Date: 12/07/2024 12/08/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Sitting Meditation
The Three Depths of Meditation
Meditation develops gradually—from stabilizing the body and mind, to cultivating clear awareness, and finally realizing the true nature of the mind. Understanding these layers prevents confusion and guides steady progress.
1.First Depth: Stabilization (From Restlessness to Calm)
1.Purpose
Relax the body and steady the breath.
2.Characteristics
Softer breath
More relaxed body
Thoughts remain but are less gripping
Occasional quietness
3.Significance
Provides the basic foundation for deeper practice.
2.Second Depth: Insight Arises (From Calm to Clarity)
1.Purpose
See thoughts, emotions, and sensations without being pulled in.
2.Characteristics
Emotions become observable
Thoughts are noticed as they arise
Sensations are objects, not pressures
Awareness separates from content
3.Significance
Breaks the illusion of “I am my thoughts/emotions.”
3.Third Depth: Touching the Nature of Mind (From Clarity to Insight)
1.Purpose
Recognize impermanence, non-self, and emptiness directly.
2.Characteristics
Thoughts are not owned
Emotions lose their “self” center
Awareness becomes spacious
A deep sense of ease appears
3.Significance
Loosens ego-clinging and reveals inner freedom.
Conclusion
The three depths—stabilization, insight, realization—form a natural progression.First calm the mind, then observe clearly, and finally recognize the nature of experience.Knowing these layers helps meditators avoid confusion and follow the path with confidence.
