<![CDATA[XA LOI TEMPLE MARYLAND - Lessons from Master Bao Thanh]]>Sun, 11 Oct 2026 23:26:24 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Dharma of Contemplation of the Perfection of the Ear Root]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:02:38 GMThttps://www.xaloitemple.com/lessons-from-master-bao-thanh/dharma-of-contemplation-of-the-perfection-of-the-ear-root
PictureAvalokiteshvara also known as Quan The Am, listens to the sounds of the world ane responds to the suffering with compassion and wisdom.
This is one of the Meditation practices taught by Grand Master Thich Bao Truong to Master Bao Thanh in his training as a young monk. 

This practice is rooted in traditional meditative practices, especially those linked to Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva’s method from the Shurangama Sutra.
This is a meditation method for deepening inner awareness through the sense of hearing. It follows three stages of practice and is intended to be followed gradually over the course of one year--three months for each stage, allowing the practitioner to build a strong foundation and deep insight.
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​Below is a description of the practice, there is also a downloadable document below.

Direction for the Practice of the Dharma of Contemplation of the Perfection of the Ear-Root

​Preparation: Posture and Breathing
  • Sit in a posture suitable for your body:
    • On a cushion, in half-lotus or full lotus, if your body allows.
    • On a chair, if needed. What matters is stability and presence.
  • Place the right hand gently in the palm of the left hand, resting in your lap.
  • Keep your back, neck, and head upright and relaxed.
  • Breathe gently and naturally through the nose.


Step 1: Listening to the Breath
  • Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing the belly to expand.
  • Exhale slowly, drawing the belly inward, and listen to the sound of your exhalation with both ears—from beginning to end.
  • Stay fully present with this sound, without adding or judging.
  • Practice this for 30 minutes a day.
  • Continue daily for at least 3 months before moving on.


Step 2: Mantra Contemplation
  • Continue breathing the same way.
  • As you exhale, softly recite the mantra:
    "Ethe Ethe Sam ma tha"
  • Listen to the sound of the mantra from beginning to end with focused awareness.
  • Simultaneously, become aware of the vibrational frequency and subtle energy (electromagnetic waves) spreading through your body during exhalation.
  • Avoid becoming mechanical—this is not just about repeating words.
    You must contemplate the sound and vibrational quality deeply.
  • Practice this daily for 3 months.


Step 3: Inner Sound and Mind Contemplation
  • Do not skip Steps 1 and 2. This is a progressive method; each layer is essential.
  • Now, as you exhale, you no longer vocalize the mantra.
  • Instead, internally hear the sound of “Ethe Ethe Sam ma tha” in your mind.
  • Simultaneously:
    • Use your mind to hear the inner sound.
    • Use your mind to observe the breath.
    • Use your mind to observe the vibrational energy of body and mind.
These three contemplations—sound, breath, and energy—done together, allow you to begin perceiving the Dharmadhatu of Emptiness within yourself.
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When this is stable, the practitioner is able to hear all sounds of the world while the mind remains undisturbed, calm, and clear.


Reflections
This is the practice of Avalokiteshvara, who attained realization by turning the hearing inward. It is known as:
  • Contemplating Sound
  • Contemplating the Perfect Ear-root
  • Listening to the Sea-Tide Sound
  • Contemplating the Mind of Great Tolerance


Practice Commitment
  • Step 1: 3 months
  • Step 2: 3 months
  • Step 3: 3 months and beyond
  • Total training period: at least 1 year
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“To conquer ten thousand enemies in battle is not as great as conquering yourself.”
 
Below is a recording of how to chant E-The E-The Sam Ma Tha
dharma_of_contemplation_of_the_perfection_of_the_ear-root.docx
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]]><![CDATA[Mindful Awareness Meditation]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:45:07 GMThttps://www.xaloitemple.com/lessons-from-master-bao-thanh/mindful-awareness-meditationTeaching offered by Master Bao Thanh
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Introduction

Living with mindful awareness is a process of cultivation and diligent training—what we call practice. Mindful awareness is the precious jewel of the mind—it is the clear and direct knowing of all thoughts, emotions, and experiences in every second and moment of our lives.

 The Seven Precious Treasures and the Mysterious Gate 

"Seven Precious Treasures" refers to seven rare and valuable qualities.
"Mysterious Gate" means stepping through the doorway out of ignorance.
This meditation path offers a profound and noble method. If you listen and understand clearly with your thoughts, apply it with consistent practice, you will realize true mindful awareness.
This method helps us see clearly our own thoughts and emotions.
One who claims to be mindful but cannot see or understand their own thoughts and feelings is not truly mindful. We are often led by rising thoughts or bodily emotions. This emotional control creates suffering. For example, when we feel weak—we suffer. That feeling of weakness brings sadness. Aging brings sadness. Environmental discomfort—hot, cold, fit or unfit—causes suffering. If you can clearly observe your feelings, then the Awareness Nature present within those emotions allows you to transform your suffering. To live mindfully means we must practice this meditation of mindful awareness. That’s all.

