Concentration strengthens insight practice from "summary" of The Experience of Insight by Joseph Goldstein
Concentration is an essential component of the path to liberation. When the mind is scattered and distracted, it is difficult to see things clearly as they are. Distraction weakens the power of mindfulness and obstructs deep insight. On the other hand, when the mind is concentrated and focused, our awareness becomes sharp and stable. Concentration creates the conditions for insight to arise naturally. By cultivating concentration, we develop the ability to sustain our attention on a single object without wavering. This steadiness of mind allows us to penetrate deeply into the nature of reality. Concentration acts as a magnifying glass, bringing the subtle nuances of our experience into clear focus. It enables us to see the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and selfless nature of all phenomena. Through concentration, the mind becomes more pliable and responsive. We can direct our attention to different aspects of our experience with precision and clarity. This heightened awareness reveals the true nature of our thoughts, emotions, and sensations. We see how they arise and pass away, devoid of any inherent substance or lasting essence. As concentration deepens, insight into the three marks of existence - impermanence, suffering, and non-self - becomes increasingly clear. We see how everything in our lived experience is in a constant state of flux, devoid of lasting satisfaction, and devoid of a permanent self. This insight liberates us from the delusion of permanence, the illusion of control, and the bondage of self-identification. Concentration strengthens insight practice by creating the optimal conditions for wisdom to unfold. When the mind is unified and collected, it is more receptive to the insights that arise from direct experience. Concentration sharpens our discernment and illuminates the path to freedom. Through the fusion of concentration and insight, we can realize the ultimate truth of existence and break free from the cycle of suffering.
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