RIGHT EFFORT
Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
Whatever a person frequently
thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their
mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders unhealthy states, one
has abandoned healthy states to cultivate unhealthy states, and then
one’s mind inclines toward unhealthy states. (MN 19)
Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts
the mind, and strives to restrain the arising of unarisen unhealthy
mental states. One restrains the arising of the unarisen hindrance of
sluggishness. (MN 141)
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Sluggishness,
also sometimes called sloth and torpor, is one of the five hindrances
that prevent the mind from becoming tranquil and alert. Like any natural
system, the mind operates best within a certain range, and its
effectiveness drops off when there is too much or too little energy.
Here we are being encouraged to take what steps we can, such as rest and
nutrition, to ensure that the mind is working optimally.
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Explore in your
own experience the distinction between tranquility and sluggishness.
The mind can get sleepy or lazy or dull, but this is very different from
the calm tranquility of a peaceful mind. To be relaxed, you must also
be alert. When you start to feel sluggish, take a deep breath or open
your eyes wide or do something to stir up energy. Then put that energy
to work, paradoxically toward calming the mind.
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Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Body and the First Jhāna
One week from today: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States
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