In broad terms, both guarding and training the mind share the same essence. Yet, in the context of meditation, guarding the mind becomes a foundational aspect of its training—it's often the starting point.
But why is it necessary to guard our mind? For many of us, sitting down and focusing on a single thing can be quite challenging. The difficulty often goes unnoticed until we attempt it ourselves. Besides the physical discomfort of maintaining one posture, directing our mind to a single thought for even a few minutes can feel nearly impossible. This challenge arises because our minds are accustomed to constant activity, jumping from one thing to another.
In the pursuit of training the mind, one must first gain some control over this elusive yet stubborn entity by guarding it against unnecessary disruptions. This initial step is integral to the training process itself. The mind must be shielded from five specific hindrances to achieve the desired benefits of meditation. According to Gautama Buddha teachings, these hindrances hinder our mind's peace.
So, what are these five hindrances that require our initial attention? Firstly, there's sensory desire. Our minds tend to cling to sensory experiences—thoughts and feelings triggered by what we see, hear, smell, taste, and feel physically. The mind gets fixated on desires, such as recalling a delicious meal or a favourite song, which can distract us during meditation. To attain mental stillness and calm, we must curb these desires—this is the primary hindrance.
Secondly, there's ill-will. This pertains to thoughts and feelings rooted in anger, hostility, or bitterness—essentially, the opposite of desire. Ill-will can arise from unpleasant encounters or words, disrupting our meditation if not managed.
Next, there's laziness and lethargy—a general reluctance towards activities like meditation, often due to fatigue or stress. Overcoming this inertia is vital for effective meditation.
The fourth hindrance is restlessness and worry. Past decisions or regrets may cloud our minds, causing anxiety that hampers relaxation and focus. Guarding against these mental disturbances is essential for successful meditation.
Lastly, doubts about our meditation practice itself can undermine our efforts. Uncertainty about progress can distract us from the present moment, inhibiting our meditation's effectiveness.
By guarding our minds against these hindrances, we pave the way for fruitful meditation. Awareness of these obstacles alone is empowering, enabling us to identify and address disruptions during practice.
Remember, the mind is trainable, much like mastering a sport or skill. Initially, guarding against specific challenges—like anger—will gradually transform into disciplined control. Over time, these hindrances will lose their power, leading to a happier, more content life.
Today, we've explored the distinction between guarding and training the mind, focusing on the five hindrances: desire, ill-will, laziness, restlessness & worry, and doubt. By recognising and addressing these hindrances, our meditation practice can be more effective. I trust this overview has provided you with a foundational understanding. Until next time, we'll delve into more topics to aid you on your journey towards a more skilled and fulfilled mind.
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