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 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
doubt. (MN 141)
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The fifth of
the five hindrances is doubt. This is not the healthy skepticism that
encourages us to think for ourselves and not take anything on hearsay.
It is the debilitating doubt wherein we are unsure of ourselves and
unclear about whether the practice we are doing is well taught or we are
practicing it correctly. These sorts of doubts hinder our progress and
are better replaced by their opposite, trust and confidence.
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See if you can
give some attention to the quality of mind that presents itself when you
are doubtful about something and, alternatively, when you are trusting
of something. The point is not so much whether the doubt or trust is
justified or not, or right or wrong, but rather the effect such
attitudes have on the workings of consciousness. Self-doubt in
particular undermines the mind, while confidence promotes energy.
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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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