The Heightened Mind

The Heightened Mind

If you’re really intent on practicing the Dhamma, then no matter what, you’ll have to get results—large or small—depending on the strength of what you can do. If you’re going to meditate, be intent on meditating. If you’re going to listen to the Dhamma, be intent on listening. If you’re going to speak, be intent on speaking. Whatever you do, be intent on what you’re doing. That way you’ll get the results you want from your actions.

To get results, your intent has to be composed of the four bases for success. In other words,

(1) chanda: Like what you’re doing. If you’re going to meditate, be content to stay mindful of the breath.

(2) Viriya: Be persistent and don’t get discouraged. Even though there may be pains in the body, you endure them.

(3) Citta: Give your full mind to what you’re doing. Don’t just play around. Don’t let your mind wander off to think of other things.

(4) Vimansā: When you really do the meditation, you contemplate to see what gives rise to a sense of peace and ease in the body and mind.

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From Intent in The Heightened Mind: Dhamma Talks of Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo, translated by Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu.
https://www.dhammatalks.org/books/HeightenedMind/Contents.html

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