QUESTION 60: WHAT ARE THE ETHICAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ANCHORING THE MIND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ABDOMEN (THE HUIYIN ACUPOINT) IN THE LOWER ABDOMEN?Answer: According to the principles of Yin and Yang, elements that are deep, low, behind, internal, and difficult to see often hold great value. For example, a house's foundation buried deep in the earth, the silent operation of a computer's processor, and the legs supporting the entire body are all crucial components of a complete system.To calm the mind, one should not focus on the head but rather direct attention to the lower abdomen, the base of the abdomen. This practice fosters physical health, slows aging, enhances brain function, and reduces wandering thoughts. However, many people do not know this golden principle and focus their attention on the head, which leads to the loss of deep internal energy. Furthermore, focusing on the brain stimulates wandering thoughts and gradually damages the brain over time.When one anchors the mind in the lower abdomen, including the Dantian, it activates the brain's mindfulness region. Anchoring the mind at the base of the abdomen, particularly at the bottom of the abdomen (Huiyin Acupoint), gradually suppresses all wandering thoughts and leads to meditative ecstasy (samadhi).From a technical perspective, focusing on the base of the abdomen calms the brain.From an ethical perspective, it symbolizes humility, fostering the mindset of seeing oneself as insignificant, sinful, and akin to dust and debris. Anchoring the mind at the base of the abdomen cultivates humility, ensuring that one never departs from a state of modesty.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 59: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REPENTANCE IN MEDITATION PRACTICE?ANSWER: The practice of repentance in Buddhism is also a universal ethical principle of humanity. In Vietnamese, it is called “xin lỗi” (apology), in English “sorry”, and in French “pardon”. When someone says, “I realize my mistakes, please forgive me,” the simple phrase “sorry” carries profound meaning. In Buddhism, this concept of apology is elevated into a specialized cultivation practice called repentance. It is a deeply meaningful aspect of Buddhist ethics and has become a steadfast practice embraced by most disciples of the Buddha. With a sincere heart, acknowledging one's faults and feeling regret for past wrongdoings enables spiritual strength to gradually increase.For those practicing meditation, repentance is particularly vital. No one can truly know how many wrongs they have committed in the past—whether known or unknown, whether actions carried out or merely thoughts entertained. By silently repenting for all of these, the burden of karma can be alleviated, allowing us to advance on the spiritual path of meditation toward non-self.In meditation practice, contemplation methods such as “This mind is tainted and sinful” or “This mind is ignorant and sinful” inherently carry the essence of repentance. By honestly acknowledging the truth about ourselves with a repentant mindset, the mind becomes calmer and more settled.However, even when achieving a tranquil mind and heightened mindfulness, one may naturally develop feelings of confidence, pride, or self-congratulation. Such mental states deplete merit and reverse the meditative progress, not only in this lifetime but also in future ones. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain this contemplative focus to guard against conceit and pride, ensuring steady progress on the path.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 58: WHAT SHOULD ONE DO IF HEAVY KARMA PREVENTS THEM FROM CONTEMPLATING THE ULTIMATE TRUTH?ANSWER: First, we must determine our own potential to choose a suitable contemplation subject. Contemplating the ultimate truth is possible only for those who have accumulated a significant foundation of spiritual practice and merit. For those burdened by heavy karma and dominated by unwholesome thoughts, attaining mindfulness is challenging—they may not even recognize their own wandering thoughts.Practitioners with heavy karma need to:- Reverently bow to the Buddha and repent extensively.- Perform numerous acts of merit.- Support fellow practitioners in their spiritual cultivation.- Intentionally contemplate that THIS MIND IS TAINTED AND SINFUL.When we call things by their true name, understand the truth accurately, and perceive the essence of reality, only then can we hope to advance on the path of meditation. This is a very basic starting point, but it is foundational for meditation practitioners who recognize their limited potential and wish to progress in meditation.