Dear Friends,
Energy, or viriya, can be directed toward many different goals. To align our energy with our intentions, we focus it on the four endeavors of wise effort. Over the next few weeks, we will explore each of these in depth.
The first endeavor is to prevent unwholesome states from arising. Joseph Goldstein reflects:
When we’re leading basically good and wholesome lives, it is easy to become complacent about our present circumstances. … we still have many moments when greed, hatred, or delusion arises. We see something beautiful, and we want it; our minds are pulled toward it. Or perhaps we see somebody doing something we don’t like, and the mind is suddenly filled with judgment and aversion. Or we may be tired, and the mind simply dulls out in delusion. So the first of the four great endeavors is recognizing the enduring power of these latent defilements, understanding what gives rise to them, and preventing them from arising and taking hold.
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Awakening, page 392.
Through mindfulness, we can come to recognize potential triggers that can bring these up, create conditions that support living in alignment with our intentions, and incline towards mindful presence to prevent the habitual reactivity.
As we begin this exploration of wise effort, may we all find inspiration and support in our practice. Preventing unwholesome states is not only a personal endeavor but also one that benefits the world around us.
If you have reflections, feel free to share them here. I would love to hear from you.
With good wishes,
Andrea
Hi Andrea,
I was wondering about this line: “Or we may be tired, and the mind simply dulls out in delusion.” I thought that delusion was not seeing clearly how things are/ reality. And perhaps, tuning out, or both? Can you clarify? Joseph, above, seems to be saying that it’s about dulling out/tuning out. Perhaps I am misreading his line, but if I am tired, of course my mind will slide into neutral or dull out. It’s a sign that II need sleep, but is it a defilement?
Hi Carol, Thanks for this question. In the paragraph above this passage, Joseph refers to “latent defilements,” describing these as unwholesome factors that reemerge as conditions change. In this context, he seems to be pointing to how tiredness can create conditions for the mind to fall into dullness or disengagement, which obscures clarity and mindfulness. I know for myself that sometimes this dullness is simply a sign of genuine fatigue, in which case rest is the most skillful response. Other times, it arises as a habitual pattern of avoiding or disengaging from the present moment. In those moments, bringing some energy and aligning with my wise intentions can help restore clarity. It’s really about using discernment to understand what is happening in the moment and responding skillfully based on what the situation requires. How does that resonate with you?
I noticed how I was able to discriminate as i went though my emails and news feeds… do I really need to explore this? Is this wise use of my energy and thinking power? All very instantaneous and so freeing!! In the past I felt aversion and annoyance to have to sort and choose.. today I just happily deleted .. ah a taste of freedom!