"The training of the mind in Ch’an (Zen) practice can be divided into three levels. First, we move from a scattered state of mind to concentrated mind. Second, we move from concentrated mind to one-mind (samadhi). Finally, we have let go of our self-centeredness and realize wisdom.

A person who has realized wisdom is not driven by desire and aversion. Instead, they respond naturally to whatever happens, in order to help other sentient beings experience wisdom.

Every method of practice can bring you to profound levels of clarity. While you are counting your breath, your concentration can become deeper and deeper until there seems to be no numbers for you to count and no breathing. If this state of mind is clear and sustained, then it is an elementary level of one mind, the stage after scattered mind. You and your method of practice become one. Body and mind are no longer separate but are fused or absorbed into a single stream of concentration."

- "Subtle Wisdom - Understanding Suffering, Cultivating Compassion through Ch’an Buddhism" Master Sheng-yen

posted by albertxu at 9:43 am & filed under 禅 |