Janna · Nov 9, 2026
MEDITATION Q&A 56–60: KARMA, CONTEMPLATION, REPENTANCE AND SAMADHI
QUESTION 56: WHEN PRACTICING MEDITATION, EVERYONE CARRIES THEIR OWN KARMIC CONDITIONS. HOW CAN ONE CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE CONTEMPLATION METHOD?
ANSWER: There are three types of dwellings symbolizing different levels of meditative potential:
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A multi-story house symbolizes a meditation practitioner who has achieved a relatively stable state of inner peace.
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A thatched house represents a meditation practitioner whose mind occasionally lapses into forgetfulness, still influenced by wandering thoughts, alternating between moments of calm and distraction.
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A temporary tent symbolizes a practitioner burdened by heavy karma, lacking awareness, with a torrent of wandering thoughts, making it difficult to concentrate the mind. Corresponding to each level of potential, we use different contemplation subjects rather than a uniform approach.
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MULTI-STORY HOUSE: Deep within the mind, ignorance and wrongdoing still remain.
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THATCHED HOUSE: This mind, though ordinary and mundane, still harbors many faults and karmic obstacles.
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TEMPORARY TENT: This mind is tainted and sinful.
Each mind, each dwelling, has its own unique “password”, its own name, and its own method of intentional contemplation. However, when the inner self attains purity, we must constantly remind ourselves and never forget the ultimate truth: “Deep within this mind, ignorance and wrongdoing still remain.”
QUESTION 57: WHICH CONTEMPLATION SUBJECT BECOMES THE MANTRA FOR THE JOURNEY OF SPIRITUAL CULTIVATION IN COUNTLESS LIFETIMES TO COME?
ANSWER: In meditation, we need various contemplation methods because there are many truths to uncover, and recognizing these truths awakens the mind. Among these, understanding that one still clings to self, harbors ignorance, and carries wrongdoing is the ultimate truth. Regardless of how advanced one’s practice becomes, unless full enlightenment is attained, this ultimate truth must never be forgotten. For those who begin to see results in their practice and lead a purified life, they must still occasionally remind themselves: “Deep within my mind lies ignorance and wrongdoing”. Until enlightenment is achieved, this awareness should be held as a mantra, accompanying us through this lifetime and countless lifetimes to come.
Other truths require less time to be internalized during spiritual cultivation. For example:
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Becoming aware of a restless mind may take just a few weeks to fully grasp.
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Contemplating the impermanence of the body might take three to six months before the attachment to the body starts to lessen.
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Reflecting on the impermanence and illusory nature of the world may take one to two years to profoundly realize, leading to a fading of worldly attachments.
However, the truth that one still harbors ignorance and wrongdoing must be held onto indefinitely until enlightenment is attained. Forgetting this truth will obstruct progress in meditation practice, and may even lead to regression, erasing all the efforts of one’s practice.
QUESTION 58: WHAT SHOULD ONE DO IF HEAVY KARMA PREVENTS THEM FROM CONTEMPLATING THE ULTIMATE TRUTH?
ANSWER: First, we must determine our own potential to choose a suitable contemplation subject. Contemplating the ultimate truth is possible only for those who have accumulated a significant foundation of spiritual practice and merit. For those burdened by heavy karma and dominated by unwholesome thoughts, attaining mindfulness is challenging—they may not even recognize their own wandering thoughts. Practitioners with heavy karma need to:
- Reverently bow to the Buddha and repent extensively.
- Perform numerous acts of merit.
- Support fellow practitioners in their spiritual cultivation.
- Intentionally contemplate that THIS MIND IS TAINTED AND SINFUL. When we call things by their true name, understand the truth accurately, and perceive the essence of reality, only then can we hope to advance on the path of meditation. This is a very basic starting point, but it is foundational for meditation practitioners who recognize their limited potential and wish to progress in meditation.
QUESTION 59: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF REPENTANCE IN MEDITATION PRACTICE?
ANSWER: The practice of repentance in Buddhism is also a universal ethical principle of humanity. In Vietnamese, it is called “xin lỗi” (apology), in English “sorry”, and in French “pardon”. When someone says, “I realize my mistakes, please forgive me,” the simple phrase “sorry” carries profound meaning. In Buddhism, this concept of apology is elevated into a specialized cultivation practice called repentance. It is a deeply meaningful aspect of Buddhist ethics and has become a steadfast practice embraced by most disciples of the Buddha. With a sincere heart, acknowledging one's faults and feeling regret for past wrongdoings enables spiritual strength to gradually increase.
For those practicing meditation, repentance is particularly vital. No one can truly know how many wrongs they have committed in the past—whether known or unknown, whether actions carried out or merely thoughts entertained. By silently repenting for all of these, the burden of karma can be alleviated, allowing us to advance on the spiritual path of meditation toward non-self.
In meditation practice, contemplation methods such as “This mind is tainted and sinful” or “This mind is ignorant and sinful” inherently carry the essence of repentance. By honestly acknowledging the truth about ourselves with a repentant mindset, the mind becomes calmer and more settled.
However, even when achieving a tranquil mind and heightened mindfulness, one may naturally develop feelings of confidence, pride, or self-congratulation. Such mental states deplete merit and reverse the meditative progress, not only in this lifetime but also in future ones. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain this contemplative focus to guard against conceit and pride, ensuring steady progress on the path.
QUESTION 60: WHAT ARE THE ETHICAL AND TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ANCHORING THE MIND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ABDOMEN (THE HUIYIN ACUPOINT) IN THE LOWER ABDOMEN?
Answer: According to the principles of Yin and Yang, elements that are deep, low, behind, internal, and difficult to see often hold great value. For example, a house's foundation buried deep in the earth, the silent operation of a computer’s processor, and the legs supporting the entire body are all crucial components of a complete system.
To calm the mind, one should not focus on the head but rather direct attention to the lower abdomen, the base of the abdomen. This practice fosters physical health, slows aging, enhances brain function, and reduces wandering thoughts. However, many people do not know this golden principle and focus their attention on the head, which leads to the loss of deep internal energy. Furthermore, focusing on the brain stimulates wandering thoughts and gradually damages the brain over time.
When one anchors the mind in the lower abdomen, including the Dantian, it activates the brain’s mindfulness region. Anchoring the mind at the base of the abdomen, particularly at the bottom of the abdomen (Huiyin Acupoint), gradually suppresses all wandering thoughts and leads to meditative ecstasy (samadhi).
From a technical perspective, focusing on the base of the abdomen calms the brain.
From an ethical perspective, it symbolizes humility, fostering the mindset of seeing oneself as insignificant, sinful, and akin to dust and debris. Anchoring the mind at the base of the abdomen cultivates humility, ensuring that one never departs from a state of modesty.
Written by:
Janna
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