Via Fb / TULKU URGYEN RINPOCHE

 

TULKU URGYEN RINPOCHE 

"Shamatha and vipashyana is ultimately indivisible.

Both are naturally included and practiced in Ati Yoga.

The extraordinary shamatha is to resolve and remain in the true emptiness itself. Rather than the mere idea of emptiness, we resolve emptiness in actuality, in direct experience, and remain naturally in that state. The genuine shamatha is not to create anything artificial whatsoever, but to simply remain in the experience of emptiness. Vipashayana means not to deviate from that state."

Thich Nhat Hanh Cremation: Closing Ceremony | 2022 01 29

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 toward 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)

Reflection

Sluggishness, also sometimes called sloth and torpor, is one of the five hindrances that prevent the mind from becoming tranquil and alert. Like any natural system, the mind operates best within a certain range, and its effectiveness drops off when there is too much or too little energy. Here we are being encouraged to take what steps we can, such as rest and nutrition, to ensure that the mind is working optimally.

Daily Practice

Explore in your own experience the distinction between tranquility and sluggishness. The mind can get sleepy or lazy or dull, but this is very different from the calm tranquility of a peaceful mind. To be relaxed, you must also be alert. When you start to feel sluggish, take a deep breath or open your eyes wide or do something to stir up energy. Then put that energy to work, paradoxically toward calming the mind.

Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Body and the First Jhāna
One week from today: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States

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Via Daily Dharma: Seeing Clearly

 When we begin to feel the benefits of meditation practice, it is like putting on glasses for the first time. Once we learn to sit with the breath, be with the present moment, and create space between ourselves and our thoughts, our lives come into focus, and we awaken to the possibility of something else—the alleviation of suffering.

Jessica Angima, “The High of New Beginnings—and the Joy of What Comes Next”

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