RIGHT EFFORT
Developing Unarisen Healthy States
Whatever a person frequently
thinks about and ponders, that will become the inclination of their
mind. If one frequently thinks about and ponders healthy states, one has
abandoned unhealthy states to cultivate healthy states, and then one’s
mind inclines to healthy states. (MN 19)
Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts
the mind, and strives to develop the arising of unarisen healthy mental
states. One develops the unarisen awakening factor of joy. (MN 141)
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Buddhism
sometimes gets a reputation for not being joyful enough, with all the
emphasis on suffering and the calm emotional balance of equanimity.
There may be only the hint of a smile on the face of a Buddha statue,
but we can be assured that inwardly the Buddha is experiencing great
joy. Joy is one of the seven awakening factors and is therefore a
beneficial capacity to develop. Make an effort to stir up joy; it is
good for you.
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The way to
develop the arising of joy that has not arisen on its own is by rousing
the will or generating an intention to be joyful. This is done by
thinking of something, either through memory or imagination, that you
find joyful. Even when fleeting, a joyful moment is a moment devoid of
its opposite mental states, such as unhappiness or dejection. The
effects are amplified greatly if you are able to sustain joy for some
time.
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Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Mind and Abiding in the Third Jhāna
One week from today: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States
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