Many have heard the phrase, “Diligently cultivate precepts (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā); extinguish greed, anger, and ignorance.” From these simple words, we can understand that in order to practice concentration, one must first uphold the precepts. Without precepts, can one still meditate? Of course! In fact, when I used to lead meditation sessions in Poland, even a Catholic priest participated. Meditation itself is not exclusive to Buddhism—it can be practiced by people of any faith. Before the Buddha became enlightened, he had two teachers who specialized in concentration practices. Meditation, therefore, can also be practiced by those following outside paths (non-Buddhist paths). However, what sets Buddhist meditation apart is its ultimate goal.
When we refer to “outside paths,” it is not meant in a derogatory sense. It means seeking the Dharma externally. In contrast, “not following the outside path” means we seek the Dharma within ourselves. When faced with difficulties or obstacles, we don’t blame others or external circumstances. We often think it is “someone who makes us angry,” “the environment’s not good,” “the cars are too noisy outside,” or “the neighbors upstairs are too loud” that make it impossible for us to calm down, as if all faults lie elsewhere – it’s never our fault! However, meditation involves seeking inwardly and finding ways to calm the mind using different methods. Upholding precepts is a foundational starting point for this process.
Why does upholding precepts support concentration? Because upholding the precepts purifies the mind and thus, fosters a sense of ease and inner peace. When we maintain a clear conscience, we avoid feelings of guilt or unease. For instance, if we’ve acted wrongly, no matter how much we try to suppress it, a lingering discomfort often remains. While this might seem trivial in daily life when our minds are not calm, such unresolved issues may start to surface during meditation, disrupting the mind’s ability to settle into deeper states of concentration. Thus, upholding the precepts is a method that supports our practice of concentration.
However, precepts are just the foundation. Upholding the precepts alone cannot significantly deepen concentration. For that, we need sustained effort in practicing sitting meditation – the methods and techniques of cultivating concentration. Precepts fulfill the basic criteria of a clear conscience, ensuring we harm no one and act responsibly, which are basic and external conditions. We need to address these surface-level obstacles first and then delve into subtler levels of the mind through the methods and practice of meditation. That’s when we start to tackle the more nuanced obstacles.
The two-sentence phrase “Diligently cultivate precepts (sīla), concentration (samādhi), and wisdom (paññā); extinguish greed, anger, and ignorance” simplifies the process and only points out a general direction without detailing the process. Upholding the precepts helps with cultivating concentration, and concentration can facilitate the development of wisdom. However, it does not necessarily mean that upholding the precepts can guarantee concentration and that concentration automatically leads to wisdom. The Buddha’s teachers, who had entered the formless realm and even the state of neither thought nor non-thought – the highest and most refined meditative status within the four dhyānas and the eight concentrations – failed to achieve liberation. Why? Because while they could enter profound states of concentration, they would eventually exit from those states. After they exit these states of concentration, their afflictions would return because the root cause of vexations still remains.
What is the root cause of vexations? It is self-centeredness – the attachment to the idea of a “self.” How do we overcome this idea of a “self?” We need a correct understanding, which is why we should study the Dharma to establish such understanding. Once we have a clear direction, we can then start meditation and practice based on the correct understanding. In terms of precepts, we need to take the precepts, study the precepts, and uphold the precepts. Regarding meditative concentration, we need to acquire knowledge and methods through meditation classes, and engage in actual meditative practice with a clear understanding of the knowledge. Only through this approach can we progress towards the ultimate goal of “developing wisdom.”
