Page 9 - Dhamma Practice

is what we call “observing the mind”. When observing the mind, it is important to; firstly, be aware of what we are thinking and; secondly, be aware of the impact that these thoughts have on our state of mind. Do we feel peaceful, unburdened, uncluttered, light, neutral, or happy? These are all characteristics of the mind.
In a more refined sense, even the mind that acts as the consciousness is itself a type of natural con- ditions. We must wilfully contemplate whether the mind acts as the consciousness or the awareness acts as the consciousness. And, what kind of conscious phenomenon do they have? Are there any changes? Is there any emergence-cessation phenomenon? This is the observation of the mind. Firstly, know what our thoughts are. Secondly, know what our state of the mind is. Thirdly, even the mind that acts as the consciousness, we must know whether it has any emergence-cessation phenomenon.
Fourthly, when we practice vipassana, what are the natural conditions that emerge? When we practice vipassana, whatever natural conditions that emerge— whether they are the inflate-deflate phenomenon, sensation or thoughts—they all occur for us to experience. They are really the present conscious phenomenon. When the emergence-cessation phenomenon occurs that consists of the throbbing phenomenon, or the phenomenon of total shattering, or the arising of light—these are
3