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Meditation Practice
Precepts are mindfulness, mindfulness is the source of precepts, concentration, and insight, and these four elements inter-are as one. The Five Precepts, or fivefold training, are a true practice of loving:
- The first precept protects life
- The second precept cultivates compassion and justice
- The third precept prevents suffering caused by sexual misconduct
- The fourth precept is to listen deeply and use loving speech
- The fifth precept is to refrain from consuming toxins
Mindfulness is to be fully present in the here and now; when mindfulness is energized by concentration, insight arises. Samadhi means maintaining one-pointedness of mind long enough for insight to manifest. The four dhyanas are:
- The first dhyana, with vitarka (initial application) and vichara (sustained application), gives rise to joy and happiness born from seclusion
- The second dhyana, where initial and sustained application cease, but joy and happiness born from concentration remain
- The third dhyana, letting go of surface excitement, only subtle joy and deep happiness remain
- The fourth dhyana, with equanimity, mindfulness, and clear awareness, transcends both suffering and happiness
Mindfulness and concentration do not operate only on the level of consciousness, but also cooperate with store consciousness to transform suffering and nourish the seeds of insight. Practicing mindfulness hour by hour, minute by minute, we transcend ordinary space and time (the ultimate dimension), dwell in true freedom, and discover liberation right in the present moment.
