釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 7.53

7.53

Answer: If one counts the breath, one merely counts with an obscured mind without reflective contemplation; during cultivation and realization, the ailments of afflictions such as craving, views, and conceit frequently arise. 'Craving' means clinging with craving to this counting of the breath; 'views' means holding the view that 'I am able to count'; 'conceit' means thinking 'I am able to count' and thereby holding oneself in conceit above others. Now, replacing counting with following [the breath] means that while following the breath, one immediately becomes aware and knows that this breath is impermanent. Life depends upon the breath, taking the breath as life; if a single breath does not return, life is immediately ended. Having become aware of the impermanence of the breath, one knows the frailty of bodily life. Knowing the impermanence of the breath, craving does not arise; knowing that the breath is not the self, views do not arise; realizing impermanence, conceit does not arise. This means that from the initial expedient means one is already able to destroy all fetters, which is not like counting the breath.