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The Confessional Samadhi of the Lotus Sutra, page 22
E. Outlining and Clarifying The Signs of Realization
If one is able to have diligence and a single mind like this for a period of three weeks, one will cultivate Samadhi. There are three levels of realization that one will have during this three-week period. Now we must outline and distinguish them:
1. The Signs of Realization in Morality
2. The Signs of Realization in Concentration
3. The Signs of Realization in Insight
1. The Signs of the Realization in Morality
During or at the end of the full three weeks, one will attain the spiritual signs of moral purity. How does one properly recognize these? Concerning this, there are three grades:
A. The Signs of Moral Purity in the Lower Grades of Practice
When there are various kinds of pleasant spiritual dreams, some awaken with their senses illuminated and purified. The four elements1 are light and sharp, and one's complexion is fresh and clean. The body has a greater power of life-force2 and a lofty and dignified virtue. The awakened mind is brave and inspired. This is called the Recognizing the Signs of the Gradual Purification of Morality in the Lower Grades of Practice.
B. The Signs of Moral Purity in the Medium Grades of Practice
Either during or at the end of the full three weeks, whether one is walking or in seated meditation, one suddenly sees various kinds of spiritual signs. There are the pure colors in the blossom of light, different wonderfully fragrant essences, and pleasant voices calling out and praising, all as taught in the Chapter on the Bodhisattvas Precepts in The Sutra on Brahma's Net3. Seeing each of these spiritual signs and marks like this, the body and mind rejoice, and one attains joy and contentment in the Dharma. One is without any signs of evil. This is called Recognizing the Signs of Moral Purity in the Medium Grades of Practice.
C. The Signs of Moral Purity in the Higher Grades of Practice
Either during or at the end of the full three weeks, whether one is walking or in seated meditation, one's body and mind are serene and still in peace and contentment, even though one has not realized all the various Doors to the Dharma4. In the still mind, one sees oneself and signs of the body's moral purification. This is seeing the body wearing the pure Clothes of the Dharma5. One has a dignified bearing and the body is level and straight. One sees the signs of good deeds in all those that are pure, and one understands each of the three grades of morality as they are sequentially presented. One opens up and inspires the mind of faith and rejoices in the Dharma. With contentment and bliss, one has no fear. With concentration of mind, one sees each and every one of the signs of good karmic deeds. This is called The Signs of Moral Purity in the Higher Grades of Practice.
Because of these three grades of signs and marks, one recognizes the spiritual qualities of morality as they gradually attain purity. These marks are so numerous that they are impossible to teach of. When heavy sin is difficult to extinguish, one must practice with all one’s heart, suffering until one confesses without ceasing. Sometimes one sees many signs of sin, like seeing oneself without a head or limbs, in a deep pit of polluted water, a fierce fire, or in stench and defilement. Upon seeing all of these various kinds of evil realms, the mind bears fear, and one must deeply confess without ceasing even after one has attained moral purity.
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Footnotes:
1. The Four Elements: Earth, water, wind & fire; the four spiritual elements, which must be in harmony in order for there to be good health. If only one or two predominate, there will be sickness
2. Life-Force: (C. Chi, J. Ki) Energy, vitality
3. The Chapter on the Bodhisattvas Precepts in the Sutra on Brahma's Net: (Brahmajala Sutra): The Bodhisattva precepts taught in this Sutra were the basis for the Ordination Platform of Saicho (Dengyo Daishi) in Japan. This Sutra opens the cycle for The Mahaparinirvana Sutra.
4. Doors to the Dharma: Buddhist teachings/practices, the means to enlightenment
5. The Clothes of the Dharma: Endurance, patience.
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