THE LAST CONCEPTUALIZATION
Within Contemplation the LAST CONCEPTUALIZATION is that point when a particular cognitive concept has been reduced to its simplest form by meditative reflection and as a consequence produces an ABSTRACT, though cognitive, EXPERIENCE of that last conceptualization. Thus the bridge to the unconscious, consisting of NAME-LAST CONCEPTUALIZATION-ABSTRACT EXPERIENCE-ATTAINMENT, is built.
Generating those Last Conceptualizations is the most difficult task.
It is IMPORTANT to realize that in Chan in its purest sense the Last Conceptualization begins with the ABSTRACT EXPERIENCE not the REFLECTION. The REFLECTIONS are presented here for those who have not the temperament to generate that Cognitive Experience.
In the early days of what was to become Chan, these Conceptualizations were not formally necessary, because the old Chinese characters were not at all conceptual as they are today. The ancient Chinese were fully integrated with the Characters and their representation so that, although cognitive, they generated EXPERIENCES not word chains.
Today the Chan adept must learn to reproduce that state of understanding. In other words, when the Character representing 'horse' was presented to the ancient adept, he actually experienced "horse" not a set of conceptual word pictures.
The normal adept walking every moment carried with him the five Chan Paramitas of Understanding Vacuity, Unity, Impermanence, Clear Comprehension and the Life Force. These were carried as a continual "presence" not as a series of conceptual word chains.
Similarly, the Two Truths, the Buddha Nature and the Unity which is Interdependent and Interpenetrated then required no Last Conceptualization.
For example, the Unity which was Interdependent and Interpenetrant generated that actual experience of Being, and holding that state in what we may call the Becoming of the Unconscious, all conceptualizations were left behind and the higher state reached in which the later discerned experience of Primitive Security and corresponding Well-Being was experienced.
Now the Chan Contemplations of THE FUNCTION OF FUNCTION, THE AWARENESS OF AWARENESS (SENSORY), and THE FORMLESSNESS OF THE FORMLESS (EMPTINESS OF EMPTINESS) are more complex, so even in ancient times the Last Conceptualization was necessary.
For example, in the Contemplation of the Vacuity of Vacuity one had to first generate the discerned experience of Vacuity and then, using that as a new cognitive fount, generate the abstract experience of the Vacuity of that state of Vacuity and hold that within the Becoming of the Unconscious.
That Cognitive Experience is to be carried as part of the "Presence" every possible moment of the day.
Thus we come exactly to the same method practiced by Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Kuan Yin), who turned inward the ear to hear the all-embracing awareness, or the self-natured bodhi (see the Surangama Sutra). Therefore the pretension that the Chan Transmission is different from the Teaching in the sutras is totally groundless, for the principle is the same in both.
While the method of using the Last Conceptualizatios as a platform was first used by Buddha in his Supra-mundane Contemplations that led to his Awakening, the Chinese and Tibetans in their own way developed and refined this technique.
In order to pass to a higher state of consciousness it is clear that one must leave behind all conceptualizations and it is the generation of that Last Conceptualization which is important in Chan Contemplations. Every one of the six Contemplations uses the generation of the Last Conceptualization, including those models in which there is no physical sitting contemplation.
PREREQUISITES
There are various conditions or prerequisites required for successful Contemplation.
In the mind of the Meditator it must be clear that the path of the Dharma is the most important thing in his or her life, and there must be a realization that all aspects of life, which includes work and all relations, are enhanced by following and developing Buddha Dharma and appropriate contemplations or absorptions.
There must be a clarity about the method and supreme confidence in its efficacy and outcome.
There must be a clear understanding that it requires dedication and energy, together with patience, calmness, determination and perseverance.
There must be a clear understanding that any Identity clinging is an impediment and high vigilance must be generated in daily life to minimize this Identity condition.
ORGANIZATION
Just as Buddha organized his Jhana and Supra-mundane absorptions so the Chan Contemplator must organize his meditation.
Most of those upon the Dharma Path recoil in horror at the idea of "organization," for it seems such a worldly idea, but Gotama Buddha used it within all his explanations and it serves here also with an important role.
It consists, besides understanding what "just sitting" entails, in:
An Understanding of how to establish the "Becoming of Consciousness" state and the path of the specific trance through the Reflection stage (Vitakka) and the second stage (Vicara) in which only Cognitive Experiences are conscious.
Generating the command for "Discernment" during the unconscious state of the Contemplation.
Developing a clear cognitive picture of the "Reflection" required for each Last Conceptualization.
UNDERSTANDING THE PRACTICE
The "Becoming of Consciousness"
Correct "Discernment"
How to develop the "Reflection" of the Last Conceptualization