THE DIRECT CONTEMPLATION METHODS

IN CONSTRUCTION

Chih-i transmitted Hui-ssu's three kinds of calming and contemplation:

(1) the gradual and sequential,

(2) the variable,

(3) the perfect and sudden.

(...) The gradual [calming and contemplation] is shallow at the beginning but later becomes deep, like [climbing] a ladder or stairs.

In the variable [calming and contemplation], the earlier and later [stages] mutually shift around, just as the color of a diamond thrust into the sunlight varies depending on its position.

In the perfect and sudden [calming and contemplation], beginning and end are not two [different things], so that the practice is comparable to someone with supernatural powers mounting into space. It is for the sake of three basic types of [spiritual] capacity that we teach these three approaches to Dharma and cite these three similes.

In this section we are interested in the perfect and sudden contemplations

1. EXPLICATION OF THE DIRECT CONTEMPLATIONS

2. CONTEMPLATIONS OF PATRIARCH CHAN

In construction

Here are the early contemplations of the Great masters

that gave direct experience of either the Mind of Buddha

or Direct access to the Buddha Nature.

These do not lead to the Direct Awakening

Here also are the early contemplations on Emptiness and  Stained Mind and the Single Samadhi Contemplation.

3.. CONTEMPLATIONS OF TATHAGATA CHAN

in Construction

4. CONTEMPLATIVE  PRACTICES OF THE SIX GREAT

MASTERS OF THE FABLED GOLDEN AGE

These are both sitting and non-sitting contemplations developed by Masters of different temperaments as preparation for the opening of the Pure Mind or, for those with the appropriate prepared mind, direct access to the Feminine Principle's aspects of Function, Essence and Undifferentiated Form.

5. ADVANCED CONTEMPLATIONS

 REVITALIZATION OF DAILY PRACTICE

Here are the Chan and Dao contemplations which support

daily practice of complete and constant consciousness of

Vacuity, Unity, Impermanance, Clear Comprehension and

the Life Force.

These cognitive experiences are fundamental for all advances in Dao that cannot be substituted by a cognitive word appreciation of them.

Patience

Tranquility

Determination

Persistencia

Introspection

Clear Critical Enquiry

These balance and complete the Avaivartika Motivation which starts with Generosity, eventually replacing mundane stained motivation.

6. ADVANCED DAO CONTEMPLATIONS

THE REVITALIZATION OF ZEAL

Here are instructions for the nine Advanced Chan

contemplations of the Life Force aspects of Function,

Essence and Undifferentiated Form and Final access

to the Uncarved wood.

Function

Essence

Undifferentiated Form