釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 2.114

2.114

Fourth, harmonizing the five factors: first, regulating food and drink; second, regulating sleep; third, harmonizing the body; fourth, harmonizing the breath; fifth, harmonizing the mind. Why is this? Now we borrow a familiar analogy to illustrate this method: it is like a worldly potter who, wishing to make various vessels, must first skillfully knead the clay, making it neither too stiff nor too soft, and only then can he place it on the wheel and cord. It is also like playing a zither: one must first tune the strings so that tightness and slackness are properly balanced, and only then can one begin playing and produce various sublime tunes. The practitioner cultivating the mind is also like this: skillfully harmonizing the five matters and ensuring they are well-attuned, samādhi will easily arise; if any of them is not harmonized, there will be many obstacles and difficulties, and the wholesome roots will be hard to bring forth.