Page 56 - Dhamma Practice
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But, many times, no matter how hard we think and ponder, they cannot be extinguished. This shows that we are not doing it correctly—we only have the “desire” to extinguish, but without the correct method, they are not extinguished.
What is the way to extinguish sufferings? As mentioned before, sufferings rely on the feeling of “us”, rely on the feeling of “self”, to emerge. Hence, the way to extinguish sufferings is to extinguish the feeling of “us”. One way is to remove the feeling of “us”. Another way is to expand our mind, then, sufferings will disappear. Once sufferings disappear, which mind sensations emerge? Once sufferings disappear, our mind will feel unburdened, peaceful, calm, or “neutral”. This is called “upekkha vedana” (equanimity sensation). Or, sometimes, happiness emerges, deep comfort emerges, this is called “sommanassa vedana” (happiness sensation).
Therefore, when practicing vipassana, regardless of whatever conscious phenomena or natural conditions emerge, it is important to be aware—regardless of whether the conscious phenomena are internal or external, and regardless of whether the phenomena are physical or mental—how they emerge and how they cease. These are mind sensations. We do not have to be afraid of being attached to the happiness that emerges. It is rare for anyone to be able to be happy every day. We always search for happiness, wanting the happiness to be with