Get reason(concentration meditation training)

When we have a completed reason we must make a firm decision to enter the path.Once this decision has been made there are 5 basic principles which should be adhered to. These principles should be seen as common, ordinary, nothing special and should be adhered to naturally and quietly;1, Don’t kill2, Don’t steal3, Don’t have bad relationships (sexual or otherwise)4, Don’t boast, lie or spurt out big meaningless words5, Don’t drink (this includes the multitude of modern day narcotics)The last principle is important because when under the influence of booze or happy pills, people are much more likely to break numbers 1-4.Keeping to these rules will help the trainee overcome his afflictions and reach Samadhi. By taking these rules the trainee can receive the Buddhist teaching he desires. If he doesn’t take these rules, the lessons cannot be absorbed by the trainee in the manner the teacher intended, much like trying to dye a coffee stained shirt; if you take a white shirt with a big coffee stain on the front and try to dye it pink, after dying, the coffee stain is still very prominent, the dying process has not reduced the stain at all, in the same way, a trainee who meditates for hours on end and diligently reads through the scriptures by day but then by night goes out killing, stealing, cheating on his wife whilst boasting in an ecstasy enhanced drunken stupor will more than likely find his path to be an uphill struggle. The trainee of Zen should seek teachings in a clean white shirt, it may not be starched, but there are no coffee stains either.

Concentration Meditation Practice

Through the practice of focus, concentration and stillness we reach Samadhi. Through observation and correct thinking we find wisdom.When practicing Zen, Samadhi and wisdom need to be balanced and cultivated equally so we do not find ourselves leaning to one side like a bicycle with one wheel. To study Samadhi without wisdom breeds foolishness, to study wisdom without Samadhi breeds insanity.A 10th class Bodhisattva has wisdom that is greater than his Samadhi so he can meet Buddha but is still not complete. The Buddha’s wisdom and Samadhi are equal and balanced so he understands the truth.It is said in scripture that the trainer that truly understands emptiness cannot meet Buddha nature because there is no Buddha nature to meet.The path of concentration meditation leads us to the final goal. This is not just some simple, elementary teaching for the beginner, yes it helps the beginner find the path, but the path leads to the final goal. These words are easy to say but extremely difficult to do. These words should not be taken lightly or talked about foolishly.The great masters of the past directed the beginner with 10 precepts to guide him towards his path;1, get reason2, steer away from bad desire3, avoid incorrect training4, find harmony5, convenience6, develop correct training7, practice kindness, mercy and compassion8 , overcome your demons9, cure illness10, enlightenment is guaranteedThe great masters gave these 10 guidelines to help the trainee practice sitting meditation in the correct way, help him overcome any difficulties he may encounter on his journey, help him obtain wisdom and Samadhi and thus reach his final goal.