What is stillness?

What is stillness? Stillness refers to a meditative state where the six sense organs gradually quiet down until they reach a state of complete calmness. However, it does not occur all at once. Initially, it is the mental consciousness that quiets itself, paving the way for the other senses to follow suit. In Buddhist philosophy, this state of complete stillness, viewed from the perspective of consciousness, is termed “Alayavijnana”(storehouse consciousness). Within this profound stillness emerges a unique form of understanding known as 'transcendent sensory cognition induced by meditative concentration.' In simpler terms, meditative concentration fosters a deeper understanding of the world around us, one that transcends our typical sensory experiences.

Ordinary meditative concentration aims to cease the activity of the six sense organs that are focused solely on external stimuli, but the inner luminosity persists despite this cessation. Prolonged, deep meditative concentration can induce changes in the cognitive organs, expanding the scope and range of cognition. In secular terms, this heightened awareness is referred to as "superpower," while in Buddhism, it is termed "divine power." Divine power cognition encompasses both direct valid perception and inferential valid understanding, excluding any room for invalid cognition. This type of cognition already transcends the scope of the six human sense organs. Since it operates outside the normal framework of space, time, and physical phenomena, it cannot be fully described using human language.

Ordinary meditative concentration aims to gradually cease the activity of the six sense organs that are solely focused on external stimuli. While this would be the ideal outcome for those practicing meditative concentration, in reality, most people find it difficult to achieve. Why? Because they struggle to quiet their minds and instead become entangled in thoughts, agendas, worries, and distractions. To assist those who find it challenging to practice meditative concentration directly, contemplative meditation is offered as an alternative. The premise is that, since thoughts inevitably arise during meditation for them, it is essential to cultivate positive and constructive thoughts that can lead to genuine liberation or bring us closer to true awakening.

Excerpted from:Cognition and Expression Part Two