Question 89: WHAT IS THE STATE OF MINDFUL AWARENESS?

Question 89: WHAT IS THE STATE OF MINDFUL AWARENESS?Answer: After a long period of cultivating morality and performing good deeds, a practitioner embarks on the path of meditation, choosing and applying the proper method (selecting the appropriate method is crucial). However, despite consistent efforts, they may not see any noticeable progress initially. This stage is called Right Effort, a key component of The Noble Eightfold Path, where perseverance is essential even when progress may not come immediately. When the mind has not yet settled, meditation can be like an arduous struggle. The body endures discomfort, such as numbness and pain in the legs, yet must remain unmoved while the mind is still flooded with wandering thoughts. It can feel as though the practitioner is fighting a battle, confronting endless obstacles.However, one day, when past karmic obstacles have diminished, and new merit has accumulated sufficiently, the practitioner experiences a profound transformation. Their mind enters a new state, which is awake, clear, and seemingly tranquil. Wandering thoughts that arise are immediately dispelled by the sharp clarity of mindfulness. This stage is known as mindful awareness. The term mindful means "remembering," as the practitioner consistently remembers their spiritual practice and does not allow wandering thoughts to lead them astray. This mindful awareness is not confined to meditation sessions; it extends into daily life, where the practitioner gently maintains this state without letting it slip away.However, this experience is often novel and unfamiliar. Without proper guidance from a master, the practitioner might mistakenly believethey have attained Sainthood or some higher spiritual state. This misunderstanding can lead to arrogance, which may hinder their spiritual progress and cause setbacks later on. The depth of mindful awareness varies among individuals. At deeper levels, the practitioner naturally eradicates greed and anger (including irritability and egotism). Their virtue becomes more radiant, and they develop a sense of composure, remaining steady amidst the ups and downs of this turbulent world.#Religions, #Buddhism, #DialogueBuddhismReligions, #Religious, #Buddhist, #Truedharma, #Meditation, #Enlightement, #Buddhatemple, #TheLawofKarma, #BuddhismforBeginners, #Janna, #JannaOrderMonastery,