The awakening factors can’t arise when the hindrances are present, and the hindrances can’t arise when the awakening factors are present.Īs our dharma practice develops, we see how the afflictive states of the Five Hindrances are gradually weakened, and in their place, the beneficial states of the Seven Factors of Awakening, are gradually strengthened. These are the Seven Factors of Awakening, and they have a reciprocal relationship with the Five Hindrances, those unskillful mental states that get in the way of clear seeing, of insight: namely, sensual desire, aversion, sloth and torpor, restlessness and worry, and skeptical doubt. These are followed by the three last factors which tend to quieten our mental energy: tranquility, samādhi or absorption, and equanimity. Then we have three factors that tend to brighten our mental energy: investigation, effort or energy, and joy. Mindfulness is crucial, because if we’re not aware of what’s happening in our minds, we won’t be able to recognize any of the other awakening factors. The first of the Seven Factors of Awakening is mindfulness.
#THE UNDISTRACTED MIND HOW TO#
Learning how to recognize, cultivate, and strengthen the awakening factors is a key skill in Vipassanā practice. The Seven Factors of Awakening are highly skillful mental qualities that support our meditation practice to deepen and provide the kind of transformative insights that offer true freedom of heart and mind. This is an edited version of a dharma talk given by IMS teacher Jill Shepherd during a recent retreat at the Forest Refuge.
0 kommentar(er)
