Page 11 - Extinguishment of self, in search of dhamma

to emerge are called “the phenomena of the physical body.” They mainly include the in ate-de ate phenomenon, the inhale-exhale phenomenon, the heartbeat phenomenon. These are the conscious phenomena of the physical body that emerge when we wilfully contemplate while sitting.
At rst, the breathing phenomenon or the in ate- de ate phenomenon may be the most apparent. However, after a while, the beating of the heart or the pulsation of the physical body may emerge. When we practice meditation, this is where we should start. If the phenomenon of the beating heart is not apparent; if the breathing phenomenon is not apparent; if there is only hazy and dim phenomenon emerging in front of us; or, if there is movement or color phenomenon emerging then ceasing, disappearing—these are all natural conditions. Sometimes, we call them mental images (nimitta). But, whether they are mental images or whatever, we should call them according to the way they appear to us.
If they are colors, call them colors. If there are lights emerging, call them according to their phenomena. The important point is that regardless of whether the phenomena that emerge are colors or lights, the duty of the practitioners is to wilfully contemplate how these phenomena emerge then cease, emerge then cease. We should ask ourselves— these colors or lights that appear in front of us emerge from what? They emerge from the power of our concentration
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