Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Developing Unarisen Healthy States

 

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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 factors of tranquility and concentration. (MN 141)

Reflection Sometime we may find ourselves falling into tranquil and focused states of mind quite naturally, but more often this is a practice that needs to be deliberately cultivated. When we know the value of such states, it is useful to induce them whenever we can. Usually this is just a matter of remembering to do so and then going through certain exercises of focusing on a single object and returning to it consistently when you drift. Daily Practice It is worthwhile calling to mind and developing the awakening factors of tranquility and concentration, grouped together here because each entails the other. A focused mind is naturally tranquil, and a tranquil mind is focused. Get in the habit of putting aside some time—at least 20 minutes—whenever you can, devoting it to accessing and sustaining a state of peaceful alertness, quiet concentration, and focused tranquility. It feels good. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Mind and Abiding in the Third Jhāna One week from today: Maintaining Arisen Healthy States Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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