Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States

 

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RIGHT EFFORT Maintaining Arisen 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 unhealthy states, one has abandoned healthy states to cultivate unhealthy states, and then one’s mind inclines to unhealthy states. (MN 19)

Reflection Too many people feel like a helpless victim of their own habits of mind. It may seem inevitable that you get angry or feel hurt or criticize yourself or others: these are automatic responses conditioned by repeated behavior in the past. But you have the ability to change what happens going forward. Abandon unhealthy mental and emotional states that arise; let go of them and turn your mind in healthier directions. Daily Practice Practice being aware of unhealthy states as they arise and make their presence known in your experience. If you are angry, feel that anger. If you are hurt, fully feel that hurt. But then let the feeling pass through your mind by not holding on to it. If you don’t welcome the anger or hurt, or resent it and try to push it away, it will fade of its own accord. Letting go of unhelpful things allows impermanence to work in your favor. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Feeling and Abiding in the Second Jhāna One week from today: Developing Unarisen Healthy Sates Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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