釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 5.23

5.23

First, regarding the explanation of the mind capable of counting: with a subtly attentive mind, one collects the mind focused on the breath, from one to ten, keeping the mind from scattering; hence it is called "counting the breath." If the count does not reach ten, it is called a deficient count; if it reaches eleven, it is called an excessive count. However, counts that are excessive or deficient are not the way to attain absorption. If from one to ten it is constantly complete to ten without the error of skipping one, it is called the fulfillment of the method of counting. If during the process the mind secretly turns to a different condition, the method of counting is disrupted, and thus the mind's awareness of distraction is strengthened. If one uses one as the count, one has no interval; if there is a different condition, one does not become aware of it immediately. Therefore, merely focusing on one breath cannot remove distraction. If one exceeds ten, an additional dharma arises: with one mind conditioning two [objects], distraction arises, and so it is called "excessive." Now, in counting the breath, one merely uses a subtle mind to record the number according to the breath; one must not excessively fixate on the mark of numbers. If the breath is excessive, the vapor will fill the abdomen with distension, the body will become tense, and sitting will become uneasy.