The Revelation of Cūḷapanthaka's Meditative Attainment of Enlightenment

In the secular world, there is a saying: "Focus the mind on one point, and nothing is impossible." Consider this: does a cone's tip penetrate deeper into the earth, or does a flat board? The answer is certainly that the cone's tip penetrates deeper. Deep meditation follows this principle. When the mind abides in a single state, mental energy becomes unified and undispersed. With the mind deeply concentrated, one can meticulously contemplate a single principle, thereby penetrating its meaning and giving rise to wisdom. Without meditative concentration, the mind is like that wooden board—broad in area, its power scattered—unable to penetrate deeply into the earth. Cultivating meditation requires focusing the mind on one point and concentrating one's energy; only then can one accomplish anything.

There is a specific case in meditation practice that demonstrates how deep, single-pointed concentration can lead to the realization of the Dharma and the attainment of wisdom. The Buddha Śākyamuni had a disciple named Śroṇakoṭiviṃśa. Due to karmic retribution from past lives, he was extremely dull-witted. He would forget what came after while learning what came before, forget what came before while learning what came after, and forget one phrase while learning another. Seeing his stupidity, the World-Honored One, moved by compassion, taught him to recite two words: "broom." Śroṇakoṭiviṃśa constantly recited "broom" in his mind, no matter what he was doing. Eventually, his mind became purified. He was able to contemplate the principles of the Hinayana in meditation and finally attained the fourth fruition of Arhatship. By reciting "broom" with a mind free of distracting thoughts, Śroṇakoṭiviṃśa used this concentrated power to contemplate the Dharma principles taught by the World-Honored One and thereby attained fruition. Therefore, when we cultivate meditation, we too must fix our mind on a single object and focus on a single thought. Persevering diligently over time, meditative power will surely arise, and ultimately, contemplative practice and reflection will succeed. This single object and single thought could be a Buddha's name, a mantra, or a short sutra. Whatever we are doing, we should constantly have the sutras, mantras, or Buddha recitation in our hearts, discarding worldly attachments. Meditative power will certainly arise.