Step 1: Anchoring in the Breath  

If you cannot rely on the in-and-out breath, clearly noticing each inhale and exhale, you will not be able to experience mindfulness. By observing and clearly knowing the breath, we develop mindfulness. Know when the breath enters, and when it leaves, when it stops. Some argue, 'You can meditate anytime!'—that’s only true once you’ve mastered the practice. For beginners, sitting is essential.
In Secret Meditation, there is a foundational principle drawn from ancient masters. The breath is a powerful energy source to regulate health, blood flow, and activate chakras. Practice this step for at least three months—100 days. Inhale through the nose, belly expands like a turtle. Exhale through the mouth, belly contracts. Hands rest right over left in your lap. Body relaxed. Sit steadily.

Step 2: Observing Bodily Sensations   

Use the same breathing method, but now observe the body’s sensations: heat, cold, itching, tingling, fatigue, restlessness, calm. Don’t react—just observe. Even if you’re itchy or thirsty, just watch. Practice this for at least 100 days or 3 months.

Step 3: Observing Your Thoughts   

As thoughts arise—future plans, past memories—observe them clearly without trying to change them. Acknowledge what arises, name it, and return to breath. Practice this step for 100 days.

Step 4: Mindfulness in the Present Moment

With breath, sensations, and thoughts stable, now cultivate present-moment awareness. Place your awareness at the third eye (between the eyebrows) and observe your posture inwardly with the mind. See clearly, remain centered. Practice for 3 months. After 1 year, all four steps will be complete.

Conclusion:
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This one-year, four-step training leads to a life of awakened awareness. Don’t expect transformation from a single day or retreat. Real change takes steady practice. Mindful Awareness Secret Meditation is a long but fruitful journey.

Wishing you success in your journey toward a mindful and awakened life.
Ma Sa Ốp Uê 🙏 Contemplate the Mind with Awareness
​Master Thich Bao Thanh
mindful_awareness_meditation.docx
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]]><![CDATA[​Five Breathing Methods to Strengthen Mental Concentration]]>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:38:22 GMThttps://www.xaloitemple.com/lessons-from-master-bao-thanh/five-breathing-methods-to-strengthen-mental-concentrationBy Zen Master Thich Bao Thanh
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These breathing exercises are designed to enhance mental focus, clarity, and overall well-being. By engaging the breath with mindful awareness, the nervous system reconnects with the deeper universal nature within, promoting healing for the body, mind, and spirit. Consistent practice can significantly improve concentration and sharpness of thought, aiding in the quick application of learned knowledge.

Each method has unique benefits, and the most important factor is choosing one that suits your body and feels natural. Practicing daily for two to three weeks can yield noticeable improvements in concentration. In Each method you will use the same basic method. 

​Sit in a comfortable position with your back and neck straight. You may sit cross-legged, in half-lotus, on a chair, or on a bed, ensuring relaxation and proper posture. If sitting on a chair, rest your hands on your knees. Breathe naturally through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand on the inhale and gently contract on the exhale.
Breathing Practice 1: Candle Flame Meditation
This technique develops focus and creativity by using the breath in conjunction with visual concentration on a lit candle.
  1. Place a lit candle about one meter in front of you. Focus on its flame without blinking.
  2. Follow a breathing cycle of 3 rounds per set, repeating 7 sets, for a total of 21 cycles (also known as the 21 transformations).
  3. Inhale and exhale slowly, keeping your gaze fixed on the candle without blinking. With each breath, direct your mental focus to the space between your eyebrows (third eye).
  4. After every 3 cycles, take a few natural breaths while closing your eyes, then continue until completing all 7 sets.

Breathing Practice 2: Circle Tracing Meditation
This practice trains mental precision and stability by visually and mentally tracing a circle while breathing.
  1. Draw a small circle (~4 cm in diameter) on paper and attach it to the wall at eye level, about one meter away.
  2. Sit comfortably with upright posture.
  3. Inhale deeply while looking directly at the circle.
  4. As you exhale, visualize tracing the circle with your mind:
    • Odd-numbered cycles: Trace clockwise, starting at the 6 o’clock position.
    • Even-numbered cycles: Trace counterclockwise, starting at the 6 o’clock position.
  5. Repeat for 21 breath cycles, alternating tracing direction each time.

Breathing Practice 3: Mindful Listening Meditation
This method cultivates deep awareness by focusing entirely on the breath’s sound.
  1. Sit in a comfortable position with eyes closed.
  2. Inhale deeply and slowly, recognizing the sensation of the breath entering your body.
  3. Pause briefly before exhaling.
  4. Exhale slowly while directing full attention to the sound of your breath.
  5. Listen closely, absorbing the subtle nuances of the exhalation.
  6. Repeat 21 cycles, maintaining absolute focus on breath awareness.

Breathing Practice 4: Breath Holding Meditation
This technique strengthens respiratory control and promotes internal stillness.
  1. Sit in an upright, relaxed position with eyes closed.
  2. Inhale deeply, expanding your abdomen.
  3. Hold your breath for 7 seconds, counting silently in your mind.
  4. Exhale slowly, contracting your abdomen as you release the breath gently.
  5. Repeat 21 cycles of this controlled breathing rhythm.

Breathing Practice 5: Fast Inhale, Slow Exhale
This method sharpens alertness and enhances energy flow through controlled breath pacing.
  1. Sit comfortably with proper posture, breathing through your nose.
  2. Inhale quickly while curling your tongue upward.
  3. Exhale very slowly, relaxing your tongue back down.
  4. Maintain awareness of breath control and pacing.
  5. Repeat for 21 cycles.

These breathing techniques are highly effective in improving concentration, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Choose the method that feels most suitable for your body, and practice consistently for optimal results.
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