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 57: WHICH CONTEMPLATION SUBJECT BECOMES THE MANTRA FOR THE JOURNEY OF SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION IN COUNTLESS LIFETIMES TO COME?ANSWER: In meditation, we need various contemplation methods because there are many truths to uncover, and recognizing these truths awakens the mind. Among these, understanding that one still clings to self, harbors ignorance, and carries wrongdoing is the ultimate truth. Regardless of how advanced one's practice becomes, unless full enlightenment is attained, this ultimate truth must never be forgotten. For those who begin to see results in their practice and lead a purified life, they must still occasionally remind themselves: “Deep within my mind lies ignorance and wrongdoing”. Until enlightenment is achieved, this awareness should be held as a mantra, accompanying us through this lifetime and countless lifetimes to come.Other truths require less time to be internalized during spiritual cultivation. For example:- Becoming aware of a restless mind may take just a few weeks to fully grasp.- Contemplating the impermanence of the body might take three to six months before the attachment to the body starts to lessen.- Reflecting on the impermanence and illusory nature of the world may take one to two years to profoundly realize, leading to a fading of worldly attachments.However, the truth that one still harbors ignorance and wrongdoing must be held onto indefinitely until enlightenment is attained. Forgetting this truth will obstruct progress in meditation practice, and may even lead to regression, erasing all the efforts of one's practice.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 56: WHEN PRACTICING MEDITATION, EVERYONE CARRIES THEIR OWN KARMIC CONDITIONS. HOW CAN ONE CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE CONTEMPLATION METHOD?ANSWER: There are three types of dwellings symbolizing different levels of meditative potential:- A multi-story house symbolizes a meditation practitioner who has achieved a relatively stable state of inner peace.- A thatched house represents a meditation practitioner whose mind occasionally lapses into forgetfulness, still influenced by wandering thoughts, alternating between moments of calm and distraction.- A temporary tent symbolizes a practitioner burdened by heavy karma, lacking awareness, with a torrent of wandering thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate the mind.Corresponding to each level of potential, we use different contemplation subjects rather than a uniform approach.- MULTI-STORY HOUSE: Deep within the mind, ignorance and wrongdoing still remain.- THATCHED HOUSE: This mind, though ordinary and mundane, still harbors many faults and karmic obstacles.- TEMPORARY TENT: This mind is tainted and sinful.Each mind, each dwelling, has its own unique “password”, its own name, and its own method of intentional contemplation. However, when the inner self attains purity, we must constantly remind ourselves and never forget the ultimate truth: “Deep within this mind, ignorance and wrongdoing still remain.”#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 55: WHY DO SOME PEOPLE APPLY THE DOCTRINAL SUBJECTS CONTEMPLATION, FIND PEACE FOR A TIME, BUT THEN SEE THEIR MIND BECOME DISTURBED AGAIN?ANSWER: There are many truths that we must contemplate during meditation. When we practice contemplating the first, second, or third truths for a time, the mind may feel calm as self-attachment lessens. However, after a while, disturbances return. This happens because those truths are not the ultimate truth: “Deep within the mind lies ignorance and sin”. If we can contemplate this ultimate truth, the mind will find a longer-lasting peace, and a sense of reassurance will naturally arise.We practice contemplating many stages and various truths to overcome our attachments. Gradually, the mind becomes calmer until the day we realize the ultimate truth: that we are rooted in ignorance and sin, and we must hold onto this truth until liberation and enlightenment are attained. It is like a person taking a bus who must pass through many stops before reaching their destination. Similarly, a meditation practitioner must ascend step by step until they reach the final stage. Therefore, let us patiently take each step slowly but steadily, so that one day the fruits of enlightenment will blossom within our hearts.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 54: WHY DOES CONSIDERING WHAT IS SIN IS SIN (ACKNOWLEDGING ONESELF AS A MASS OF SINS ACCUMULATED OVER COUNTLESS LIFETIMES) HELP THE MIND ENTER A STATE OF MEDITATIVE ECSTASY?ANSWER: The practice of contemplating oneself as a mass of sins accumulated over countless lifetimes in meditation acts as a silent repentance arising from the depths of one's consciousness. We do not fully know the extent of the karmic obstacles we have created in the past, and as long as these obstacles remain, the mind cannot enter meditative absorption.Most meditation practitioners view wandering thoughts as distractions to be eliminated by various means. However, when considering what sin is, we see these wandering thoughts as signs of the karmic offenses from countless lifetimes, which we now face and repent. Instead of trying to eliminate these thoughts, we use them as reminders of the unwholesome actions we have committed in the past.Even when wandering thoughts subside, we must not forget to reflect on the ultimate truth: deep within, ignorance, self-clinging, conceit, defilements, and sin still remain. We must recognize that the mind is not yet completely purified.By firmly maintaining the intention of such contemplation, we become aware of our many sins. Acknowledging our wrongdoings and sincerely repenting gradually diminishes those sins. As sins diminish and merits increase, along with the correct application of meditative practice, these factors collectively play a vital role in helping the mind enter a state of meditative absorption.