Meditative Focus and Inner Clarity : หน้า 89/91

5. If you find that you cannot dissuade the mind from wandering, then your mind needs an inner object as a focus for attention. Gently imagine that a bright, clear, crystal ball, the size of the tip of your little finger, is located inside at the center of the body. May be you'll find you can imagine nothing, but later you'll be able to see a crystal ball of increasing clarity. Allow your mind to come to rest at the very centre of the crystal ball. Use the subtlest of effort and you'll find that the crystal ball becomes brighter and clearer. If you see too much effort you will find that it gives you a headache. 6. If you find that your mind still wanders from the crystal ball, you can bring the mind back to a standstill by repeating the mantra, *Samma-arahama* silently, as if the sound of the mantra is coming from the center of the crystal ball. Repeat the mantra over and over again without counting. 7. Don't entertain thoughts in your mind. Don't analyze what's going on in the meditation. Allow the mind to come to the standstill....that's all you need to do. If you find that you can imagine nothing, then repeat the mantra, *Samma-arahama* silently and continuously in the mind. If you find that you're not sure about the location of the centre of the body, anywhere in the area of the stomach, which will do. Persevere because today's day-dream is tomorrow's still mind; today's darkness is tomorrow's inner brightness; today's perseverance is tomorrow's fulfillment. Don't be disappointed if you find your mind wandering. It is only natural for beginners. Make effort continuously; keep your mind bright, clear and pure, and in the end, you will achieve your goal. 8. Keep repeating the mantra and eventually the sound of the words will die away. At that point a new bright, clear, crystal ball will arise in the mind of its own accord. The crystal ball will sparkle like a diamond. This stage is called pathama magga (primary path). At this stage the shining crystal ball is connected firmly to the mind, and is seated at the centre of the body. You will experience happiness, with continuous observation at the centre of this crystal ball, it will give way to a succession of increasingly purer bodily sheaths until it reaches the ultimate one called *Dhammakaya*, the highest level of attainment of supreme happiness.