Page 119 - Extinguishment of self, in search of dhamma

our character).
When I say that our mind is resplendent, pure, serene, soft and gentle—the easiest thing to notice: When our mind is wholesome or when it is soft and gentle and happy— observe how our demeanors are. To pick up something, to touch something, to do anything—our actions are all soft and gentle; all neat and organized. But, as soon as our state of mind changes, everything changes. The softness and the gentleness become the opposite. All actions are crude, even our walking. Although our oors are concrete or tiled—still, loud noises are made. When walking, even practitioners who are sitting and doing meditations can feel the tremor. And, we are not even talking about wooden oors.
Therefore, as we maintain our state of mind or as we constantly observe our state of mind—whenever it feels barren, we elevate our mind—the person who bene ts, before anyone else, is ourselves. Remember: Whenever we elevate our mind into happiness, elevate our mind into serenity, elevate our mind into comfort—the person who receives the bene ts before anyone else is ourselves. Others on the outside will receive (bene ts) later. Therefore, when we do this, it is like we distribute loving-kindness (metta) to ourselves; give blessings to ourselves; do good deeds for ourselves. Constantly create resplendent mind for ourselves, then we will feel that we live with happiness, with comfort. Then, our mind will constantly be comfortable
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