Page 42 - Dhamma Practice

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We know that our physical body and our mind are ever changing, always emerging and ceasing. But, the question is, have we ever experienced it? This is important. We wilfully contemplate in order to experience for ourselves—not simply to “believe” because others say it is so. Therefore, when contemplating the inflate-deflate phenomenon, we need to have the intention to experience how the inflate occurs and how the deflate ceases. And when it inflates, does it have the form of strings, or is it uneven and ceases at intervals? This is to contemplate the details of the inflate-deflate phenomenon, to experience its emergence and cessation. This is called to experience the physical body within the physical body.
The question is, when we experience the physical body within the physical body, when we contemplate the emergence-cessation in our body, do we also experience our mind? This is the consequence. Whenever we are aware of the present and we experience the emergence- cessation of the inflate-deflate phenomenon or the breathing phenomenon—try to observe: What is our state of mind? Is it still, or wavering? Is it anxious, or peaceful? That indicates the state of our mind. Or, when we continuously experience the emergence-cessation of the inflate-deflate phenomenon, does our mind become brighter, more unburdened, lighter, or calmer? This is the consequence.