Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 65: Ups and downs and breakthroughs in spiritual practice (XIX) "When spiritual practice reaches an impasse, innovation is the way forward"

As autumn deepened on Lingxu Mountain, maple leaves blazed like fire across the forest. Sitting in meditation in his Zen room, Ah Ming felt as if his practice had fallen into a thick fog. No matter how hard he tried, he found it difficult to break through his current state. Following traditional cultivation methods, he chanted sutras, meditated, and observed the precepts day after day. Yet, the feeling of blockage only grew stronger, as if an invisible wall deep within him separated him from a higher state of practice.

Amin knew that if he couldn't break free from this impasse, not only would his own practice stagnate, but he would also be unable to offer deeper guidance to his disciples. Amidst this dilemma, he began a period of profound inner reflection and awareness. He reflected on whether he had been too wedded to traditional practices, neglecting the close connection between practice and present life and the natural environment. This was similar to the practice of the "Sravaka-bhumi" in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra, where one's excessive attachment to established methods and a failure to adapt and adapt prevented the attainment of deeper wisdom.

One morning, Ah Ming arose and, instead of heading straight to the meditation hall as usual, strolled to the temple courtyard. A gentle breeze blew, bringing a touch of coolness. It carried the fragrance of distant forest vegetation and the fresh scent of morning dew. He closed his eyes, trying to empty his mind, feeling the gentle caress of the breeze, as delicate as his own breath.

He recalled witnessing a tiny flower tenaciously growing in a rock crevice while gathering herbs in the mountains. That fragile life, despite the harsh conditions, still managed to blossom, from a tiny seed, weathering the elements, ultimately blooming into a gorgeous flower. Isn't this display of vitality a profound revelation of Buddhism?

Ming decided to try a new form of meditation. He returned to his meditation room and sat on his cushion. Instead of focusing solely on his breathing, he integrated the rhythm of his breathing with his observation of natural phenomena. As he inhaled, he imagined drawing in the warmth of the sun; as he exhaled, he felt the turbid air within him slowly dissipate like mountain mist. He listened to the chirping of birds outside the window, as if it were the universal sound of Sanskrit, accompanying his practice.

At first, this new way of practice was difficult for him to adapt to, his mind constantly wandering. But Amin didn't give up. He repeatedly pulled his wandering thoughts back, constantly adjusting his state of mind. During one meditation session, he seemed to enter a whole new realm. He saw his body and mind merge with the surrounding nature. He could feel the resilience of the old pine tree in the courtyard and hear the sound of the underground spring flowing, a sound like the pulse of life, beating in the embrace of the earth.

Amin realized that this innovative practice method might be the key to breaking through the impasse. He excitedly gathered his disciples and shared his insights and new practice methods in the temple's lecture hall.

When the disciples heard this, they all showed curiosity and anticipation. Huineng was the first to speak: "Master, this sounds quite novel. How should we put it into practice?"

Ah Ming smiled and replied, "My disciples, when you meditate, don't limit yourself to the traditional practice of focusing on your breathing. For example, you can feel the touch of the breeze brushing against your skin, which is nature's gentle caress. You can also visualize the cool moonlight shining on your body, which is like a baptism of Buddhist teachings. Incorporate these natural elements into your meditation to expand the boundaries of your perception."

So, the disciples began to try it. In the days that followed, in every corner of the temple, disciples could be seen meditating and connecting with nature. Some meditated in the courtyard, accompanied by the sound of falling leaves; others sat by the stream, listening to the gurgling water and contemplating the Dharma.

During a group practice exchange, disciple Huijue shared his experience: "Master, while meditating, I observed the flowers in the courtyard, their process from bud to bloom, and I seemed to see the impermanence and tenacity of life. This has given me a deeper understanding of the Buddhist teachings on life."

The other disciples nodded in agreement, each sharing their insights and gains from their innovative practice. Huiming said, "When I felt the warmth of the sun, a surge of compassion surged in my heart for all things in the world. I felt that this sunlight not only illuminated me, but also all living beings. We are all under this same ray of sunlight, sharing the blessing of life."

However, this innovative practice was not without its challenges. Upon hearing this, some of the more conservative elders expressed doubts. Elder Zhikong frowned and said, "Ah Ming, this practice is not found in the Buddhist scriptures. With such innovation, aren't you straying from the orthodox Buddhist path?"

Ah Ming was prepared. He responded respectfully, "Venerable Zhikong, Buddhism emphasizes teaching according to individual needs and keeping pace with the times. While the scriptures provide guidance, we cannot be bound by them. Everything in this world is constantly changing, and our practice should also conform to the development of nature and the times. In this innovative practice, I still adhere to the core teachings of Buddhism, but I am simply seeking a method that better suits our current needs."

Despite the elders' doubts, Amin, seeing the growth and gains his disciples made through their innovative practice, firmly believed his exploration was correct. He encouraged his disciples to continue practicing and organized regular discussions and sharing sessions to jointly improve this innovative practice system.

Through continuous practice and exchange, disciples have developed more innovative ideas. Some have suggested incorporating different natural scenes into sutra recitation. For example, when reciting the Heart Sutra, one could imagine oneself beneath a vast starry sky, allowing for a more ethereal state of mind to comprehend the wisdom within. Others believe that observing the precepts can be grounded in respect for all things in nature, such as refraining from trampling on flowers and plants or hunting small animals. Combining the precepts with protecting nature can enhance one's compassion.

These innovative ideas spread rapidly throughout the monastery like sparks, injecting new vitality into the entire practice community. The monastery was filled with an atmosphere of active exploration and innovation, and the disciples' enthusiasm for practice was high, all courageously forging ahead on this new path of practice.

Over time, Amin discovered that through this innovative practice, his disciples significantly advanced in their understanding of the Yogacarabhumi Sutra. In the "stage of seeking and observing," they were able to more keenly explore the connection between their inner selves and the outer world. In the "stage of neither seeking nor observing," they were able to transcend their attachment to traditional practices and comprehend the true meaning of Buddhism with a more relaxed state of mind.

During this process, Amin himself gained a deeper understanding of the practice of the "Bodhisattva Ground." He realized that Bodhisattva practice should not be confined to a fixed pattern, but should be based on the diverse needs of sentient beings and the changing times, constantly innovating practice methods to spread the Dharma more widely and save all sentient beings.

One autumn night, Amin stood alone on the monastery's hilltop, gazing at the star-filled sky. His heart was filled with anticipation and confidence for his future spiritual journey. He knew the path of practice was endless. As long as he maintained his devotion to the Dharma and the courage to innovate, he would surely forge more paths to liberation and enlightenment in this ever-changing world, guiding his disciples and countless practitioners toward the supreme realm of "Buddhahood" as described in the Yogacarabhumi Sutra.