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
restlessness. (MN 141)
|
|
|
|
We all have the
capacity for restlessness, especially as inhabitants of a culture that
seems to thrive on it. We are so often encouraged to multitask, to
spread our awareness so widely that, like spilled water, it gets
increasingly thin. This tendency can be resisted by exercising some
restraint. It requires not giving in to the forces that seek to pull us
off center and preserving the experience of inner calm and composure.
|
|
|
Resist the
arising of restlessness by cultivating a more focused and peaceful way
of inhabiting your world. Don’t jump at everything that demands your
attention, don’t allow your awareness to be hijacked by random events,
and protect your mindfulness as a sentry might guard a gate. It takes
effort to preserve a sense of inner serenity—not the kind of effort that
tries harder but that stays centered and is not pulled off balance.
|
|
Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Body and Abiding in the First Jhāna
One week from today: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States
Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media
#DhammaWheel
Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.
No comments:
Post a Comment