RIGHT INTENTION
Cultivating Appreciative Joy
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Whatever you intend,
whatever you plan, and whatever you have a tendency toward, that will
become the basis on which your mind is established. (SN 12.40) Develop
meditation on appreciative joy, for when you develop meditation on
appreciative joy, any discontent will be abandoned. (MN 62)
The function of appreciative joy is being unenvious. (Vm 9.95)
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The reason for
working so consistently with intention and for developing healthy
intentions like appreciative joy is to clear the mind of toxic states
like envy and discontent. When you are able to feel good about the good
fortune of others, you cannot at the same time feel bad about it. Just
as suffering is the trigger of compassion, seeing people do well and be
healthy gains access to joy.
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Look around you
at any time of day and notice things that are going well for yourself
and for other people. We are often habituated to seeing the fault in
things. Try deliberately to go in the other direction and be aware of
positive situations and events. Then allow yourself to feel gently
joyful about them. There is a lot that is going well in our world, and
it is a worthy practice to take notice of these things and allow them to
bring joy.
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Tomorrow: Refraining from Harsh Speech
One week from today: Cultivating Equanimity
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