Over a number of weeks, Mangala Thero introduced me to the fundamentals of the Theravada School as taught in Sri Lanka. When returning to the UK - I had him featured in a Taijiquan magazine. However, some years later (around 2005), the Ven. Mangala Thero set me the following letter:

133. He converts his body to accord with his mind: he takes the body and mounts it on the mind. He makes its going swift to coincide with that of the mind; for the mind’s mode of going is swift. 

He arrives at blissful perception and light perception: he arrives at perception of bliss and perception of lightness that are canascent with the supernatural-power consciousness whose object is the material body. The rest should be understood in the way already described. But here there is only the going of consciousness. (21) 

21. “’There is only the going of consciousness’: there is only the going that is the same as that of the mind. But how does the body whose going [being that of matter] is slow, come to have the same going as the mind, which quickly passes? Its going is not the same in all respects, for in the case of converting the mind to conform with the body, the mind does not come to have the same going as the body in all aspects. For it is not that the mind then occurs with the moment of a material state, which passes slowly instead of passing with its own kind of moment, which is what establishes its individual essence. But rather the mind is called ‘converted to accord with the going of the body’ as long as it goes on occurring in a continuity that conforms with the body until the desired place is arrived at. This is because its passing occurs parallel with that of the body whose going is slow, owing to the resolution. ‘Let the mind be like this body.’ And likewise, it is while the body keeps occurring in such wise that its arrival at the desired place comes about in only a few quick passes of the mind instead of passing slowly, as in those who have not developed the roads to power – and this mode of occurrence is due to the possession of the perception of lightness, to say nothing of the resolve, ‘Let this body be like the mind,’ not because it arrives at the desired place in a single consciousness moment. And when taken thus the simile, ‘just as a strong man might stretch out his bent arm, or bend his outstretched arm’ (Vin 1 5) can be taken literally. And this must be accepted in this way without reserve, otherwise there is conflict with the Suttas, the Abhidhamma and the Commentary as well as contradiction of natural law (dhammata). Bhikkhus, I see no other one thing that is so quickly transformed as the mind’ (A 1 10) - here it is material states that are referred to by the word ‘other’ because they do not pass quickly. And in the Abhidhamma only matter is called pre-nascence condition and only consciousness post-nascence condition. And wherever states (dhamma) arise, there they dissolve. There is no transmigration of dhammas by force of the roads to power. But it is possible to affect alteration of the mode in which they are present (bhava)” (Vism-mht 397) 
​
Visuddhimagga – The Path of Perfection – The Classic Manual of Buddhist Doctrine and Meditation – Part 2: Concentration (Samadhi) - Chapter XII – The Supernatural Powers - Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Nanamoli, BPS, (2010), Page 397 

Author’s Note: In 2017, I wrote a short article about the Pali term ‘Bhavana’ and since then, I have been asked to write a more in-depth article regarding the meaning and application of this term in its Pali and Sanskrit context (both different and yet overlapping in places). Whereas in my earlier article (referenced below) I focused a great deal on the Chinese language term for ‘bhavana’ - in this outing I have limited myself to just the briefest of references to the Chinese equivalent – an act of considerable will-power considering Chinese Buddhism is one of my academic specialities (both ethnically and academically). However, I have always held the Theravada tradition in high regard and have been helped tremendously by its many practitioners and institutions around the world! From my Chinese Ch’an practice (and penetration of the empty mind ground) - I have come to see and appreciate how the many different branches of Buddhism (and reality in general) all manifest from the same stout trunk... Although what I convey to you is academically correct – you do not have to accept my conclusions. Always think for yourselves and make-up your own minds! ACW (17.9.2021) 

