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the sphere called the first path (pathama magga).^1 The mind was to be concentrated right there at centre, and the mantra 'Sammā-arahaṁ' recited repeatedly in silence, without allowing the attention to wander. If the attention wandered, it should gently be brought back to the centre. The aim of meditation was to concentrate in this fashion until inner light appeared. When that light appeared, one had to maintain the stillness of the mind. If any other mental object appeared, be it a leaf, a flower, or a cloud, one had to scrutinize it carefully in a detached way. The object would change by itself without discursive thought. If nothing was seen, the meditator should not be disappointed, because eventually the ability to see clearly with the mind would arise spontaneously. No need for doubt, nor to be excited at any vision — but to be still and gaze at things with equanimity. After witnessing things change according to conditions, a small sphere, translucent and bright would eventually be seen floating in the centre. This was the sphere of pathama magga, the commencement of magga (the path), phala (the fruit) of the inner way to Nirvana. The mind should be maintained at the centre thereof. After a time, a refined form would appear. And, later, the celestial form, the Brahma form, and the Arūpa-Brahma form. On no account should the attention be allowed to shift outside the body. It should always be kept inside. Whether seated, reclining, standing, or walking, one should keep the mind concentrated at the centre of the seventh base of the mind. It was permissible to sit in any position so long as one was comfortable 1. see definition p.147 86