To further explain this third level, it is the "original face" that has always been unchanging, even before our parents brought us into this world. This original state is what we must uncover.
We often speak of letting go, but ignorance strengthens our attachments. That is why Buddhism teaches the solution of realizing the buddha-nature within every being.
Starting from February 17, 2025, LJM commenced the annual Spring Term Monastic Retreat. This year, we welcome returning students from Germany and Austria. Their journey from such distant lands is truly precious and commendable.
If sitting meditation is confined to the body, revolving endlessly within bodily concerns, it is a waste of time. We must apply ourselves to the mind, rather than attaching to the body.
Among the four steps of the Chan meditation that is also referred to as peace meditation, the first one is to deeply breathe in and out from the point under our navel (Jap. hara, Chin. dantian).
Why do we feel deprived? Because the mind is.