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 53: REGULARLY CONTEMPLATING THE IMPERMANENCE OF THE WORLD IS A PRINCIPLE THAT HELPS THE MIND BECOME MINDFUL, BUT IT CAN ALSO RESULT IN A LOSS OF COMPASSION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO INDIFFERENCE AND INSENSITIVITY. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE?ANSWER: This world is like a dream; nothing is permanent, and all is but an illusion. This truth is something we often forget, leading us to cling to and become attached to the transient nature of the world. When we deeply reflect on the principle of impermanence—that all fame, glory, and wealth are merely temporary—our mind naturally becomes more mindful, less swept away by wandering thoughts.However, contemplating the world as illusory carries a potentially dangerous side effect. The result may be a loss of compassion, as perceiving the entire world as illusory could lead one to see others as unreal as well. Such contemplation contradicts the practice of cultivating loving-kindness and compassion. In this state, one risks falling into wrong views, becoming indifferent toward others, and losing the motivation to live, serve, and contribute meaningfully. Therefore, when reflecting on the impermanence and illusory nature of the world, we must separate people and sentient beings from this concept. While the world is impermanent, people remain the objects of our love, care, and guidance. It is only wealth, fame, glory, and material pursuits that are truly illusory.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 52: CONTEMPLATING THE IMPERMANENCE AND ILLUSORY NATURE OF THIS WORLD HELPS ACHIEVE DEEP MINDFULNESS. HOW LONG MUST ONE CONTEMPLATE BEFORE ATTAINING PEACE AND LIBERATION?ANSWER: When contemplating the world as illusory and unreal, the attachments and desires long rooted in our minds gradually dissolve. Regular practice of such contemplation for five to six months, or even several years or more, may lead to the beginning of peace and liberation. However, there are those who practice their entire lives without experiencing such a state. This is because, through countless lifetimes in the cycle of samsara, we have clung to the world, pursued fame and fortune, craved wealth, and adored beauty. Therefore, it is impossible to attain a serene mind after just a day or two of contemplation.Only those with great spiritual potential can enter meditative absorption by contemplating impermanence for a short period. For the rest of us, to gradually let go of the self-attachment accumulated over countless past lives, we must exert utmost effort, persistence, and sincere dedication to spiritual cultivation, without setting any fixed duration.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 51: WHY MUST WE THOROUGHLY CONTEMPLATE THE BODY IMPERMANENCE AND FLEETINGNESS, UNTIL THE BONES TURN TO DUST AND SCATTER AWAY?ANSWER: In Buddhism, the practice of contemplating impermanence ultimately aims to break the attachment to the self and achieve complete non-self. This concept has never been mentioned in any other philosophical system or religion. On the path toward non-self, the first step is meditating on the fleetingness of the body to break the attachment to the body. Attachment to the body arises from seeing one's physical form as precious—desiring wealth for bodily comfort, pursuing beauty to earn others' admiration, or striving for money and power to be served by others. From this, the ego continually grows.When sitting in the full lotus posture, we become fully aware of our entire body and relax it according to the techniques of meditation, enhancing our mindfulness. However, the attachment to the body may resurface. Therefore, we must intentionally make a consideration of the impermanence of the body: “One day, this body will age, fall ill, and die. After death, it will gradually decay, decompose, and eventually even the bones will turn to ashes and disappear.” We must deeply contemplate this truth to gradually reduce our attachment to the body.By deeply understanding the body's fleetingness, we reduce our attachment and dependence on things that do not last forever. This gradually weakens and dismantles the “attachment to the body” that has long been ingrained in our thoughts and subconscious. As attachment to the body fades, attachment to the self also diminishes (because attachment to the body is a root of attachment to the self). As a result, when facing countless unfavorable situations, our mind remains calm, free from regret, sorrow, complaints, or resentment—because the root of self-attachment has been partially removed. This also allows the mind to achieve deeper mindfulness during meditation.Additionally, it is true that our body is impermanent, so contemplating this fact will further cultivate mindfulness. This practice is also the third step in the six stages of mindfulness (to be explained in the following questions).#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,