RIGHT EFFORT
Abandoning Arisen 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 abandon arisen unhealthy mental states. One
abandons all five arisen hindrances. (MN 141)
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Having worked
through all five hindrances one at a time, we now focus on treating
sense desire, ill will, restlessness, sluggishness, and doubt as a
group. These are the five kinds of mental states that obstruct the
ability of the mind to gather strength and become unified. Unhealthy
states breed more unhealthy states, and it is helpful to abandon, not
suppress or resist, them when you notice them arising in your
experience.
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Become familiar
with these unhealthy states and notice them at any point during your
day when they come up—which is bound to be often. Just notice them one
by one, recognize each as being not helpful, and let it go. That’s all.
Gently guide your mind away from states that obstruct the mind toward
states that are free of these obstacles. You will come to know your own
mind better, and the practice will become easier to do.
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Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Feeling and the Second Jhāna
One week from today: Developing Unarisen Healthy States
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