..续本文上一页attendant experiences. This rapture came from the initial and discursive thinking that took place in a state of calmness. We don”t have to give it names such as first jhana, second jhana, and so forth. We just call it tranquility.

　　The next factor is bliss (sukha). Eventually, we drop the initial and discursive thinking as tranquility deepens. Why is that

　　 The state of mind is becoming more refined and subtle. Vitakka and vicara are relatively coarse, and they will vanish. There will remain just the rapture, accompanied by bliss and one-pointedness of mind. And when it reaches full measure, there won”t be anything—(there is equanimity, and) the mind is empty. That”s absorption concentration.

　　We don”t need to fixate or dwell on any of these experiences. They will naturally progress from one to the next. At first there are initial and discursive thought, rapture, bliss, and one-pointedness. Then initial and discursive thinking are thrown off, leaving rapture, bliss, and one-pointedness. Rapture is thrown off (note: scriptures usually say, “with the fading of rapture…”), then bliss, and finally only one-pointedness and equanimity remain. It means the mind is becoming more and more tranquil, and its objects are steadily decreasing, until there is nothing but one-pointedness and equanimity.

　　When the mind is tranquil and focused, this can happen. It is the power of mind, the state of the mind that has attained tranquility. When it”s like this, there won”t be any sleepiness. It can”t enter the mind; it will disappear. And the other hindrances of sensual desire, aversion, doubt, and restlessness and agitation won”t be present. Though they may still exist (latent) in the mind of the meditator, they won”t occur at this time.

　　Q: Should we be closing our eyes so as to shut out the external environment, or should we just deal with things as we see them

　　 Is it important whether we open or close the eyes

　　AC: When we are training newly, it”s important to avoid too much sensory input, so it”s better to close the eyes. Not seeing objects that can distract and affect us, we build up the mind”s strength. When the mind is strong, then we can open the eyes, and whatever we see won”t sway us. Open or closed won”t matter.

　　When you rest, you normally close your eyes. Sitting in meditation with eyes closed is the dwelling place for a practitioner. We find enjoyment and rest in it. This is an important fundamental for us. But when we can”t close our eyes, will we be able to deal with things

　　 We sit with eyes closed and we profit from that. When we open our eyes (and leave the formal meditation), we can handle whatever we meet. Things won”t get out of hand—we won”t be at a loss. But basically we are just handling things. It”s when we go back to our sitting that we really develop greater wisdom.

　　This is how we develop the practice. When it reaches fulfillment, then it doesn”t matter whether we open or close our eyes, it will be the same. The mind won”t change or deviate. At all times of the day, morning, noon, or night, the state of mind will be the same. We dwell thus. There is nothing that can shake the mind. When happiness arises, we recognize, “It”s not certain,” and it passes. Unhappiness arises and we recognize, “It”s not certain,” and that”s that. You get the idea that you want to disrobe—this is not certain. But you think it”s certain. Before you wanted to ordain, and you were so sure about that. Now you are sure you want to disrobe. It”s all uncertain, but you don”t see it because of your darkness of mind. Your mind is telling you lies: “being here, I”m only wasting time.” If you disrobe and go back to the world, won”t you waste time there

　　 You don”t think about that. Disrobing to work in the fields and gardens, to grow beans or raise pigs and…

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