Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Effort: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States

 

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RIGHT EFFORT Abandoning Arisen 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) Here a person rouses the will, makes an effort, stirs up energy, exerts the mind, and strives to abandon arisen unhealthy mental states. One abandons the arisen hindrance of restlessness. (MN 141)

Reflection One of the key strategies of Buddhist practice is to abandon unhealthy states that have arisen in the mind. This word abandon is used in a particular way—as an alternative to either accepting or rejecting the experience. If you act out an unhealthy state of mind, you are only strengthening it, and if you repress it, you are only postponing its impact. The middle way is to be aware of the unhealthy state of mind, understand it is harmful, and gently release your hold on it. Daily Practice Restlessness comes up a lot, particularly in a busy daily life. It wants something different from what is happening in order to either get something desired or escape something undesired. It is important to recognize the unhelpfulness of this mental state. Restlessness is not bad or wrong, but it does hinder the mind’s ability to act skillfully. Develop the ability to recognize when you feel restless and then shake off its hold on you. Instead, just be with what is. Tomorrow: Establishing Mindfulness of Feeling and Abiding in the Second Jhāna One week from today: Developing Unarisen Healthy States Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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