..續本文上一頁coal. In the same way, once we can remember our meditation word without getting distracted, the closing off of the furnace means that we close off the various perceptions that register by way of the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and intellect. We close off the Hindrances and don”t let the mind flicker out after outside perceptions. Once everything is closed off in this way, the wood will keep smoldering away in the furnace. When the time comes to open it up, we”ll find that there are no ashes and that we”ve ended up with good, hard charcoal of high quality.

　　The solid goodness we develop in the heart is like charcoal that we can then use to smelt our ore. This way, the elements within us will gain strength, able to separate themselves into the Conditioned and the Unconditioned. Once we give rise to the four stages of jhana, unskillful mental states — the rock — will separate out and fall away. Sensual desire will separate out, ill will, torpor & lethargy, restlessness & anxiety, and uncertainty will all separate out and fall away. The mind will be totally absorbed in jhana, with directed thought and evaluation in charge. Just this is enough for insight to arise. We”ll be able to see clearly what”s diamond, what”s silver, and what”s gold. The silver is the sense of fullness or rapture, the gold is the sense of pleasure and ease that arises within.

　　Once there”s pleasure, no disturbances will appear in the mind, like a burning lantern when there”s no wind to disturb the flame. This is the light of the Dhamma (dhammo padipo) or the brilliance of discernment (pañña-pajoto), i.e., insight meditation, arising. We”ll see the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha within. The heart will give rise to treasures.

　　This is like setting up a furnace and using charcoal to smelt ore. The various elements in the rock will separate out, leaving the Unconditioned. Insight meditation is the fire we use to heat the rock. If we want things to separate out like this, we have to use insight meditation. Don”t try to separate things out on your own. Whatever is going to turn into light, ashes, charcoal, or smoke will do so of its own accord. This is how we get past the Conditioned. The Unconditioned will separate out to one side, the Conditioned to another. This way we”ll get to see what”s really true. But however things separate out, you have to keep using your discernment even further. If you get attached to good things, they can backfire on you. If you get attached to bad, you”ve gone wrong.

《The Skill of Release - Why Meditate

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