Notes on the life of Shakyamuni Buddha
written by Vova, a layman and yogi.
-4-
Some time later Gautama met another teacher of contemplation who was instructing a large brotherhood of truth-seekers. When the teacher learned about his new student's past experiences and doubts, he uttered the following: "You are right, noble Gautama. The experience in the Realm of No-Thing stops any mental activity but fails to release one from it. Similarly, a strong man can protect himself from the attack of an adversary by gripping him powerfully and holding him tight. Nevertheless, this man is not free in this tight embrace. His very gripping ties him to his adversary."
"You need to experience the fourth and highest concentration. Free from strife and duality, it is the untainted contemplation of the Realm of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception., Concentration on an inanimate object, however, cannot bring you into this highest abode. Non-existence is the limit of abstraction and the inanimate is abstract in its essence. Do not sow the seeds of wise aspirations on a rock. The path that leads to the highest lies in your concentration on the formless breath which is the substance of life and forces of consciousness."
Once again the ascetic began to study contemplation and train his mind in concentration on formlessness. Through his ever expanding inner awareness, not through visualization, he beheld the realm of Limitless Space. Then he moved to contemplating the realm of Limitless Consciousness where he could distinctly perceive the life force movements in his body. Here he learned how energy currents in the body engender, maintain, and dissipate sense perception.
When he satiated himself with the contemplation of energy currents, he entered the realm of Nothing where self-awareness dissolves even the compulsion to think. Gautama realized that he could more easily enter the realm of Nothing via manipulating the energy currents of his body. [8]
Next the ascetic explored the reality that underlies the three spheres of concentration. He discovered its cohesiveness and naturalness. As he developed the supernatural abilities of clairvoyance and mind- reading, the earnest seeker saw that he was gaining a foothold in the realm of neither Perception nor Non- Perception. It seemed that there was a light over Gautama's head at all times - so clearly could he perceive the essence of all events and arising thoughts. He could actually experience freedom in the movements of his mind.
The teacher's face beamed with joy when he learned about Gautama's achievements. "You are equal to me now. Do as you please," he said.
"Preceptor," answered Gautama. “I doubt that my experience of the highest, untainted contemplation is sufficient for my salvation from suffering. Although my experience is blissful and free of unfavorable qualities, it is not constant and fades into tainted existence. Similarly, an elephant, proud of his strength and certain of his security, will carelessly fall into a pit prepared by hunters."
Warmly he bid farewell to his teacher and comrades and left the commune to continue his search for the highest path.
[8] Whereas, previously he had to laboriously contemplate the idea of nothingness, now he could easily enter this mind state via control of energy currents.