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.(d) Practical methods of mental cultivation for development ofconcentration, samædhi.Mental cultivation for spiritual uplift consists of two steps.Thefirst step is to purify the mind from all defilements and corruption and tohave it focused on a point.A determined effort (Right Exertion) must bemade to narrow down the range of thoughts in the wavering, unsteadymind.Then attention (Right Mindfulness or Attentiveness) must be fixedon a selected object of meditation until one-pointedness of mind (RightConcentration) is achieved.In such a state, the mind becomes freed fromhindrances, pure, tranquil, powerful and bright.It is then ready toadvance to the second step by which Magga Insight and Fruition may beattained in order to transcend the state of woe and sorrow.The Suttanta Pi¥aka records numerous methods of meditation tobring about one-pointedness of mind.In the Suttas of the Pi¥aka aredispersed these methods of meditation, explained by the Buddhasometimes singly, sometimes collectively to suit the occasion and thepurpose for which they are recommended.The Buddha knew thediversity of character and mental make-up of each individual, thedifferent temperaments and inclinations of those who approached him forguidance.Accordingly he recommended different methods to differentpersons to suit the special character and need of each individual.The practice of mental cultivation which results ultimately in one-pointedness of mind is known as Samædhi Bhævanæ.Whoever wishes todevelop Samædhi Bhævanæ must have been established in the observanceof the precepts, with the senses controlled, calm and self-possessed, and 38must be contented.Having been established in these four conditions heselects a place suitable for meditation, a secluded spot.Then he should sitcross-legged keeping his body erect and his mind alert; he should startpurifying his mind of five hindrances, namely, sensual desire, ill will,sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and doubt, by choosing ameditation method suitable to him, practicing meditation with zeal andardour.For instance, with the Ænæpæna method he keeps watching theincoming and outgoing breath until he can have his mind fixed securelyon the breath at the tip of the nose.When he realizes that the five hindrances have been got rid of, hebecomes gladdened, delighted, calm and blissful.This is the beginning ofsamædhi, concentration, which will further develop until it attains one-pointedness of mind.Thus one-pointedness of mind is concentration of mind when it isaware of one object, and only one of a wholesome, salutary nature.Thisis attained by the practice of meditation upon one of the subjectsrecommended for the purpose by the Buddha.(e) Practical methods of mental cultivation for development of InsightKnowledge, paññæ.The subject and methods of meditation as taught in the suttas of thePi¥aka are designed both for attainment of samædhi as well as for develop-ment of Insight Knowledge, Vipassanæ Ñæ¼a, as a direct path to Nibbæna.As a second step in the practice of meditation, after achievingsamædhi, when the concentrated mind has become purified, firm andimperturbable, the meditator directs and inclines his mind to InsightKnowledge, Vipassanæ Ñæ¼a.With this Insight Knowledge he discernsthe three characteristics of the phenomenal world, namely,Impermanence (Anicca), Suffering (Dukkha) and Non-Self (Anatta).As he advances in his practice and his mind becomes more andmore purified, firm and imperturbable, he directs and inclines his mind tothe knowledge of the extinction of moral intoxicants, Æsavakkhaya Ñæ¼a.He then truly understands dukkha, the cause of dukkha, the cessation ofdukkha and the path leading to the cessation of dukkha.He also comes tounderstand fully the moral intoxicants (æsavas) as they really are, thecause of æsavas, the cessation of æsavas and the path leading to thecessation of the æsavas. 39With this knowledge of extinction of æsavas he becomes liberated.The knowledge of liberation arises in him.He knows that rebirth is nomore, that he has lived the holy life; he has done what he has to do for therealization of Magga; there is nothing more for him to do for suchrealization.The Buddha taught with only one object the extinction ofSuffering and release from conditioned existence.That object is to beobtained by the practice of meditation (for Calm and Insight) as laiddown in numerous suttas of the Suttanta Pi¥aka
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