The entering of meditation does not mean that the practitioner’s soul penetrating entirely into meditation is called the entering of meditation. It also does not imply completely silent meditative sitting, hearing nothing outside, is called the entering of meditation. A practitioner who is entering meditation does not have to penetrate into meditation as a corpse in order to be called entering meditation. All these conceptions are wrong, and one should reject these desired and expected thoughts.
When one enters into meditation, one feels as if they are drunk and feels their body swaying, floating, and light, as if sitting in front of the clouds and wind or in the middle of the air. One still hears sounds from outside, but one’s inner self keeps a state of perfect stillness. When the practitioner perceives scenes during the meditation, they can be long or short, clear or unclear; that is, the practitioner’s regular performance of the perfect stillness is not very firm yet. It still has weakness and vagueness. However, some practitioners may not see anything yet. They should reach the stage of perfect stillness, the floating feeling, and the drunkenness of meditation. They should make an effort and not be discouraged. With enough regular practice and performance, they will attain the desire of their will and vow. Meditative sitting has to have tenacity and courage as its goal. It is not different from a hiker who has set out on a long journey, is walking continuously, and will thus reach their destination.
