Page 87 - Extinguishment of self, in search of dhamma

cannot experience it, but we should understand what the term state of mind means. The state of mind extends to what: The state of mind is peaceful, unburdened, uncluttered, airy, light, foggy, miserable, cramped. These are all characteristics of the state of mind.
Now, what state of mind would enable us to contemplate minor bodily movements well? Or, to contemplate the initial mind easily? If our mind is not unburdened and is full of sufferings, full of heaviness, full of fogginess, full of sadness—then, we will not be able to contemplate our bodily movements in a timely manner. Observe that when we feel upset and irritated, we will not pay attention to our minor bodily movements. This is because our emotions lead us; making us do things before thinking, becoming self-aware only after having done things. We have done things without mindfulness, without self-awareness.
In experiencing minor bodily movements, we should promptly contemplate each action of our bodily movements. Before we grab (something), before we touch, before we speak, before we move—always have a sense rst, a timely sense. If we have a timely sense here, have the mindfulness to be aware promptly, this is the contemplation of the present minor bodily movements. Contemplate the presence in this way, sense the actions: Move, grab (something), touch, pick up, lay down (something), blink, open mouth.
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