire into the principle of true suchness and to seek the whereabouts of the eighth consciousness. Since it is an inquiry, naturally, this conscious mind should be clear, wise, and discerning, not confused or dull, and certainly not disappearing in meditative absorption. Only a rational conscious mind can investigate and seek the eighth consciousness; without the conscious mind or if the conscious mind is dulled, one cannot investigate or seek, resulting in knowing nothing and failing to achieve the purpose of enlightening the mind and realizing the Way.

It is like searching for a person: one must have a seeking mind, know where to look, and how to look. If one does not know where to look or the method of searching, nor what the person looks like, and lacks even a photograph of that person, it would be impossible to find them no matter what. Similarly, investigating Chan to seek the eighth consciousness, the true suchness, requires prior knowledge of the intrinsic nature of the eighth consciousness, which is equivalent to having a photograph of it. Merely having a "photograph" of the eighth consciousness is not enough; one must also know how to search and where it generally manifests. Without knowing these, it would be like searching for a needle in the ocean—a futile endeavor with no gain.

Therefore, methods like counting breaths cannot lead to enlightenment because they lack the mind of inquiry; methods focusing on observing thoughts cannot lead to enlightenment because they lack the mind seeking the eighth consciousness; methods involving seated meditation and entering meditative absorption also cannot lead to enlightenment because the consciousness in absorption is devoid of perception and thus cannot resonate with the eighth consciousness. These are all methods for cultivating meditative absorption (samādhi), not methods for investigating Chan. When counting breaths, attention is on the numbers, not on investigating and seeking the eighth consciousness, so one certainly cannot find it. Moreover, prolonged counting of breaths easily leads to dullness or meditative absorption, making it even harder to find the eighth consciousness. When focusing on thoughts, the conscious mind is on the thoughts, not investigating and seeking true suchness, so enlightenment cannot occur. In seated meditation and absorption, one is without perception or knowledge, lacking the mind to investigate and seek, thus discovering no truth and failing to find the true suchness, the eighth consciousness.

The above methods for cultivating meditative absorption cannot be used for Chan investigation and realization. The direction is unclear, the methods are incorrect, and the effort is misguided—the result, as one can imagine, will be gaining nothing. Persisting in such practices will likely lead to loss of confidence over time, inevitably causing regression on the path. In spiritual practice, understanding principles is paramount; possessing wisdom and correct knowledge and views is most crucial—one must not practice blindly or haphazardly. Buddhists should constantly examine whether their methods and path of practice are correct and whether they can achieve the goal. If not, they must adjust their direction of practice at any time and carefully choose a method suitable for themselves. Cultivating meditative absorption requires methods for cultivating absorption; attaining enlightenment requires methods for investigating Chan. One must understand what Chan is, how to investigate it, when to begin investigating, and so forth. This series of questions must be clarified. Moreover, one must observe whether the conditions for investigating Chan are complete and strive to perfect all necessary conditions before beginning Chan investigation.