Page 22 - Extinguishment of self, in search of dhamma

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mind—a mind that has concentration. Thoughts can emerge because it is their nature—the nature of an aggregate (khandha). After thoughts emerge, how is our state of mind? This is one thing. At a more re ned level, the mind that perceives sufferings—we call this “the consciousness that perceives (vinnana ru)” or “the conscious aggregate (vinnana khandha)”. Here, we should contemplate whether the consciousness perceives (Translator’s note: The thoughts) then ceases. Then, it emerges again, perceives, then ceases. This is the greater re nement that emerges.
Experiencing the mind within the mind requires a lot of attention. This is because it is a natural condition that is very profound and intriguing. We often say that we do not know when de lements emerge. This is because we only pay attention to the exterior physical body. If we do not see how our state of mind is at the present moment, when de lements emerge, our mindfulness will not emerge in time. When contacts (padsa) occur via our eyes, ears, nose, tongue, physical body, mind; and, the sense of satisfaction/ dissatisfaction emerges. Do we have the intention to be aware of theses senses, or not at all? If, co-incidentally, our state of mind is peaceful at that moment, then the contacts may not affect us. But, if our state of mind is not peaceful at that moment, then the contacts can hit us hard. This will lead to sufferings or de lements will emerge.