Date: 08/17/2024 08/18/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Sitting Meditation
The Stabilization Phase and Breakthrough Phase in Meditation
Meditation does not progress in a straight line. It moves through cycles of “stabilization → breakthrough → stabilization → breakthrough.” Understanding these two phases helps practitioners avoid confusion and cultivate steady, grounded progress.
1.What Is the Stabilization Phase?
This phase is essential even though it may feel uneventful.
1.Body and mind settle down
Breathing becomes smoother, thoughts reduce, and awareness steadies.
2.No obvious breakthroughs
No special sensations, no dramatic clarity—but everything feels stable and natural.
3.Foundation-building stage
Stabilization lays the groundwork for deeper meditation.
4.Easy to mistake as “no progress”
In fact:Stability is progress.
2.What Is the Breakthrough Phase?
This phase can feel inspiring but must not be pursued.
1.Awareness becomes sharper
Breath, body sensations, and emotional states become vivid.
2.Fewer mental distractions
The mind becomes luminous and clear.
3.Special experiences may arise
Lightness, spaciousness, joy, transparency, deep calm, or subtle energy shifts.
4.Risk of attachment
Breakthroughs feel pleasant, but clinging to them hinders practice.
The purpose of breakthroughs is to show what is possible—not to chase the experience.
3.The Relationship Between the Two
1.Stabilization is the foundation for breakthroughs
Without stability, no breakthrough is sustainable.
2.Returning to stability after breakthroughs is normal
This is integration, not regression.
3.The cycle repeats continuously
Stabilization → Breakthrough → Stabilization → Breakthrough
This is the natural rhythm of meditation.
4.How to Practice During the Stabilization Phase
1.Do not seek special states
Impatience disrupts stability.
2.Prioritize consistency
Regular practice outweighs dramatic experiences.
3.Notice subtle improvements
Smoother breathing
Relaxed body
Faster recovery from distraction
4.Cultivate patience
The deeper the foundation, the stronger the breakthrough.
5.How to Practice During the Breakthrough Phase
1.Avoid attachment
Remind yourself:“This is just an experience, not the goal.”
2.Keep breathing natural
Breakthrough excitement must be balanced.
3.Avoid overanalyzing
Experiences do not require interpretation.
4.Bring clarity into daily life
Breakthroughs are meaningful only when integrated.
Conclusion
Meditation unfolds through alternating stabilization and breakthrough.Stabilization roots the mind; breakthrough opens it.Stabilization deepens; breakthrough illuminates.Stabilization grounds; breakthrough liberates.When you understand and embrace both phases,your meditation becomes natural, steady, and free from confusion.
