Practical Q&A| How to Center the Mind |
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Jim! My work is so demanding, and I'm really stressed out. I started to learn and practice sitting meditation, but I don't think my mind is peaceful and calm enough. What should I do? Don't worry. Everything takes time. Keep practicing meditation. Having a peaceful state of mind is not just related to sitting meditation. There are many other factors that affect our state of mind. Learning to live more simply and want less, after studying dharma, really helped me to have a less stressful life. Why not be more patient and study scriptures so that you can reflect on your life? Reference from The Scripture of the Founding MasterThe Founding Master asked, "Do you know why your mind is sometimes peaceful and sometimes distracted when you are practicing one-pointedness of mind? It depends on whether you are acting in a righteous way or a wrong way. One who tries to do the right thing finds such action complicated and difficult at first, but the mind and body gradually become peaceful and free from bad habits. It becomes easier to concentrate and one's future opens up. One who engages in wrong actions may find them easy and joyful at first, but the mind and body gradually become complicated and painful. It becomes harder to concentrate and achieve one-pointedness. Hence, if we want to practice in perfect one-pointedness, we must first eliminate wrong aspirations and bring an end to wrong actions." from The Scripture of the Founding Master, Chapter 3, v. 18 One of the disciples asked, "How should I practice Cultivation of Spiritual Stability in order to get rid of the five desires and concentrate on cultivating the Way, and lead a life of tranquility and comfort like the Buddha?" The Founding Master replied, "Those desires should be transformed into a greater wish instead of being eliminated. If you convert those little desires into a big wish and can concentrate your mind upon it, the little desires will naturally decrease. Then eventually you will have a life of tranquility and comfort." from The Scripture of the Founding Master, Chapter 3, v. 36 |
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