The training in concentration is practice to make the mind firm and steady.
This brings about peacefulness of mind. Usually our untrained minds are moving
and restless, hard to control and manage. Mind follows sense distractions wildly
just like water flowing this way and that, seeking the lowest level. Agriculturists
and engineers, though, know how to control water so that it is of greater use
to mankind. Men are clever, they know how to dam water, make large reservoirs
and channals - all of this merely to channel water and make it more useable.
In addition the water stored becomes a source of electric power and light, further
benefits from controlling its flow so that it doesn't run wild and eventually
settle into a few low spots, it's usefulness wasted.
So too, the mind which is dammed and controlled, trained constantly will be
of immeasurable benefit. The Buddha Himself taught, "The mind that has
been controlled brings true happiness, so train your minds well for the highest
of benefits." Similarly, the animals around us - elephants, horses, cattle,
buffalo, etc., must be trained before they be useful for work. Only after they
have been trained is their strength of benefit to us.
In the same way, the mind that has been trained will bring many times the blessings
of an untrained mind. The Buddha and His Noble Disciples all started out in
the same way as us - with untrained minds; but afterwards look how they became
the subjects of reverence for us all, and see how much benefit we gain through
their teaching. Indeed, see what benefit has come to the entire world from these
men who have gone through the training of mind to reach the freedom beyond.
The mind controlled and trained is better equipped to help us in all professions,
in all situations. The disciplined mind will keep our lives balanced, make work
easier and develop and nurture reason to govern our action. In the end our happiness
will increase accordingly as we follow the proper mind training.
The training of the mind can be done in many ways, with many different methods.
The method which is most useful and which can be practised by all types of people
is known as "mindfulness of breathing". It is the developing of mindfulness
on the in-breath and the out-breath. In this monastery we concentrate our attention
on the tip of the nose and develop awareness of the in- and out-breaths with
the mantra "BUD-DHO". If the meditator wishes to use another word,
or simply be mindful of the air moving in and out, this is also fine. Adjust
the practice to suit yourself. The essential factor in the meditation is that
the noting or awareness of the breath be kept up in the present moment so that
one is mindful of each in-breath and each out-breath that occurs. While doing
walking meditation we try to be constantly mindful of the sensation of the feet
touching the ground.
The practice of meditation must be pursued as continouosly as possible in order
for it to bear fruit. Don't meditate for a short time one day and then in one
or two weeks, or even a month. Meditate again, this will bring results. The
Buddha taught us to practise often, to practise diligently, that is, to be as
continuous as we can in the practice of mental training. To practise meditation
we should also find a suitable quite place free from distractions. In gardens
or under shady trees in our back yards, or in places where we can be alone are
suitable environments.
In any case, wherever we are, we must make an effort to be continuously mindful
of breathing in and breathing out. If the attention wanders to other things,
try to pull it back to the object of concentration. Try to put away all other
thoughts and cares. Don't think about anything - just watch the breath, If we
are mindful of thoughts as soon as they arise and keep diligently returning
to the meditation subject, the mind will become quieter and quieter. When the
mind is peaceful and concentrated, release it from the breath as the object
of concentration. Now begin to examine the body and mind comprised of the five
"khandhas": material form, feelings, perceptions, mental formations
and consciousness. Examine these five khandhas as they come and go. You will
see clearly that they are impermanent, that this impermanence makes them unsatisfactory
and undesirable, and tat they come and go of their own - there is no self running
things. There is to be found only nature moving according to cause and effect.
All things in this world fall under the characteristics of instability, unsatisfactoriness
and being without a permanent ego or soul. Seeing the whole of existence in
this light, attachment and clinging to the khandas will gradually be reduced.
This is because we see the true characteristics of the world. This we call the
arising of wisdom.