Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

According to the Buddhas' instructions, what is the
preparation for meditation? The Buddhas have set forth
all in an orderly sequence in their teaching of the
Dharma. First, let us see what the Buddha has said in
the Hinayana teachings. Under this heading we find
many different classifications: each of these we shall
examine to find which factors are the preparatory ones
leading to the remainder concerned with practice.
1. The Three Wisdoms. These we have already
mentioned several times, the first and second being the
preparation for the third. That is, hearing (or reading),
plus reflective thought prepare the mind for the practical
wisdom gained through applied meditation.
2. The Three Knowledges: perception (samjna),
consciousness (vijnana) and wisdom (prajna). The first
is obviously preparation for the second—if one has not
received any instruction, it is impossible to meditate.
Many in the West make this mistake and try to practice
without receiving good precepts from a Guru. They
have not made the necessary preparation.
3. In the Four Noble Truths, pain (dukkha) and the
arising of pain (dukkha samudaya), are preparatory to
the fourth Truth—the Path (dukkha nirodha gamini
patipada), while the practice of meditation belongs to
the factor, Right Concentration, of the Path.
However, if you do not recognize the pain bound up
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