On to Lines of
Experience Verse 23I do not see how you can cut the root of samsara with merely single-pointed
meditative concentration alone. Moreover, divorced from the path of mental
quiescence meditation (43) (to
develop single-minded concentration,) I do not see how you can turn away from
your defilements by merely examining them as much as possible with wisdom alone.
Therefore, on the horse of mental quiescence meditation which trains your mind
never to wander, the masters have mounted wisdom which cuts all doubts about how
things exist and what is to be practiced or abandoned. Thus they have tried to
expand their intelligence to understand Sunyata with the all-encompassing wisdom
which examines things according to the way they actually exist. Armed in this
way with the sharp weapon of the reasoning of the Middle Path, devoid of
extremes, they have destroyed all traces of the idea that there can be such a
thing as something that exists truly independently.
I, who actually have traveled a true path that leads to Enlightenment, have
had the experience of doing just that. If you would also seek Liberation, please
cultivate yourself in the same way.
Once you have developed single-minded concentration by having built up the
habit of single-pointedness of thought (through mental quiescence meditation,)
then, when (you direct this concentration towards an analysis of the nature of)
all conceptual thoughts -- (which entails) a proper examination (of them with
the wisdom of Sunyata) -- you will witness the development of a very firm state
of single-minded concentration focused unwaveringly on the actual way in which
all things exist. (Keeping in mind how) admirable all efforts are to establish
the union of both mental quiescence and penetrative insight into Sunyata (44), (you
should make the initial effort to enable you to achieve such a union) by
offering as many prayers and wishes for this as possible.
I, who actually have traveled a true path that leads to Enlightenment, have
had the experience of doing just that. If you would also seek Liberation, please
cultivate yourself in the same way.
