Chapter 5 - The Relation Between Concentration And Observation Practices

Through concentration practice one learns to set his mind fully at a point without the distraction of thoughts and emotional entanglements. Through observation practice one learns to be mindful of things as they are. Under the heading of observation practice there are two main kinds of practices, namely, pure observation and guided observation. Pure observation is to be mindful of things as they are, without becoming entangled or judgmental. Guided observation is observation in the light of Buddhist principles or visualization in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

Concentration without observation is like a sharp sword in its sheath; it is powerful but inactive. Observation without concentration is like a candlelight in the wind; it is bright but unsteady. Therefore, both practices need to be adopted and balanced until one"s daily activities become natural with concentration and mindfulness. Only when one"s concentration and observation practices have become harmoniously unified can one undertake the purification of subtle inner attachments and conceptual frameworks. Thus, in order to achieve Full Enlightenment it is necessary to master Buddhist meditations.

In general, the natural sequence is to learn concentration practice first, and begin observation practice only after one has developed some ability to concentrate—it is easier and sensible to proceed in this way. However, in so far as application of Buddhist teachings to daily life goes, one may need to use the practice, which is more appropriate to the situation at hand. For example, problems in personal relationships may not simply disappear if you use concentration on other activities. Their solutions may be easier to obtain if you analyze the situation in the light of Buddhist principles.

For daily practice one needs to allocate an appropriate ratio of effort to these two types of practice according to one"s state of mind and inclination. For example, people with very scattered thoughts should do only concentration practice in the beginning, and people with some ability to concentrate may want to spend only the first quarter of a meditation session on such practice and then proceed with observation practice.