Introduction

Meditation is a transformative practice that goes beyond mere relaxation; it is a journey toward inner discovery and enlightenment. One crucial aspect of successful Buddhist meditation is achieving mastery of our minds.

While one-pointed concentration is a powerful tool, it’s essential to understand that enlightenment goes beyond concentration alone.

In this article, we will delve into the significance of renunciation in attaining one-pointed focus, also known as Jhana.

Understanding One-Pointed Focus

One-pointed focus is achieved by directing our mind to focus on just one meditation subject. Whether practicing breathing meditation or reciting a mantra, the focus is on a singular point – the breath or the mantra (not verbally but mentally recited).

Therefore, if our minds skip from one technique to another during meditation, it becomes discursive.

Our minds have a natural tendency to wander into the past or future, making it imperative to renounce the habit of dwelling on the non-present.

And during a formal meditation session. there is nothing else except our awareness directed at the meditation subject. An analogy would be pegging or nailing a floating balloon to the ground amidst the strong winds. Or anchoring the boat.

Renunciation: The Key to One-Pointed Focus

Renunciation involves letting go of the habitual thoughts that distract our minds from the present. It is a skill that requires honing – the ability to stop the mind and train it to follow our instructions. Daily practice involves instructing our minds to release non-virtuous thoughts, such as craving, which leads to suffering. By consistently guiding our minds in this way, we gradually gain mastery over them.

Letting Go in Daily Life

Practicing renunciation in everyday life involves redirecting our minds to attend to our meditation object and renounce distraction.

And this is applicable even when our minds start to think about Buddhist teachings when it is not supposed to. Therefore, I am not saying we shouldn’t contemplate Dharma. But we need to be the master of what our minds do. So we get to decide when we wish to contemplate dharma, when we wish to focus on daily secular tasks, and when to focus on our mantra or breathing (whenever there is a free moment)

When faced with mental stress, recognizing the cause of our stress and directing our minds to let go of the thoughts that cause the stress is also practicing to let go. In that manner, we learn to let go of desirous thoughts, hateful thoughts, jealous thoughts, envious thoughts, etc.

This constant letting go builds a foundation for effective meditation, where the mind can be directed to release thoughts and focus on a single point during formal meditation.

Letting Go of Senses

Renunciation extends beyond thoughts to the senses.

During meditation, it’s crucial to withdraw the mind from engagement with sight, smell, sound, tactile sensation, and taste. Redirecting attention away from external distractions allows the mind to focus solely on the meditation subject. This gradual detachment from the senses paves the way for increased concentration.

So we would not be distracted by minor discomfort from our meditation cushion, offensive or pleasant smells, breeze, sounds, etc.

Detachment from the Physical Body

As the mind withdraws from external distractions, it also lets go of engagement with the physical body. This detachment contributes to improved focus during meditation, creating a space for a deeper connection with the chosen meditation subject.

Silence and Peace: The Fruits of Non-Engagement

The continuous practice of renunciation leads to a state of comfort with the silence and peace of a non-engaging mind. Its like a deafening but pleasant silent when the noisy machines in a room are shut down.

The chosen meditation subject becomes a source of comfort, and as non-engagement deepens, there is a gradual release of even that subject. This process results in a highly focused and obedient mind.

Exploring Deeper Realities

Once the mind achieves a heightened state of quietness, the practitioner may experience a sense of elatedness, joy, or bliss. One can explore deeper teachings, such as the 2nd part of Kevatta Sutta. In that sutta, Buddha explained the 4 stages of Jhana. That knowledge becomes a handy manual for us to understand what we are experiencing.

This exploration becomes more fruitful when the mind is truly focused and receptive to instruction.

Conclusion

Meditation, when approached with a commitment to one-pointed focus and renunciation, becomes a transformative journey toward discovery and enlightenment. By consistently practicing letting go of thoughts, senses, and bodily engagement, the mind gains mastery and becomes a powerful tool for exploration. As we rest in the silence and peace of a non-engaging mind, the path to deeper understanding and enlightenment unfolds.

May all be well and happy,