Page 55 - Suffering
P. 55
The Balancing Act
Eliminating the hindrances with the enlightenment factors.
Hindrances are mental states that hinder and envelop the
mind in many ways, obstructing its mental development. In
the Buddhist teachings, spiritual development is twofold:
1. through tranquillity (samatha-bhavana) and
2. through insight (vipassana-bhavana).
Tranquillity is gained by complete concentration of the mind
during the meditative absorptions (jhana). For achieving
these absorptions, the overcoming of the five hindrances, at
least temporarily, is a preliminary condition. It is especially
in the context of achieving the absorptions that the Buddha
often mentions the five hindrances in his discourses.
Joy or rapture, Investigation and Energy
to be used when experiencing Sloth and Torpor
which is half-hearted actions with little or no collectedness
to regain mindfulness.
Relaxation, Concentration and Equanimity
to be used when experiencing Restlessness and Worry,
which is the inability to calm the mind and
allowing it to stir up the animal mind.
Mindfulness is the Balancing Factor
in our daily practice and experiences.
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