Meditation: The Essential and the Supporting Factors You Cannot Overlook

A man once came to a teacher, complaining that his mind remained restless despite long hours of meditation. The teacher asked if he had abandoned a former lover. The man admitted he had left a poor woman for a wealthier partner, causing her great despair. Years later, his guilt still disturbed his practice. This story reminds us that meditation is not merely sitting in silence; it is deeply rooted in ethical living.

## 1. Meditation is Primary, but Ethical Living is the Foundation

Venerable Thich Chan Quang emphasizes that while meditation is the main practice, ethical conduct serves as its indispensable foundation. We cannot achieve inner peace during meditation if our daily lives lack morality or cause suffering to others. If we act selfishly or hurt those around us, our minds become chaotic, making it impossible to gather focus. This is simply the law of cause and effect (karmic law).

When we treat others with kindness, the resulting merit supports our ability to concentrate in meditative concentration. Conversely, every time we harm someone, we plant seeds of karma. Even after many years, this unresolved karma remains dormant, disturbing our minds whenever we sit down to practice. True stability in meditation begins with integrity in action.

## 2. Sitting Meditation is Primary, but Qigong is a Great Support

The teacher notes that while sitting meditation is central, practicing qigong provides significant support. Qigong is more than physical exercise; it is a pathway leading into deep meditation. Bodhidharma was renowned both for his martial arts and qigong skills, as well as being a great Zen master. Similarly, the Buddha himself possessed extraordinary physical mastery.

Qigong facilitates spiritual opening and helps release deep-seated tensions in the brain that are difficult to address through sitting alone. When practiced correctly, it brings immediate clarity and purity to the mind, resembling a state of meditation. Therefore, do not underestimate these practices. They cultivate a healthy body and a mind that is easily settled, creating the right conditions for profound stillness.

## 3. Settling the Mind is Primary, but Right Intention is a Key Aid

Many misunderstand meditation as the complete cessation of thought. However, the teacher explains that while calming the mind from delusions is the goal, "right intention" acts as a powerful support. Right intention means thinking in accordance with the Dharma. No one can instantly stop all wandering thoughts; it may take thirty eons of practice to enter true absorption. During this journey, wholesome thoughts generate merit and assist us step by step.

When we align our thoughts with moral principles, we accumulate enough merit to gently enter a state of concentration. This concentration then naturally dissolves distractions. It is not about suppressing thought entirely, but about directing it wisely. For instance, when eating at a retreat, reflect on gratitude toward teachers and fellow practitioners who serve you. This creates merit. Thinking that others must serve you because you are a practitioner is prideful and incorrect. Rejoicing in others' progress rather than feeling envy is also a form of right intention that greatly aids the path.

## 4. Letting Go of Desire is Primary, but Accumulating Merit is Essential

The core of meditation is letting go of all desires. Yet, this does not mean we neglect the accumulation of merit. The teacher teaches that while releasing attachment is primary, gathering boundless merit is the necessary supporting factor. Without merit, practice becomes difficult. A mind lacking merit cannot settle, and sitting meditation feels uneasy and unstable.

If our lives lack blessings from merit, we resemble birds and fish, constantly struggling for survival without a moment of leisure. With sufficient merit, we have the conditions to sit peacefully, with food and shelter secured, free from anxious worry. This merit arises not only from making offerings but also from every ethical action in our daily lives.

Meditation is a long and profound journey. Do not overlook the supporting factors highlighted by Venerable Thich Chan Quang. Live ethically, practice qigong, maintain right intention, and accumulate merit. By doing so, your mind will gradually find stability, and sitting meditation will no longer feel like a futile effort. Let us strive together, ensuring that each moment of sitting becomes a moment of genuine peace and happiness.