When I was studying Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka (in 1996), a term I came across continuously was ‘bhavana’ (‘भावना’ Pali and ‘भवन’ Sanskrit) - this was invariably used to refer to the act of seated ‘meditation’ and all the psychological and physical discipline required to successfully carry-out this important Buddhist practice. Indeed, within the Chinese written language, ‘bhavana’ is referred to as ‘修習’ (Xiu Xi) - or a central method of mind-body transformation – literally ‘self-cultivation method(s) or ‘habits’’ or ‘disciplined paths which intersect at a certain point of development’. A more succinct translation could be ‘paths of self-discipline' with the caveat that what is being suggested is the strict disciplining of the mind and body through the correct application of the Vinaya Discipline and the Bodhisattva Vows. Therefore, the single act of seated meditation has a wealth of supporting disciplinary activities surrounding its application, and does not appear does not suddenly appear out of a vacuum of non-effort. In other words, ‘bhavana’ refers to an act of ‘meditation’ which is the summation of the entire Buddhist path! Although the emphasis was always upon seated meditation, of course, standing, sitting and lying-down is allowed in the Buddhist Suttas – which very much depends upon the meditation teacher and the practitioner involved. Compassion, loving-kindness and wisdom must always be the driving force behind the practice of ‘bhavana’. 

As a ‘noun’, the Sanskrit dictionary states that भवन (bhavana) refers to: 

1. building, edifice 

1. house, dwelling, residence 

1. mansion, palace 

1. place of abode 

Although this Sanskrit term has a wide variety of meanings, it can also refer to act of ‘coming into existence’, through the process of birth and production, etc. In other words, something that was not once present now becomes present – with ‘bhavana’ used to describe the process of it ‘becoming’ real and visible within the material world. However, these terms are still ‘objective’ in nature and do not directly refer to the Buddha’s meaning of the term.  
​
The Pali dictionary suggests that ‘bhavana’ (भावना) refers to 'mental development' (lit. 'calling into existence, producing') in what in English is generally referred to 'meditation'. The Theravada School of Buddhism distinguishes two types of bhavana: 

1. development of tranquillity (samatha-bhāvanā), i.e. concentration (samādhi), and 

1. development of insight (vipassanā-bhāvanā), i.e. wisdom (paññā). 

The practice of self-cultivation is in fact the act of ‘self-building’. It is the act of constructing an ability or abode of being that was not previously existent. Once achieved, tranquillity and insight are destined to become permanent attributes of the character of one who has successfully trained in the practice of ‘meditation’ (bhavana). This is the new spiritual dwelling the mind and body inhabits from now on. There is some suggestion that this term could be related to the ancient forms of cultivating the fields, planting and growing the fruit and vegetables, and harvesting the resulting crops. For every step of this process to work – the farmers of North India must keep correctly contemplating the land, the weather and the time of year. Once all this is correctly established – then the farmers must apply correct timing to everything they do. Only then will there be a good harvest at the end of all this effort.  

Interestingly, the very similar Sanskrit term ‘भावना’ (bhāvnā) refers to feeling, sensation, emotion and sentiment and is certainty moving toward the Buddhist (Pali) implications. Perhaps the Buddha modified a Pali term which once referred to the external practice of building houses and cultivating fields for farming – but changed its onus from this ‘objective’ meaning to a purely ‘subjective’ meaning relating to states of mind and patterns of thought and emotion. Just as rocks, weeds and stones are removed from the soil to make it fertile – the Buddhist practitioner uproots greed, hatred and delusion from the psychic fabric of the mind so that the mind becomes ‘fertile’ to receive the fruits of Buddhist self-cultivation. The Pali term appears to be referring to ‘that which arises from within’ - whilst the Sanskrit term is referring to ‘that which arises from without’. I would suggest that the inner perception of boundless space integrates with the awareness of boundless outer space – and that this is how the Buddha ultimately reconciles the two distinct meanings of this term. If a practitioner applies the Dhamma correctly – then like a plant growing from a seed into a might tree – the fruits of the Dhamma will manifest in the mind, body (and through behaviour) the environment!  

