3. Shen Power against the Three Poisons

排毒

The Poison Tree

SHEN  (神 shén)  HUN  SPIRIT

HUN (熱心 rè xīn) PO  ZEAL

PO ( 積極性 jī jí xìng) YI INITIATIVE

YI (志意 yi zhi) ZHI DETERMINATION

ZHI (恒心 heng shen) PERSEVERANCE

PO ( 積極性 jī jí xìng) YI INITIATIVE

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF INITIATIVE

The possesion of Initiative is a natural phenomenon that arises from the operation of cognition. When 積極性 jī jí xìng is weak then that YI initiative does not arise.

積極性 jī jí xìng remains strong when there is the application of cognitively conscious understanding of the four sublime states together with their application at the most profound level possible with respect to all aspects of Nature and the Life Force. This must be maintained together with the constant cognitive presence of vacuity, unity, impermanence and clear comprehension.

The sign, as it were, of healthy 積極性 jī jí xìng, INITIATIVE, is a constant state of Gladness. This Initiative and Gladness  go hand in hand

YI (志意 yi zhi) ZHI DETERMINATION

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF  DETERMINATION

SERENITY MEDITATIONS (Concentration)

When the 志意 yi zhi energy catalyst is weak then determination does not accompany projects and there is little force for the completion of apparent objectives.

The renovation requires concentration meditations within the basic framework of  Mindfulness of Breathing, entering the Becoming of Consciousness and then, using the correct pre- programing, taking as meditation subject  the first three sublime states: Benevolent Affect, Compassion, and Gladness.

There are then three separate Concentration Meditations.

There are four stages of deep one-pointedness which are called in Buddha Dharma the Fine-material levels of Samatha.

The Unification of mind, sensation, discrimination, perception, intention, consciousness, determination, decision, persistence, mindfulness, equanimity & attention are all present during these four attainments.

First Attainment - In the first level there is "directed thought, evaluation, mundane rapture, pleasure."

Second Attainment - In the second level there is "internal assurance, mundane rapture, pleasure."

Third Attainment - In the third level, there is "equanimity-pleasure."

Fourth Attainment - In the fourth level there is "a feeling of equanimity, neither pleasure nor pain; an unconcern due to serenity of awareness."

The sign, as it were, of healthy 志意 yi zhi, DETERMINATION, is a constant state of Well-Being.  It will be discovered that Determination and Serene Equanimity go hand in hand.

The actual practices are Theravada and can be found in the relevant Theravadin source.

ZHI (恒心 heng shen) PERSEVERANCE

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF  PERSEVERANCE

INTROSPECTION

When the 恒心 heng shen energy catalyst is weak then perseverance fails and setbacks cause an abandonment of valid projects. Perseverance, like detemination and initiative, are correct and natural forces that impediments within Samsara have managed to weaken.

Particularly when perseverance is essential in total renovation of the Life Force series then strong Samatha meditations are necessary. The four concentration meditation subjects most effective are the following:

Dimension of Infinite Space - "the perception of the dimension of the infinitude of space."

Dimension of Infinite Consciousness -  "the perception of the dimension of the infinitude of consciousness."

Dimension of Nothingness - In the dimension of nothingness, there is "the perception of the dimension of nothingness, singleness of mind."

Dimension of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception - Of this eighth level of concentration it is said: "One emerges mindfully from that attainment, regarding the past qualities that had ceased and changed: Seeing how they arose and arise in the mind, flow in the mind and disappear in the mind without substance, they are unattractive and even repelling."

As a result the mediation generates an attitude that is independent, as well as detached, released, dissociated, and without clinging or craving with an awareness without barriers. There is a discernment experience that 'There is a further escape,' and perseverance is restored.

That detachment and release is from the impediments of Identity and that results in an unassailable "other-directed impulse towards all of Nature.

It can then be clearly discerned that perseverance goes hand in hand with natural compassion.

Quite enthralled with the idea that Zeal goes hand in hand with Well-Being, I am always filed with surprise when I find that the very experiences of the Life Force itself are associated in this way:

Initiative with Gladness

Determination with Equanimity

Perseverance with Natural Compassion

But there is another surprise in store