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,

QUESTION 50: CREATING VIRTUOUS THOUGHTS IN THE RIGHT CONSIDERATIONS IS ESSENTIAL AND BENEFICIAL. SO, WHERE DOES RIGHT CONSIDERATION ORIGINATE FROM?First, Right Consideration arises from the merit of bowing to the Buddha with profound homage. Deep reverence for the Buddha naturally restrains us from harboring improper thoughts or engaging in wrongful actions. This profound reverence guides the mind toward goodness, purity, and moral integrity. Furthermore, honoring and respecting those who are worthy of veneration generates merit that safeguards our thoughts, ensuring that our minds remain aligned with virtue and righteousness.Second, Right Consideration is cultivated through regularly studying the Dharma, reflecting upon them, and applying their wisdom to daily life. For instance, the teachings encourage us to cultivate compassion and extend love to all beings. By repeatedly reminding ourselves of this principle, we can evaluate our daily interactions to see - Have we truly embraced and expressed heartfelt kindness toward those around us? Whether in the workplace, at home, or during spiritual practice, we consciously train ourselves to develop loving-kindness toward every individual we encounter.Third, Right Consideration comes from making sincere commitments to practice the Dharma. Righteous vows serve as powerful reinforcements of moral discipline. For example, one might kneel before the Buddha and vow:"I vow, in lifetime after lifetime, to always practice diligently according to the Buddha's teachings. No matter the hardships, struggles, obstacles, or adversities I may face—even if my very life is threatened—my commitment to the path will never waver. Likewise, if I encounter favorable circumstances of power, wealth, and luxury, I vow to maintain an unwavering spiritual resolve, leading a life of balance and restraint to remain steadfast in the Buddha's teachings."By making such earnest vows daily, we reinforce Right Consideration, strengthening our commitment to the path of wisdom and compassion.Right Consideration serves as a guiding force in moral refinement, shaping not only this life but also countless future lives. When confronted with the temptations and challenges of life, it is through Right Consideration that our morality and ethical resolve are strengthened. Just as a precious stone is carefully polished over time, gradually revealing its brilliance, so too does our inner virtue evolve. Even though we may still harbor anger, greed, or envy, if we consistently pay obeisance to the Buddha, reflect on the teachings, uphold our vows, and integrate the Dharma into daily life, our morality will gradually refine. Through repeated trials and self-discipline, the once rough, unpolished stone of our inner self will ultimately reveal its inherent beauty#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 49: CAN YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF RIGHT CONSIDERATION APPLIED IN DAILY LIFE?ANSWER: For example, when someone scolds and insults you, you can consciously reflect: "Let it go; patience leads to peace." This deliberate thought helps prevent anger and resentment from arising.Taking it a step further, you may cultivate understanding and empathy, recognizing that human nature is often driven by greed and anger, making it easy for people to react aggressively when their interests are challenged. Instead of harboring resentment and hatred, you silently pray for the Buddha's grace to guide them toward the Dharma, helping them overcome their anger so that those around them may also benefit from their transformation. With a gentle smile, you offer an apology and treat the situation as if nothing happened. Yet, in that very moment, your heart has grown a little more virtuous.If someone attempts to bribe you with a large sum of money to tarnish another person's reputation, you can remind yourself: “Do not be greedy, do not betray your conscience—money is not everything.”Or, there will be moments when you face hardship, dire circumstances, or betrayals. During such times, the lyrics of "Love Life, Love People" by a Vietnamese musician, Lê Hựu Hà, can serve as a powerful reflection for Right Consideration that we can cultivate:"My dear friend, strive to love life,Even if life doesn't love you, keep loving it.Though life may leave you alone, hold steadfast in loving it,Even if life is filled with deceit and bitterness."Despite the struggles and betrayals you may encounter, commit to loving others, even those who do not love you or may even seek to harm you. Such considerations help you avoid falling into feelings of bitterness, resentment, or selfishness, enabling you to hold firm to your ethical principles. These reflections exemplify Right Consideration, guiding us toward self-restraint, moral discipline, and a life aligned with the Dharma.