The Difference Between Samatha and Zen Practice

To attain enlightenment and perceive one's true nature, one must use the methods of investigating Chan, investigating the huatou (critical phrase), and investigating the gong'an (koan) to realize the Tathagatagarbha and comprehend the True Suchness mind, the eighth consciousness. The so-called "investigation" refers to using the conscious mind to investigate the principle of True Suchness and to search for the whereabouts of the eighth consciousness. Since it is an investigation, this conscious mind must naturally be clear, wise, and discerning, not muddled or dull, and certainly not disappearing in samadhi (meditative absorption). Only a rational conscious mind can investigate and seek the eighth consciousness; without the conscious mind or if the conscious mind is dulled, one cannot investigate or search, resulting in complete ignorance and failure to achieve the goal of enlightening the mind and realizing the Way.

It is like searching for a person: one must have a mind intent on seeking and know where to look and how to search. If one does not know where to look or the method of searching, nor what the person looks like, and lacks even a photograph of that person, it would be impossible to find them no matter what. Investigating Chan to seek the True Suchness of the eighth consciousness is the same. We must first understand the essential nature of the eighth consciousness, which is equivalent to having a photograph of it. However, merely having a "photograph" of the eighth consciousness is not enough; one must also know how to search and where it typically manifests. Without this knowledge, it would be like searching for a needle in the ocean—fruitless and without gain.

Therefore, methods like counting breaths cannot lead to enlightenment because they lack the investigative mind; methods focusing on observing thoughts also cannot lead to enlightenment because they lack the mind intent on seeking the eighth consciousness; methods involving sitting in meditation and entering samadhi likewise cannot lead to enlightenment because the consciousness in samadhi is devoid of awareness and thus cannot resonate with the eighth consciousness. These are all methods for cultivating concentration (samadhi), not methods for investigating Chan. When counting breaths, attention is fixed on the numbers, not on investigating and seeking the eighth consciousness, so one certainly will not find it. Moreover, prolonged counting of breaths can easily lead to dullness or entry into samadhi, making it even harder to find the eighth consciousness. When focusing on thoughts, the conscious mind is occupied with thoughts and does not investigate or seek True Suchness, so enlightenment is impossible. When sitting in meditation and entering samadhi, there is no perception or awareness, no investigative or seeking mind, and thus no truth can be discovered, nor can the True Suchness eighth consciousness be found.

The above methods for cultivating concentration cannot be used to investigate Chan and attain enlightenment. The direction is unclear, the methods are incorrect, and the mind is misapplied. The outcome, as one can imagine, will be utterly fruitless. If this continues, after practicing for some time, one is likely to lose confidence and inevitably regress on the path. In the practice process, understanding the principles is paramount; having wisdom and correct views is most crucial. One must not practice blindly or haphazardly. Buddhists should constantly examine whether their practice methods and path are correct and whether they can achieve the goal. If not, they should adjust their practice direction at any time and carefully choose a method suited to themselves. Cultivating concentration requires methods for cultivating concentration; attaining enlightenment requires methods for investigating Chan. One must understand what Chan is, how to investigate it, when to begin investigating it, and so on. This series of questions must be clarified. Additionally, one must observe whether the conditions for investigating Chan are complete and strive to perfect all necessary conditions before beginning to investigate Chan.