References: 
https://www.definify.com/word/भवन 
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/bhavana 
https://thesanghakommune.org/2017/09/20/buddhism-pali-bhavana-and-chinese-chan/ 
http://blog.sina.com.cn/s/blog_5d3204f50100btsz.html 

As a number of sincere practitioners have contacted me of late enquiring about the Pure Land Teachings as preserved within China - I have decided to make a simple offering of photographed pages presenting Charles Luk's expert guidance on this matter as recorded in his book entitled 'The Secrets of Chinese Meditation'. I have chosen the original (1964) hardback edition - as quite often later editions were sometimes altered here and there to suit the agenda of various publishers. This is Chapter Three (3) of that book which runs from and to pages 81=108.

This text is from Charles Luk's English translation of Master Xu Yun's Chinese Language biography rendered into English as 'Empty Cloud - The Biography of the Chinese Zen Master Xu Yun' (compiled by Xen Cue Lu) and edited by Richard Hunn (1988) - Published by Element Books. The Copyright to this text belongs to the Luk family - particularly Irene Luk - the daughter of Charles Luk. 

Hidden Message from David Robertson:

‘Dear Fellow Brits – I cannot speak openly. I am forwarding this message hidden in a standard Falun Gong Cult propaganda email seeking ‘new’ converts to be abused by senior members. Although Li Hongzhi prefers underage girls – others prefer ‘men’ or even ‘boys’ – so you can guess my purpose! Please spread this message so that as many victims of this cult can be rescued! Many have already risked their lives getting this message out to you!’

Dear David

The Falun Gong Culthttps://thesanghakommune.org/category/anti-falun-gong-cult/

I am glad to receive your call for help! It must be terrible to be kept trapped in such a despicable and deplorable CULT that traffics men, women and children as SLAVES – and uses some of the younger girls as SEX SLAVES for Li Hongzhi and his fellow CULT-LEADERS tucked away in his CIA-paid for luxury house and living complex in LA!

As the Falun Gong Cult has not been allowed out on the streets of the UK for sometime due to the Covid19 pandemic – their US-paymasters have authorised ‘direct’ contacts by email and even letters! Although Li Hongzhi suffers from a mental illness whereby he perceives himself as ‘god’ in the Christian image – the Falun Gong Cult is now attempting to contact legitimate ‘Buddhist’ groups and organisations in the hope that its criminal structure will be misinterpreted as a ‘Buddhist’ or even ‘Asian’ entity – when in fact it operates on a strict ‘Eurocentric’ and ‘White Supremacist’ footing that seeks to overthrow the sovereign government of China and replace it with a US-dominated alternative.

Like the European practice of ‘Black-Face’ or pantomime ‘Chinesery’ – the Falun Gong is a dangerous mixture of the White appropriation and White mimicry of Chinese culture – in the service of money laundering, theft, kidnap, slavery, paedophilia, rape, sexual abuse, torture and fraud, etc. But David – DO NOT WORRY – as the tide is turning and more and more Western people are reporting the Falun Gong Cult to the Police and various other anti-Cult Authorities! Indeed, in an attempt to rescue you – I have passed on your details to the Met Police and to various ‘Cult Watch’ groups and rescue committees. We understand that the conditions of your enslavement by the Falun Gong Cult means that you cannot speak or act freely and that you will be expected to ‘deny’ what is happening to you or face further punishment! All this we thoroughly understand and we want you not to worry as we will do everything in our power to rescue you and your fellows prisoners who are trapped in the dark and dangerous world of the Falun Gong Cult!

David – please remain strong and try not to hurt any one else in the name of the Falun Gong Cult! As we work to get you out it is important that you contribute toward your own freedom through small acts of imperceptible disobedience! Do not hurt that child – release that kidnap victim – say NO to drugs! Above all – stop the racist lies against China, the Chinese people and the esteemed Communist Party of China!

