The Method of Samatha Cannot Be Used to Practice Chan

To attain enlightenment and perceive the true nature of mind, one must employ the methods of investigating Chan, investigating huatou (critical phrase), and investigating gongan (public case) to realize the Tathagatagarbha and comprehend the true suchness mind, the eighth consciousness. The so-called "investigation" refers to using the conscious mind to examine the principle of true suchness and to seek the whereabouts of the eighth consciousness. Since it is an investigation, this conscious mind must naturally be clear and awake—wise and discerning—not muddled or dull, and certainly not disappearing in meditative absorption. Only a rational conscious mind can investigate and seek the eighth consciousness; without the conscious mind or if the conscious mind becomes dull, investigation and seeking become impossible, resulting in complete ignorance and failure to achieve the goal of realizing the mind and awakening to the truth.

It is like searching for a person: we must have a mind intent on seeking and know where to look and how to search. If we do not know where to look or the method of searching, nor what the person looks like, and lack even a photograph, finding that person becomes utterly impossible. Similarly, investigating Chan to seek the eighth consciousness, the true suchness, requires prior knowledge of the essential nature of the eighth consciousness—this is equivalent to having its "photograph." Merely possessing this "photograph" is insufficient; one must also know how to search and where it generally manifests. Without this knowledge, the endeavor is like fishing for a needle in the ocean—futile and fruitless.

For this reason, methods like counting breaths cannot lead to enlightenment, for they lack the investigative mind; methods focusing on observing thoughts cannot lead to enlightenment, for they lack the mind seeking the eighth consciousness; and methods involving seated meditation and entering samadhi also cannot lead to enlightenment, for the consciousness in samadhi is devoid of awareness and thus cannot resonate with the eighth consciousness. These are all methods for cultivating concentration, not for investigating Chan. When counting breaths, attention is fixed on numbers, not on investigating and seeking the eighth consciousness—certainly, the eighth consciousness cannot be found. Moreover, prolonged counting of breaths easily leads to dullness or absorption in samadhi, making it even harder to find the eighth consciousness. When observing thoughts, the conscious mind dwells on the thoughts themselves and does not investigate or seek true suchness—thus, awakening cannot occur. In seated meditation and samadhi, there is no perception or awareness, no mind investigating and seeking—no truth can be discovered, and the true suchness, the eighth consciousness, cannot be found.

All the above methods for cultivating concentration are unsuitable for investigating Chan and attaining realization. The direction is unclear, the methods incorrect, and the mental effort misguided—the result, as one can imagine, will be complete failure. Persisting in such practices, one is likely to lose confidence after a period and inevitably fall away from the path. In spiritual practice, understanding the principles is paramount; possessing wisdom and correct knowledge and views is essential—one must not practice blindly or haphazardly. Buddhists should constantly examine whether their methods and path of practice are correct and whether they can lead to the goal. If not, they must adjust their direction of practice at any time, carefully selecting a method suited to themselves. Cultivating concentration requires methods for 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. Furthermore, one must observe whether the conditions for investigating Chan are complete, striving to perfect all necessary conditions before commencing the investigation of Chan.