This is the second article of a series based on the book
Water Drop on A Lotus Leaf
“Restlessness also means overworking the body without taking proper care of the Mind and Body, and restlessness has many forms. When a person is restless, that person cannot protect his/her values and become carried by it although this person may no longer offer the objects that cause the rise of sensual pleasure.”
Being one's own master involves a profound awareness and acknowledgment of one's desires and the afflictions they may bring. It necessitates recognizing the fleeting nature of satisfaction derived from sensory indulgence and understanding that the constant pursuit of such gratification is both unfulfilling and detrimental.
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| To harmonise within signifies achieving inner tranquility by becoming attuned to one's desires and their potential pitfalls and becoming one's own master. |
True mastery of self is attained when an individual comprehends the lowly and gorss nature of sense gratification refering to those more obvious, external, and tangible aspects of seeking pleasure through the senses; acknowledging its role in exacerbating dissatisfaction and suffering. It points to the physical or material aspects of indulging in sensory pleasures, which are often associated with immediate gratification and can be easily observed or experienced.
Achieving mastery of self therefore involves steering away from the pursuit of sense desires, understanding the associated struggles, and realizing the profound impact of trangression on personal values.
In essence, a balanced and harmonious relationship within, aligning the mind and body illuminates a path of genuine peace and self-mastery.
Further, according to the book,
“One’s own six senses are the world for oneself. Human beings experience the world through their six senses. The six sense bases and the corresponding consciousness and objects to the six sense bases are collectively the world of human experience.”
Building upon this understanding, the book "Water Drop on Lotus Leaf" takes us on a deeper exploration of the significance of the objects we choose to offer to our six senses. The book reveals that our six senses, along with their corresponding consciousness and objects, collectively define the world of human experience.
The author emphasizes that the quality of these objects plays a pivotal role in shaping our experiences. Ignoble objects, those that cater to base desires and cravings, give rise to ignoble causes and conditions. Under their influence, afflictions become apparent, and individuals may find themselves straying from their values, committing unwholesome actions
On the contrary, the conscious selection of noble objects generates causes and conditions conducive to the manifestation of spiritual qualities. These qualities not only contribute to a sense of calm and peace but also serve as a foundation for the purification process and the exploration of the Dhamma. The book highlights the importance of intentional observation of our values, allowing us to be aware of and investigate the objects that may lead us to compromise those values.
However, the author also cautions against blindly adhering to external influences, such as superstitions. Understanding that not all externalities contribute to right understanding, the book advises against practices that lack a genuine connection to the core principles of one's values. It underscores the necessity of a conscious, intentional, and voluntary approach to value observance, steering clear of practices that may lead to the manifestation of ignoble causes and conditions.
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| The path to self-mastery involves a deep exploration of the dynamic interaction between our senses and the surrounding world. |
The author's emphasis on the quality of objects offered to our senses becomes a beacon, illuminating the path toward shaping our experiences. The dichotomy between ignoble and noble objects becomes apparent, with the former leading to base desires and afflictions that may cause individuals to stray from their values and commit unwholesome actions.
In essence, "Water Drop on Lotus Leaf" becomes a guide for cultivating a balanced and harmonious relationship within, aligning the mind and body on a path toward genuine peace and self-mastery. As we absorb these teachings, we find ourselves equipped with the tools/weapons (to be discussed in the next article) to navigate the complexities of our inner landscape, making intentional choices that contribute to our well-being and spiritual growth.
The journey toward self-mastery is a profound exploration of the interplay between our senses and the world around us. By choosing noble objects consciously and embracing the principles outlined in "Water Drop on Lotus Leaf," we embark on a transformative journey toward inner peace, harmony, and self-discovery.
The first article of this series: Inner Struggle
Reference
- Analayo, A. (2023) Water Drop on Lotus Leaf. Paramita Publications (Available on Amazon Kindle)
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