Convenient Methods for Training Observation Practice

The expedient method can be practiced anytime, anywhere, with few or no restrictions. Training in walking contemplation and inquiry is particularly convenient, as it requires minimal space. Contemplating the teachings of the Greater and Lesser Vehicles while walking yields good results and can be practiced at any time. During training, relax the entire body: head and neck should be naturally relaxed, shoulders, arms, and hands should be naturally relaxed without exertion, back and waist should be naturally relaxed without exertion, hips and legs should also be naturally relaxed without exertion—relax from head to toe without any force. Begin stepping naturally; the pace can be slightly slow—the slower, the better—or fast—the faster, the better—or moderate, all are acceptable.

While walking with the whole body relaxed, start by emptying the mind completely, free from scattered thoughts, walking with a state of mental emptiness. Once the mind settles into emptiness, gather your focus, concentrate your awareness, and attentively observe and feel the sensations at the soles of your feet, perceiving the tactile experience there.

Practice this on quiet streets, in undisturbed areas at work, or in open spaces at home. Relax your body and empty your thoughts as you walk, moving with a sense of spacious emptiness. When distracting thoughts diminish, fix your awareness solely on the soles of your feet. Refrain from other thoughts or discursive thinking; simply perceive, feel, observe, and experience purely. Over time, your perception will differ from the ordinary, yielding a distinct flavor and unique experiences. When the karmic conditions and timing converge, the realization of the Greater and Lesser Vehicles can occur right here.

To enhance tactile sensation and unblock meridians, consider using massage shoe insoles with protruding nodules. These serve two purposes: providing massage and intensifying tactile feedback, thereby aiding concentration and strengthening perceptual clarity. This method is convenient for those who lack time for seated meditation, find sitting inconvenient, or sit for prolonged periods, as it can soothe muscles and joints and sharpen mental agility.