“…Just as certain reflex movements automatically protect the body, similarly the mind needs spontaneous spiritual and moral self-protection. The practice of bare attention will provide this vital function.”
…such “self-protection will safeguard others, individuals and society, against our own unrestrained passions and selfish impulses … they will be safe from our reckless greed for possessions and power, from our unrestrained lust and sensuality, from our envy and jealousy; safe from the disruptive consequences of our hate and enmity.”
…“he who earnestly devotes himself to moral self-improvement and spiritual self-development will be a strong and active force for good in the world”,
…whereas “if we leave unresolved the actual or potential sources of social evil within ourselves, our external social activity will be either futile or markedly incomplete.
Therefore, if we are moved by a spirit of social responsibility, we must not shirk the hard task of moral and spiritual self-development. Preoccupation with social activities must not be made an excuse or escape from the first duty, to tidy up one’s own house first.”
Footnote 38 in Bhikkhu Analayo’s “Satipatthana Meditation”, quoting Bhikkhu Ñānaponika (1968/1986: 35)
Post by Jeff Brooks, Mountain Karate, Yamabayashi Ryu, Saluda, NC
photo Copyright © Jeff Brooks 2024