In recent years, it has often been seen that fellow practitioners new to heart esotericism do not know where to begin with contemplation after meditation. Therefore, fellow practitioner Youxin excerpted teachings from the patriarchs’ collected writings on how to contemplate and compiled them into this book. This book is a further revision based on How to Contemplate, which fellow practitioner Wang Zhong of Qingdao excerpted and compiled in earlier years.

The excerpts are drawn from relevant teachings of the patriarchs of three generations and Teacher Qi Zhijun. Particular emphasis has been placed on the questions and answers concerning contemplation in the Questions and Answers collection of Master Yuanyin’s Essential Points of Buddhist Practice and Realization series, in the hope of prescribing the appropriate remedy for students’ particular difficulties. In addition, this book includes some of the patriarchs’ teachings on definitive doctrine, in the hope of correcting students’ narrowness in fundamental understanding and views. It also adds the patriarchs’ teachings on how to deal with worldly affairs, to help students clarify what is fundamental and what is secondary as they apply themselves to practice and pursue the Way.

Therefore, the contents of this book cannot be fully read through in a short time. Fellow practitioners are advised not to seek speed in reading it, but rather to grasp it directly with a straightforward mind and never exhaust themselves in analysis. In this way, as one is gradually imbued through study and practice, and continues daily Heart-of-Heart Dharma meditation without interruption, prajñā insight and contemplation will naturally develop.

Moreover, this book has been compiled solely for students beginning the Heart-of-Heart Dharma. It may only serve provisionally as a medicine for the time being. The meaning of some excerpts may not be complete and may even risk being taken out of context. Whenever readers encounter something unclear, they should consult the patriarchs’ original texts directly. They must never become rigidly attached to what they have read, much less reduce contemplation to an academic study of terms and concepts. If that were to happen, it would become this book’s fault.

The completion of this book was made possible through the participation of fellow practitioners Liu Xufeng, Tian Jingren, Xie Guiming, Bi Chuyun, Yuan Rong, and others in excerpting, compiling, and proofreading. Comments and suggestions for verification and revision are welcome; please contact hongyanguo@163.com with criticism and corrections, so that any shortcomings may be remedied.

Guo Hongyan, respectfully submitted on behalf of the Home of the Mind-Seal Materials Compilation Group

August 26, 2019