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 the 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
sluggishness. (MN 141)
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Among the five
hindrances is the hindrance of sluggishness. More colorfully called
“sloth and torpor” in many texts, this is the quality of mind that is
lacking energy, is low on enthusiasm, and just generally results in
laziness or sleepiness. It is not a moral failing, but it is unhealthy
insofar as it obstructs clarity of mind and thereby can contribute to
suffering. It helps to make an effort to restrain its arising in the
mind whenever possible.
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The practice of
restraining the arising of sluggishness is not about repressing it but
about understanding the conditions in which it thrives. You can work to
limit those conditions so that sluggishness is not inclined to arise.
Cultivate its antidote, energy, by raising physical and mental activity
before sluggishness gains a foothold. Knowing it is present as a latent
or potential trait helps guard against having it flare up in
experience.
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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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