With Best Wishes

Richard Hunn Association for Ch’an Study
Fighting the Falun Gong Cult in the UK since 2004! 
On Wed, 8 Sep 2021, at 16:56, David Robertson wrote:

Esteemed fellow Buddhist cultivator,

(REMEMBER WE ARE FORCED TO SAY THESE LIES!) – Falun Dafa practitioners do not strike back when hit, nor do they talk back when insulted. But we must speak out to raise awareness about the current persecution that Falun Dafa is subject to in its country of origin – China. The practice is banned in China although millions of people still cultivate in secret. If found to be cultivating this peaceful, harmless, righteous and compassionate Buddhist practice, the Chinese government imprisons, tortures and ‘re-educates’ the person according to the Chinese Communist Party ideology. Tens of thousands of innocent people are currently being held in detention camps. Many people and their families have been tortured and killed.Falun Dafa (or Great Law) is an ancient Buddhist meditation system made public by Master Li Hongzhi (PLEASE SEE ENCLOSED MESSAGE FOR THE FACTS). It is based on the characteristics of the universe – truthfulness, compassion and forbearance. It cultivates both mind and body. The main focus of cultivation is on developing virtue by perfecting the quality of one’s character, thus lifting the constraints to reaching tranquility and accelerating spiritual progress.

(REMEMBER WE ARE FORCED TO SAY THESE LIES!) – Falun Dafa practitioners do not strike back when hit, nor do they talk back when insulted. But we must speak out to raise awareness about the current persecution that Falun Dafa is subject to in its country of origin – China. The practice is banned in China although millions of people still cultivate in secret. If found to be cultivating this peaceful, harmless, righteous and compassionate Buddhist practice, the Chinese government imprisons, tortures and ‘re-educates’ the person according to the Chinese Communist Party ideology. Tens of thousands of innocent people are currently being held in detention camps. Many people and their families have been tortured and killed.

(REMEMBER WE ARE FORCED TO SAY THESE LIES!) – Falun Dafa practitioners do not strike back when hit, nor do they talk back when insulted. But we must speak out to raise awareness about the current persecution that Falun Dafa is subject to in its country of origin – China. The practice is banned in China although millions of people still cultivate in secret. If found to be cultivating this peaceful, harmless, righteous and compassionate Buddhist practice, the Chinese government imprisons, tortures and ‘re-educates’ the person according to the Chinese Communist Party ideology. Tens of thousands of innocent people are currently being held in detention camps. Many people and their families have been tortured and killed.The Chinese people are fearful of speaking out and the world is mostly unaware due to the secretive nature of the Chinese government. The Chinese government has complete control over the media and uses it to disseminate propaganda, accusations and misinformation about Falun Dafa to maintain the persecution. Many world governments know the details of the persecution and human rights violations occurring in China, but they do not raise the issue due to fear of economic repercussion from the arrogant Communist Regime.

(REMEMBER WE ARE FORCED TO SAY THESE LIES!) – Falun Dafa practitioners do not strike back when hit, nor do they talk back when insulted. But we must speak out to raise awareness about the current persecution that Falun Dafa is subject to in its country of origin – China. The practice is banned in China although millions of people still cultivate in secret. If found to be cultivating this peaceful, harmless, righteous and compassionate Buddhist practice, the Chinese government imprisons, tortures and ‘re-educates’ the person according to the Chinese Communist Party ideology. Tens of thousands of innocent people are currently being held in detention camps. Many people and their families have been tortured and killed.We hope that this book (attached) will be a valuable gift to clarify the teachings of Falun Dafa, strengthen the wisdom and compassion of Buddhist practitioners around the world, and raise awareness of this evil persecution of Falun Dafa. Please send your loving-kindness and righteous thoughts. We hope the teachings offered will help the reader to greater heights in their cultivation and promote a greater understanding of the vast Buddha Law throughout the world.

THE AUTHENTIC BUDDHIST ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE WORLD HAVE ROUNDLY ‘CONDEMNED’ THE FALUN GONG CULT AS A DANGEROUS CULT THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH GENUINE BUDDHIST TEACHINGS! ONLY CHRISTIANS REFUSE TO ‘FIGHT’ WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES DEMAND – LAY-BUDDHISTS EVEN HAVE SUTRAS EXPLAINING HOW THEY SHOULD FIGHT AND CLEAN THEIR MIND!