o percurso na construção da calma

Pictured are the Nine Deepening Stages of Calm-Abiding. Through the process of perfecting Calm-Abiding, starting with cultivating virtuous actions, we diligently study and ponder the Dharma. We recollect upon the nature of mind, the very wish-fulfilling gem. Our practice begins with the state of mental agitation that is the conventional mind-stream. Through instruction in Calm-Abiding we bring the mind to stabilize on its object of concentration. As pictured here, the monk progressively chases, binds, leads, and subdues the elephant-like mind (whose color progresses from black to white).

At the end of the path a single-pointed concentration is attained, and the 'purified elephant' of the mind is now completely settled. The flying monk represents bodily bliss; and his riding of the elephant, mental bliss. Riding the elephant back triumphantly across the rainbow, wielding the flaming sword of perfect insight having attained the flame of clear understanding and remembrance, represents the uprooting of samsara by the unity of Calm-Abiding and Higher Insight.

SM, palavra fractal