The fourth dhyana is achieved with the immovability of the mind (cittāiñjyatā). In a split second the waves of mind cease, completely. But not by the adept’s effort. The adept cannot, by their will, effect cessation. To do so would be like trying to pat down waves which would end up making more waves.
What I am describing is somewhat analogous to making an exhaustive search for your car keys. Then your friend happens to call you up, an old buddy you haven’t heard from in a long time. The conversation goes on for well over an hour. Afterwards, you walk to the kitchen and there are the car keys right on the table pushed up against a bowl of fruit. This also happens with names. You can’t think of this person’s name, then the next day it comes to you.
Our will seems to be the problem which is impatient. It wants the car keys right now! It wants to recall the name right now! In my own example I wanted to see the pure Mind. I knew it was there but try as I might I just could not see it until I completely surrendered searching for it coming, finally, to my wits' end. I couldn’t do anymore searching for pure Mind because I had already searched in that direction many times. Just let me say that it took me some five years to get to this place.
Arriving at our wits' end, the immovability of the mind happens—right out of the blue. The gateless barrier is dropped and you enter. Your body becomes flooded by clear light but you cannot describe it. It has no color or form or even feeling. Still it is there. From this point the real journey begins, i.e., true practice. According to Zen master Zongmi, “If one practices without having awakened, it is not true practice.”
Comments