Today is the sixth day of Higan week, the three days before the equinox and the three days after. As explained in a Nichiren Shu brochure:
For Buddhists, this period is not just one characterized by days with almost equal portions of light and dark. Rather, it is a period in which we strive to consciously reflect upon ourselves and our deeds.
The today we consider the Perfection of Dhyana. For this Spring Higan week I’m using Hsuan Hua‘s commentary on the Lotus Sutra in which he discusses the perfections’ four kinds of corresponding factors.
The pāramitā of dhyana. Dhyana means “the practice of contemplation.” It also means “silent reflection.” There are also four corresponding factors for practicing the paramitā of dhyāna.
- To break through the distracted mind. The skill of dhyana can subdue the scattered mind. You can stop having a lot of false thoughts through the practice of dhyāna.
- To adorn bodhi and gather in living beings.
- To remain still in body and mind and not disturb other living beings. By practicing dhyana, you’ll attain peace and stillness in body and mind; this is to benefit yourself. By not bothering living beings, you benefit others.
- To attain nirvāṇa in peace and tranquility. Within a state of purity [while in dhyana], you’ll attain nirvāņa in peace and tranquility.