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 48: PROVIDE SOME ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES TO CLARIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT CONSIDERATION AND DOCTRINE CONTEMPLATION?ANSWER: For instance, imagine someone approaches you and says, "Oh, it's been five years since we last met, and you look so beautiful and radiant these days!" You might feel there is some truth to their words. Over the past five years, you have diligently practiced paying homage to the Buddha, performed acts of kindness, lived according to the Dharma, and cultivated inner virtue. Perhaps, this outward beauty is a reflection of that. In such a moment, while you may express gratitude with a sincere "thank you," internally, you should also reflect: "This is not enough; I must continue striving even harder. If I become arrogant or complacent, the merit I have accumulated will fade, and so will this beauty."This kind of thought exemplifies Right Consideration (Sammã Sankappa), as it actively counters arrogance and conceit and serves as a vow to reinforce humility, diligence, and continuous self-improvement.However, with the same compliment, you could take a different approach and reflect on the illusory nature of beauty: "This appearance is fleeting; beauty is but an illusion that will inevitably fade with time and aging." Through this contemplation, you remain unmoved by the praise, bringing greater mental stability and peace. This type of reflection is also an example of Doctrine Contemplation that can be applied in meditation.Similarly, imagine you are criticized, insulted, or harshly reprimanded, you can reflect: "I have many flaws; this may be a result of my own mistakes and shortcomings. Their criticism is an opportunity for me to reflect, recognize my faults, and work to improve myself. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, I should focus on self-correction and growth."Even if the reproach seems unjust or exaggerated, you might consider: "Perhaps in the past, I unfairly criticized someone, and now this is my opportunity to repay that karma. Or maybe this is simply a result of personal animosity—either way, I shall endure it without anger."Such reflections embody Right Consideration. On the other hand, if you reflect that both praise and criticism are like fleeting winds, ultimately insignificant and unworthy of attachment, you are engaging in Doctrine Contemplation.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 47: TOGETHER WITH PRACTICAL MEDITATIVETECHNIQUES, WE CONTEMPLATE A CERTAIN TRUTH, KNOWN AS DOCTRINE CONTEMPLATION. CONTEMPLATING DOCTRINAL SUBJECTS AND CREATING VIRTUOUS THOUGHTS IN RIGHT CONSIDERATIONS (SAMMÄ SANKAPPA) BOTH INVOLVE CORRECT THINKING. HOW DO WE DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TWO?ANSWER: Contemplating Doctrinal Subjects and creating virtuous thoughts in the Right Considerations both involve correct thinking, but they differ slightly in their objectives. The goal of Right Consideration is to cultivate moral perfection, while the purpose of contemplating doctrinal subject is to develop mindfulness and awareness in meditation.For instance, when walking down the street, we may see a beggar in tattered clothes, their face streaked with dirt, yet we are unable to stop and offer help. In such a moment, we might think:"This world is filled with suffering. Many endure hardship due to a lack of accumulated merit or the consequences of unwholesome karma. How sorrowful! May the Buddha's boundless compassion illuminate the path for all beings, guiding them toward understanding the Dharma and attaining liberation from suffering."This kind of thought embodies Right Consideration, as it reflects compassion and empathy among humans!On the other hand, Contemplating Doctrinal Subjects or Doctrine Contemplation in meditation also involves thinking but is directed towards realizing a truth or a fundamental principle. Each time we reflect on such truths, mindfulness naturally arises in the mind. For instance, when contemplating impermanence, one might remind oneself: “Everything in this world is constantly changing; nothing is permanent”. This process of contemplation helps practitioners recognize the true nature of life, thereby diminishing attachment to this impermanent world.There are three obstacles that hinder the mind from entering deep meditation:1. Unwholesome Karma2. Instincts or Fetters (Samyojana)3. AttachmentsThe practice of Doctrine Contemplation plays a crucial role in dismantling these obstacles, and the appropriate contemplation method should be chosen based on the individual's spiritual disposition and potential.