Janna · Oct 31, 2026
MEDITATION Q&A 46–50: BREATHING MEDITATION AND RIGHT CONSIDERATION
QUESTION 46: HOW LONG SHOULD EACH TECHNICAL STAGE OF BREATHING MEDITATION BE PRACTICED?
ANSWER: Paying attention to the breath is an effective method to anchor and focus the mind, but it must be practiced progressively through distinct stages. The first stage is simply recognizing that one is breathing. The second stage is clearly observing the breath without controlling it. The third stage involves skillfully maintaining slow, little, gentle breathing. The duration of each stage varies depending on an individual’s spiritual capacity and potential. However, for most practitioners, each phase requires significant time and patience. One must not rush the process!
Beginners who have not yet mastered the technique of observing the breath without controlling it but prematurely attempt to forcefully maintain Slow, Little, Gentle Breathing will agitate the mind, leading to mental tension and strain on the brain. However, there are exceptional cases where individuals with exceptional spiritual aptitude may progress rapidly, mastering each stage of breath awareness in a short period and naturally discovering the correct breath volume to enter deep meditation.
QUESTION 47: TOGETHER WITH PRACTICAL MEDITATIVE TECHNIQUES, WE CONTEMPLATE A CERTAIN TRUTH, KNOWN AS DOCTRINE CONTEMPLATION. CONTEMPLATING DOCTRINAL SUBJECTS AND CREATING VIRTUOUS THOUGHTS IN RIGHT CONSIDERATIONS (SAMMĀ SAṄKAPPA) BOTH INVOLVE CORRECT THINKING. HOW DO WE DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE TWO?
ANSWER: Contemplating Doctrinal Subjects and creating virtuous thoughts in the Right Considerations both involve correct thinking, but they differ slightly in their objectives. The goal of Right Consideration is to cultivate moral perfection, while the purpose of contemplating doctrinal subject is to develop mindfulness and awareness in meditation.
For instance, when walking down the street, we may see a beggar in tattered clothes, their face streaked with dirt, yet we are unable to stop and offer help. In such a moment, we might think:
"This world is filled with suffering. Many endure hardship due to a lack of accumulated merit or the consequences of unwholesome karma. How sorrowful! May the Buddha’s boundless compassion illuminate the path for all beings, guiding them toward understanding the Dharma and attaining liberation from suffering."
This kind of thought embodies Right Consideration, as it reflects compassion and empathy among humans!
On the other hand, Contemplating Doctrinal Subjects or Doctrine Contemplation in meditation also involves thinking but is directed towards realizing a truth or a fundamental principle. Each time we reflect on such truths, mindfulness naturally arises in the mind. For instance, when contemplating impermanence, one might remind oneself: “Everything in this world is constantly changing; nothing is permanent”. This process of contemplation helps practitioners recognize the true nature of life, thereby diminishing attachment to this impermanent world.
There are three obstacles that hinder the mind from entering deep meditation:
- Unwholesome Karma
2.Instincts or Fetters (Saṁyojana) - Attachments
The practice of Doctrine Contemplation plays a crucial role in dismantling these obstacles, and the appropriate contemplation method should be chosen based on the individual’s spiritual disposition and potential.
QUESTION 48: PROVIDE SOME ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES TO CLARIFY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT CONSIDERATION AND DOCTRINE CONTEMPLATION ?
ANSWER: For instance, imagine someone approaches you and says, "Oh, it’s been five years since we last met, and you look so beautiful and radiant these days!" You might feel there is some truth to their words. Over the past five years, you have diligently practiced paying homage to the Buddha, performed acts of kindness, lived according to the Dharma, and cultivated inner virtue. Perhaps, this outward beauty is a reflection of that. In such a moment, while you may express gratitude with a sincere "thank you," internally, you should also reflect: "This is not enough; I must continue striving even harder. If I become arrogant or complacent, the merit I have accumulated will fade, and so will this beauty."
This kind of thought exemplifies Right Consideration (Sammā Saṅkappa), as it actively counters arrogance and conceit and serves as a vow to reinforce humility, diligence, and continuous self-improvement.
However, with the same compliment, you could take a different approach and reflect on the illusory nature of beauty: "This appearance is fleeting; beauty is but an illusion that will inevitably fade with time and aging." Through this contemplation, you remain unmoved by the praise, bringing greater mental stability and peace. This type of reflection is also an example of Doctrine Contemplation that can be applied in meditation.
Similarly, imagine you are criticized, insulted, or harshly reprimanded, you can reflect: "I have many flaws; this may be a result of my own mistakes and shortcomings. Their criticism is an opportunity for me to reflect, recognize my faults, and work to improve myself. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, I should focus on self-correction and growth."
