Changing conventional thought of enlightenment to ultimate thought of enlightenment = transcendental aspect of Buddhahood (dharmakāya).
Conventional = dualistic
Ultimate = non-dualistic
3 Steps of Mental Development (Noble Eightfold Path) = Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Meditation
Four Types of Right Effort:
1. the effort to prevent unwholesome thoughts from arising
2. the effort to abandon such unwholesome thoughts once they have arisen
3. the effort to cultivate wholesome thoughts (thoughts that are free from greed, anger and delusion)
4. the effort to maintain and conserve these thoughts once they have arisen. You will see that these four right efforts
Right Mindfulness = the mind is the root
Always be mindful - not reactive (Pavlov)
Mind = clear crystal, takes on whatever color is behind it.
Four Stations of Mindfulness:
1. the body
2. the feelings
3. the perceptions
4. the mind itself
Right Meditation/Concentration:
One-pointed mind, fully alert, fully relaxed.
Should be combined with wisdom.
Preparations = isolation, rest, tidiness, proper motivation/mood, let the session sink in.
5 hindrances = lust or sensual desire, ill will, doubt, sloth and torpor, and agitation and worry.
5 factors of concentration: initial application, sustained application, interest, happiness, and one-pointedness.
Four General Stages in the Process of Achieving Concentration:
1. Waterfall
2. Falls and Pools
3. Lake with Tributaries
4. Waveless Ocean with glass-like surface