Mindfulness
Thoughts may be divided into two kinds: initial thoughts and proliferating thoughts. Initial thoughts suddenly appear in the mind, usually because a sense impression has provoked a memory. These thoughts are harmless in themselves. Because they arise in the mind without intention, they create no new kamma. However, whenever the mind lacks the protection of mindfulness, these thoughts act as triggers for proliferating thoughts and so become problematic. In such cases, the mind grasps onto the initial thought and runs with it. The presence of intention makes this kammically significant. Certain of these trains of thought can become powerful habits. They have an addictive quality, and play a key role in the onset of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
One of the functions of mindfulness is to act as a gatekeeper to the mind. When an unsolicited thought comes knocking an the gate of the mind requesting entrance, sati is there to decide whether or not to let the thought in. Thoughts that would lead to a growth of unwholesomeness in the mind are politely but firmly rejected. Thoughts that would lead to a growth of wholesomeness may or may not be admitted. Here the criterion would be if the priority is to maintain inner peace or to cultivate wise reflection.
Ajahn Jayasāro
12/11/24
Thoughts may be divided into two kinds: initial thoughts and proliferating thoughts. Initial thoughts suddenly appear in the mind, usually because a sense impression has provoked a memory. These thoughts are harmless in themselves. Because they arise in the mind without intention, they create no new kamma. However, whenever the mind lacks the protection of mindfulness, these thoughts act as triggers for proliferating thoughts and so become problematic. In such cases, the mind grasps onto the initial thought and runs with it. The presence of intention makes this kammically significant. Certain of these trains of thought can become powerful habits. They have an addictive quality, and play a key role in the onset of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.
One of the functions of mindfulness is to act as a gatekeeper to the mind. When an unsolicited thought comes knocking an the gate of the mind requesting entrance, sati is there to decide whether or not to let the thought in. Thoughts that would lead to a growth of unwholesomeness in the mind are politely but firmly rejected. Thoughts that would lead to a growth of wholesomeness may or may not be admitted. Here the criterion would be if the priority is to maintain inner peace or to cultivate wise reflection.
Ajahn Jayasāro
12/11/24