Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Restraining Unarisen Unhealthy States

 

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)

Reflection The mind has the capacity to guide how it functions to some extent, and unhealthy states such as fear, anger, and aversion have a harmful effect on our well-being. So it makes sense to use whatever ability you have to inhibit the arising of these mental and emotional states before they flood your mind. Once they arise, unhealthy states take over and inhibit the arising of healthy mind states, so it’s better they don’t occur at all.  Daily Practice Keeping your mind focused on healthy states prevents unhealthy states from arising. Only one state of mind can be present at a time, so if you frequently occupy your mind with healthy states, such as thoughts of kindness or generosity or joy in the well-being of others, then your mind will remain inclined toward similar healthy states. Maintaining positive states of mind is the best way of restraining negative mind states. 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.

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