(continued from previous issue)

*　*　*

Then, should we meditate?

My answer is that we should.

Is meditation important?

My answer is that it is important.

The short and concise "Heart Sutra of Transcendent Knowledge" is precisely Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva's great realization after entering into a profound level of samadhi.

This is my view:

I cultivated the four dhyanas on the form-realms and the eight concentrations entering into samadhi. This is precisely the method to gradually sever one's habitual tendencies/inclinations that are the result of our past actions in countless cycles of transmigration.

Meditation cannot enable you to attain Buddhahood directly. Yet, it can sever the seeds of your past habitual tendencies (which some perceive to be their natural inclination).

Meditation cannot enable you to attain Buddhahood directly. Yet, it can enable you to attain wisdom which in turn enables you to attain Buddhahood.

Meditation can enable you to attain the wisdom of relative truth and ultimate truth, a kind of transcendent truth. These are essential prerequisites for attaining Buddhahood.

The wisdom that one can attain through meditation includes:

"Underlying principle of astronomy"

"Underlying principle of biological life"

"Underlying principle of atoms" (prana, channel, drops)

"Underlying principle of space and time"

"Underlying principle of supernatural power"

"Underlying principle of Yogacara, Consciousness-only doctrine."

etc, etc.

When you possess these great wisdoms, then it is much easier for you to recognize and attain the true suchness of the tathagata (universal Truth-as-it-is).

(the end)

(From Book #196 "Refreshing Messages")

(本文選自蓮生活佛第196冊著作「清涼的書箋」文章「禪定重不重要？」)