RIGHT EFFORT
Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States
Whatever a person frequently
thinks 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 to 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
restlessness. (MN 141)
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It should not
surprise us to hear that a person gradually becomes what they practice
being. If you complain a lot about all the things you are discontented
with, you will become a more discontented person and more inclined to
further discontent. This works in a positive direction also, allowing us
to develop healthy mental habits, but this passage focuses on
protecting ourselves from our own toxic qualities of mind.
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This passage
begins the process of walking us through the five hindrances, qualities
of mind that inhibit mental clarity and contribute to suffering. The
first of these is restlessness, a quality of mind that is active in some
moments and dormant in others. Here we are told to practice the states
of mind, primarily calm and tranquility, that prevent restlessness from
arising. A calm mind is a healthy mind; practice calming the mind often.
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Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Body and Abiding in the First Jhāna
One week from today: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States
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