After spirit movement develops, is meditation still necessary?

Yes. In our method of practice, seated meditation remains part of the work even after spirit movement develops. Meditation nurtures spiritual energy, while spirit movement circulates it. Movement and stillness need to support each other. Having movements does not mean that we can omit meditation.

Beginners first need to establish a sound foundation in seated meditation and gradually nurture spiritual energy. After spirit movement begins, they should continue practising how to settle into stillness. Earlier work still serves a purpose. Moving into the next stage does not mean that all the previous work can be discarded.

The method, environment and guidance also matter. Practising together allows people to observe, exchange experiences and learn from one another. When something is unclear, ask an experienced teacher to explain it. Understanding what you are practising makes it less likely that you will go astray.

Drawing on personal practice, Miao Nian shared that continual spirit movement without still practices such as seated meditation and scripture recitation could leave the energy feeling unbalanced. I also affirmed that reminder. If we want to develop strength, we need to care for our bodies, remain firm in our faith and undertake both the moving and still aspects of practice.

Settling into stillness also helps us know our inner selves better. I have used a cup of water as an example: if we keep shaking it, we cannot see the impurities clearly. Only when we leave it to settle do they gradually become visible. As people busy with work and responding to the outside world every day, we also need to stop and notice what we truly feel within. If many thoughts arise when you first meditate, there is no need to be afraid. First return your attention to the breath, gradually settle down and then come to understand your own mind.

Meditation is not a way to force ourselves through exhaustion. I have said that it can help us settle the stress we carry, but the problems in our lives still need to be addressed. If you really need sleep, sleep properly. Do not try to sleep and meditate at the same time and end up doing neither well. Combining movement and stillness also requires us to consider our present alertness and physical strength. We should not demand more and more practice of ourselves as we become more tired.

When discussing meditation, Dao Xing also reminded people to let themselves pause instead of reaching for a phone or checking messages shortly after sitting down. Allow a period of time to settle. Dao Xing described a personal feeling of bringing the unhealthy parts to the surface and putting them in order again. That was an individual experience of practice. The point remains to practise and understand our own condition, rather than expect everyone to have the same sensation.