while counting, just ignore them and continue
　　   counting.  If wandering  thoughts   cause  you to lose
　　   count, or go beyond  ten, as soon as you become aware
　　   of it, start all over again at one.
　　　　  If you have so many wandering thoughts that keep
　　   ing count is difficult or impossible, you can   vary
　　   the method, such as counting backwards from   ten  to
　　   one, or counting by twos from two to twenty. By giving
　　   yourself best  employed  when
　　   your  breathing  has  naturally　　 descended   to  the
　　   abdomen.  The technique  consists   simply in mentally
　　   follwing  the  movements  of   the  tan-t'ien  as  the
　　   abdomen moves in and out as a natural consequence  of
　　   breathing.  This  method  is more energetic  than the
　　   methods  of breath counting  or following, and should
　　   be used only after gaining some proficiency   in those
　　   methods.  In  any  case, the   method  should  not  be
　　   forced.
　　  
　　   General Instructions
　　  
　　　　  Although the methods of   tso-ch'an  given  above
　　   are simple and straightforward, it is best to
　　   practice  them  under  the   guidance  of  a  teacher.
　　   Without  a teacher, a meditator  will not be able  to
　　   correct  beginner's  mistakes, which   if uncorrected,
　　   could lead to problems or lack of useful results.
　　　　  In practicing tso-ch'an, it  is  important  that
　　   body and mind be relaxed. If one  is   physically  or
　　   mentally tense, trying to do tso-ch'an can be
　　   counter-productive.  Sometimes   certain  feelings  or
　　   phenomena arise while meditating. If you are relaxed,
　　   whatever  symptoms arise are usually good.   It can be
　　   pain, soreness, itchiness, warmth  or coolness, these
　　   can all be beneficial.  But in the context of
　　   tenseness,   these   same　　 symptoms   may   indicate
　　   obstacles.
　　　　  For example, despite being  relaxed  when  doing
　　   tso-ch'an,
　　  
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　　   you  may  sense  pain  in   some  parts  of the  body.
　　   Frequently, this may mean that tensions   you were not
　　   aware of are benefiting from the circulation of blood
　　   and   energy   induced　　 by  meditation.   A  problem
　　   originally  existing may be alleviated.   On the other
　　   hand, if you are very tense while doing tso-ch'an and
　　   feel  pain, the reason  may be that   the  tension  is