妙法蓮華經玄義 4.3

4.3

When first cultivating the expedients, one must skilfully distinguish windy and panting [breath], clearly recognize the proper breath, and slowly and calmly count, not letting it increase or decrease. If the counting becomes subtle, skilfully understand how to turn the focus of conditions; when it is properly regulated, one will realize the preliminary expedient dharmas. Whether coarse or subtle abiding, there arises the dharma of maintaining the body; progressing, one attains the desire-realm concentration, or the threshold concentration. When the eight tactile sensations are activated and the five factors are fulfilled, this is the activation of the first dhyāna. The Mahāprajñāpāramitopadeśa says: 'Having left the fire of lust, one obtains cool concentration. Like a person suffering from great heat and suffocation who rejoices upon entering a cold pool,' and so forth. If one wishes to advance to the higher and leave the lower, ordinary people rely on the contemplation of the six practices, while disciples of the Buddha mostly cultivate the eight noble lineages.