Nine Deepening Stages of Calm-Abiding

Pictured are the Nine Deepening Stages of Calm-Abiding. Through the process of perfecting
Calm-Abiding, starting with cultivating virtuous actions, we diligently study and ponder the
Dharma. We recollect upon the nature of mind, the very wish-fulfilling gem. Our practice begins
with the state of mental agitation that is the conventional mind-stream. Through instruction in
Calm-Abiding we bring the mind to stabilize on its object of concentration. As pictured here, the
monk progressively chases, binds, leads, and subdues the elephant-like mind (whose color
progresses from black to white).

At the end of the path a single-pointed concentration is attained, and the ‘purified elephant’ of
the mind is now completely settled. The flying monk represents bodily bliss; and his riding of
the elephant, mental bliss. Riding the elephant back triumphantly across the rainbow, wielding
the flaming sword of perfect insight having attained the flame of clear understanding and
remembrance, represents the uprooting of samsara by the unity of Calm-Abiding and Higher
Insight.