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 46: HOW LONG SHOULD EACH TECHNICAL STAGE OF BREATHING MEDITATION BE PRACTICED?ANSWER: Paying attention to the breath is an effective method to anchor and focus the mind, but it must be practiced progressively through distinct stages. The first stage is simply recognizing that one is breathing. The second stage is clearly observing the breath without controlling it. The third stage involves skillfully maintaining slow, little, gentle breathing. The duration of each stage varies depending on an individual's spiritual capacity and potential. However, for most practitioners, each phase requires significant time and patience. One must not rush the process!Beginners who have not yet mastered the technique of observing the breath without controlling it but prematurely attempt to forcefully maintain Slow, Little, Gentle Breathing will agitate the mind, leading to mental tension and strain on the brain. However, there are exceptional cases where individuals with exceptional spiritual aptitude may progress rapidly, mastering each stage of breath awareness in a short period and naturally discovering the correct breath volume to enter deep meditation.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 45: WHEN BREATHING OUT AND IN SLOWLY AND GENTLY, WANDERING THOUGHTS SEEM TO DIMINISH. DOES THIS MEAN I AM MAKING THE MISTAKE OF CONTROLLING THE BREATH?ANSWER: According to physiological principles, the state of the mind and the nature of the breath are inherently interconnected. When the mind is restless, the breath becomes strong; when the mind is calm, the breath naturally becomes soft and gentle, and vice versa. Based on this principle, one might attempt to deliberately soften and slow the breath in order to calm the mind. However, this approach leads to the subtle yet significant mistake of controlling the breath. This control often arises from Volitional Formations (Control Function or Sankhara), and in doing so, it subtly reinforces the ego. Although our mind may feel calmer as a result, arrogance can suddenly arise due to this refined act of control.Controlling the breath to make it slow and gentle is not the same as the meditative technique of skillfully maintaining Slow, Little, Gentle Breathing. The latter technique is not easy to practice. Rather, it requires moral integrity, accumulated merit, intelligence, and a high degree of subtlety to carry out this delicate balance.When the mind naturally becomes tranquil, the breath will automatically follow, becoming soft and gentle in accordance with this principle. Conversely, when the mind has not yet settled, forcing the breath to remain soft and gentle is incredibly challenging, akin to trying to stop a car that is rolling downhill. Thus, we must skillfully adhere to the foundational principle of "Being aware without controlling"—not interfering forcefully, but gently ensuring that the breath does not become overly abundant or forceful.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 44: IT'S DIFFICULT TO BE AWARE OF THE BREATH WITHOUT CONTROLLING IT BECAUSE IT'S TOO SUBTLE. CAN YOU EXPLAIN IT IN A MORE RELATABLE WAY?ANSWER: Observing the breath without controlling it is much like how a traffic officer monitors the flow of vehicles on a busy street. The officer does not interfere with how the vehicles move or attempt to control their speed; they simply observe and MONITOR to the traffic to ensure that no vehicle accelerates unpredictably.Similarly, in meditation, we must observe the breath without interference while gently MONITORING it to ensure the breath does not suddenly become forceful or erratic. At the same time, we observe and note any changes in the breath, without attempting to lengthen, shorten, or manipulate it according to our will. This is the subtlety of meditation, as the fine line between observation and control is delicate, requiring refined skill to observe the breath without interfering.Here are some scenarios that can occur alongside awareness of the breath:• Being aware of the breath and controlling it.• Being aware of the breath without controlling it, yet clinging too tightly to it.• Being aware of the breath without controlling it and without clinging too tightly to it. Simply observing and attending to the breath to ensure it remains soft and gentle.We must also clearly identify the following principles:• Being aware of the breath while controlling it is incorrect .