The transformation of our heartmind, citta, depends on the patient, gradual cultivation of wholesome qualities. The Buddha distinguished three areas of cultivation - the area of ethical living, the development of the mind and the cultivation of wisdom.
Citta, the heartmind, lies at the center of our Dharma practice. Understanding how the state of the citta determines our happiness or unhappiness, we are motivated to take good care of it and cultivate it. This process begins with bringing mindfulness and interest to our mindstates.
Responding non-discursively to oppressing thoughts through behaviour, skilful qualities, and engaging with the meditation object. List of common cognitive distortions; more tips for practice. Relying on a refuge & island.
Reading a short text by Franz Kafka ('Before the Law') – what can we learn from that gatekeeper? 3 ways to counter the feeding power of aversion or hostility to thoughts: gentle questioning, turning towards, making space. Stickiness: thinking & identity.
The difference between 'having a thought' and 'active thinking'. The trap of wanting to figure things out. How we feed harmful discursive patterns & how to stop; withdrawing our contribution, disidentifying.