Even if the reproach seems unjust or exaggerated, you might consider: "Perhaps in the past, I unfairly criticized someone, and now this is my opportunity to repay that karma. Or maybe this is simply a result of personal animosity—either way, I shall endure it without anger."
Such reflections embody Right Consideration. On the other hand, if you reflect that both praise and criticism are like fleeting winds, ultimately insignificant and unworthy of attachment, you are engaging in Doctrine Contemplation.
QUESTION 49: CAN YOU PROVIDE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF RIGHT CONSIDERATION APPLIED IN DAILY LIFE?
ANSWER: For example, when someone scolds and insults you, you can consciously reflect: "Let it go; patience leads to peace." This deliberate thought helps prevent anger and resentment from arising.
Taking it a step further, you may cultivate understanding and empathy, recognizing that human nature is often driven by greed and anger, making it easy for people to react aggressively when their interests are challenged. Instead of harboring resentment and hatred, you silently pray for the Buddha’s grace to guide them toward the Dharma, helping them overcome their anger so that those around them may also benefit from their transformation. With a gentle smile, you offer an apology and treat the situation as if nothing happened. Yet, in that very moment, your heart has grown a little more virtuous.
If someone attempts to bribe you with a large sum of money to tarnish another person’s reputation, you can remind yourself: “Do not be greedy, do not betray your conscience—money is not everything.”
Or, there will be moments when you face hardship, dire circumstances, or betrayals. During such times, the lyrics of "Love Life, Love People" by a Vietnamese musician, Lê Hựu Hà, can serve as a powerful reflection for Right Consideration that we can cultivate:
"My dear friend, strive to love life,
Even if life doesn’t love you, keep loving it.
Though life may leave you alone, hold steadfast in loving it,
Even if life is filled with deceit and bitterness."
Despite the struggles and betrayals you may encounter, commit to loving others, even those who do not love you or may even seek to harm you. Such considerations help you avoid falling into feelings of bitterness, resentment, or selfishness, enabling you to hold firm to your ethical principles. These reflections exemplify Right Consideration, guiding us toward self-restraint, moral discipline, and a life aligned with the Dharma.
QUESTION 50: CREATING VIRTUOUS THOUGHTS IN THE RIGHT CONSIDERATIONS IS ESSENTIAL AND BENEFICIAL. SO, WHERE DOES RIGHT CONSIDERATION ORIGINATE FROM?
First, Right Consideration arises from the merit of bowing to the Buddha with profound homage. Deep reverence for the Buddha naturally restrains us from harboring improper thoughts or engaging in wrongful actions. This profound reverence guides the mind toward goodness, purity, and moral integrity. Furthermore, honoring and respecting those who are worthy of veneration generates merit that safeguards our thoughts, ensuring that our minds remain aligned with virtue and righteousness.
Second, Right Consideration is cultivated through regularly studying the Dharma, reflecting upon them, and applying their wisdom to daily life. For instance, the teachings encourage us to cultivate compassion and extend love to all beings. By repeatedly reminding ourselves of this principle, we can evaluate our daily interactions to see - Have we truly embraced and expressed heartfelt kindness toward those around us? Whether in the workplace, at home, or during spiritual practice, we consciously train ourselves to develop loving-kindness toward every individual we encounter.
Third, Right Consideration comes from making sincere commitments to practice the Dharma. Righteous vows serve as powerful reinforcements of moral discipline. For example, one might kneel before the Buddha and vow:
"I vow, in lifetime after lifetime, to always practice diligently according to the Buddha’s teachings. No matter the hardships, struggles, obstacles, or adversities I may face—even if my very life is threatened—my commitment to the path will never waver. Likewise, if I encounter favorable circumstances of power, wealth, and luxury, I vow to maintain an unwavering spiritual resolve, leading a life of balance and restraint to remain steadfast in the Buddha’s teachings."
By making such earnest vows daily, we reinforce Right Consideration, strengthening our commitment to the path of wisdom and compassion.
Right Consideration serves as a guiding force in moral refinement, shaping not only this life but also countless future lives. When confronted with the temptations and challenges of life, it is through Right Consideration that our morality and ethical resolve are strengthened. Just as a precious stone is carefully polished over time, gradually revealing its brilliance, so too does our inner virtue evolve. Even though we may still harbor anger, greed, or envy, if we consistently pay obeisance to the Buddha, reflect on the teachings, uphold our vows, and integrate the Dharma into daily life, our morality will gradually refine. Through repeated trials and self-discipline, the once rough, unpolished stone of our inner self will ultimately reveal its inherent beauty.
Written by:
Janna
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