• Being aware of the breath while clinging tightly to it is incorrect.• Being aware of the breath while allowing it to become forceful is incorrect.• Being aware of the breath in a calm, gentle, precise, and clear manner is correct.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 43: WHY MUST WE BE AWARE OF THE BREATH WITHOUT CONTROLLING IT?ANSWER: When we concentrate the mind by focusing on a particular object, our mind naturally clings to that object, triggering a cascade of subsequent mental processes, including reasoning, interpretation, language, and related imagery. For example, if we concentrate on a bright point, like the tip of a burning incense stick, our mind gradually becomes occupied with thoughts about it. Similarly, if we dwell on abstract questions like, “Who was the first person to appear on Earth?” the entire brain becomes restless, overwhelmed by an endless cycle of speculation.However, when we direct our attention to the in-breath and out-breath, thoughts gradually subside. This is a distinctive mechanism inherent to human nature. From a neurological perspective, when the part of the nervous system responsible for breathing is stimulated, other neural regions automatically enter a state of inhibition.Another remarkable aspect of this practice is that as we gently and clearly observe the breath, mindfulness naturally strengthens over time. However, it is essential to recognize that deliberately controlling the breath is incorrect, while completely neglecting it is also an extreme. The practice of being awareness of the breath without interference provides a balanced approach between these two extremes and serves as a fundamental principle of breath meditationThe great advantage of observing the breath without interference and control is that it prevents the mind from being fueled by additional energy, allowing the mind to gradually settle into stillness without creating nervous tension. This principle aligns with the Buddha's teaching on objectively observing the breath:“When the breath is long, one knows it is long; when the breath is short, one knows it is short; when the breath is subtle, one knows it is subtle; when the breath is abundant, one knows it is abundant.”Most practitioners of breath meditation fall into the common mistake of controlling the breath, deliberately breathing deeply or abundantly, under the misconception that this will accelerate meditative absorption. While breath control may initially seem to enhance concentration and temporarily suppress wandering thoughts, it ultimately leads to nervous tension and mental agitation.When the breath is intentionally manipulated, the mind remains actively engaged, causing the breath to become progressively shallow, forceful, and coarse. This unconscious activation of the autonomic nervous system reinforces the ego, resulting in irritability, arrogance, and impatience. As a result, rather than quieting the mind, controlled breathing sustains inner turbulence and prevents the cessation of wandering thoughts. Thus, in meditative breathing, one must simply observe, neither controlling nor interfering with the natural rhythm of the breath. Likewise, one should avoid dwelling in a deliberately controlled breath, as this also obstructs the path to deep meditation.#Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,

QUESTION 42: IS AWARENESS OF THE IN-BREATH AND OUT- BREATH A POINT OF ANCHORING TO HELP US REMEMBER OUR PRACTICE?

ANSWER: That is precisely correct! When we become aware of the in-breath and out-breath and notice a sense of calm in the mind, it is a promising sign, indicating that the mind has found an anchor, allowing us to stay connected to our spiritual practice. At this stage, our attention is naturally anchored to the breath. However, mere awareness of the in-breath and out-breath is not the ultimate anchor. We must continue practicing until we discover the correct breath volume, where the breath seamlessly adheres to the mind, allowing us to anchor ourselves permanently. If this optimal breath volume is not found, the breath may occasionally become unexpectedly strong, slipping away from the mind, creating space for wandering thoughts to resurface. Conversely, when the breath reaches its correct volume, it naturally integrates with the mind, preventing wandering thoughts from arising again. #Buddha, #Buddhism, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightenment, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #Blessing, #Goodblessing, #Janna, #JannaMonastery, #JannaOrderMonastery, #LawOfKarma, #CauseAndEffect, #UniversalTruth, #KarmicRetribution, #AxiomaticTruth, #PhilosophyOfMind,