Via Daily Dharma: Confronting Crises

 

Browse our online courses »

Confronting Crises The fact that human beings have the capacity to recognize themselves as a manifestation of the entire cosmos opens up a possibility that, if embraced, may help us through the crises that now confront us. David Loy, “In Search of the Sacred” CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

The Refuge of Mara By Kate Tsuruharatani Amid a shifting sense of home, a practitioner finds grounding in an unexpected ally. Read more » Daily Dharma App Explore New Tools for Stillness, Insight, and Daily Wisdom  The Daily Dharma app is more than a meditation app. Offering our beloved Daily Dharma quotes, a variety of Dharma Talks, insightful written guides, thought-provoking podcasts, and more, the app is designed to enrich and support your spiritual journey, no matter where you are. Download today » Follow Us Forward today's wisdom to a friend »

Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Developing Unarisen Healthy States

 

TRICYCLE      COURSE CATALOG      SUPPORT      DONATE

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 the healthy state, 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 investigation-of-states awakening factor. (MN 141)

Reflection The second of the seven factors of awakening is called the investigation of states, and this refers to a quality of curiosity and interest that naturally arises when we become mindful, or fully aware, of our own mental and emotional states. Anything looked at closely enough becomes interesting, even fascinating. Like any mental factor though, this quality of investigation usually requires some effort to arouse and sustain.  Daily Practice Make a point of taking an interest in things, even subtle aspects of your own experience. If your ear is itching, zoom in on that sensation and investigate it carefully: What does the itch feel like exactly? If you feel hurt by something said to you, take the time to see how that hurt actually manifests in your mind and body. By cultivating the quality of this awakening factor, the investigation of states, you build self-understanding. 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.

Tricycle is a nonprofit and relies on your support to keep its wheels turning. Donate »

© 2025 Tricycle Foundation 89 5th Ave, New York, NY 10003