ISSUE 77 : 01-15 August 06 Last update August 1 ,2006 -*-
     
 

Consciousness in These Days

By Editor

The practice of the mind in Buddhism is known as the four foundations of mindfulness consisting of the body, compassion, the mind and Dharma.

The body means physical behaviors, manners and actions such as standing, walking, sitting, sleeping, raising arms, holding, brushing the teeth, chewing, etc.

Compassion connotes the feelings of happiness, sorrow, or indifference, for example; knowing that we are happy when we are satisfied with something, realizing that it is hot when we are in a humid place, feeling nothing when we are ignorant.

The mind signifies any thoughts that appear in our mind, for instance, scattered-brained, depressed, annoyed, greed, angry, etc.

Dharma represents the Buddha's teachings naming; the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism, Podchong 7, five-sense doors, etc.

How consciousness helps emotional D-toxication?

Emotions are the reflection of the mind against temptation from the outside and from within. Whenever we feel something, we often interpret and "season" it until we feel more painful than it is supposed to be.

You may be reprimanded about your work which you realize that it is a mistake that you yourself have made. However, you cannot help feeling enraged; "I know that it is my fault but why do you have to blame me so harshly?" You come home, still thinking of the reproach. In addition to that, you even further consider whether you should quit the job. You question yourself why the work did not come out the way it should be. You see your wife but you do not feel like talking to her because you are moody or yet take it on her.

After getting blamed at, you will later feel upset. This might affect the people around you or cause them restlessness.

Mostly, we ourselves are often the origin of our sorrow. Others can only hurt us from time to time. They cannot follow us home into the bedroom or the dining table.

When we are conscious and know that we have to let go of such reproach especially an unreasonable one, we will feel less hurtful or the feeling will only stay with us only constantly. As an ordinary person, it would be better to see it as useful for it teaches us not to make the some mistake again and would be a step towards successfulness.

For a better benefit, being conscious can abolish scattered-stormed feeling, unhappiness and stress. When the mind knows that we are walking, moving forward with the left foot-the right foot, sitting on a chair, or holding a pen. Our current thoughts will be clear. The thoughts of the past and the future will be gone.

Some might think that this will make us do things more slowly. Certainly, it will but whatever we do will be meaningful and intelligent. We would not be living our lives without a purpose. Instead, we will think carefully and take an action reasonably.

Ways to being conscious

To concentrate on the breath is a very popular way to gain consciousness. Many people have always talked about it. Therefore we will not mention it here.

Another easy way to build consciousness is a physical one such as various common movements; when you walk, say "left-right" in your mind relating to the step you are taking.

Try this with the hands when you, for instance, swing, raise, place your arms, scoop up something, twist your body, etc., in accordance with the movements of the hands at that time. This exercise is simple since the hands are very sensitive to any stimulations.

We should always be conscious with the feelings created by the five senses. This is clearly stated in the four foundations of mindfulness especially the vision and the sound for both occur frequently.

When we encounter with someone we particularly dislike, we might feel a bit irritated, causing us to feel stressed. We also experience the same reaction when we hear other people gossip about us. But if we are conscious and know that it is only what we "see" and "hear" without seasoning it, the pain will be less.

Do not be misunderstood that we should be indifferent to all things around us. Still, we should look at things realistically and solve all problems due to its cause and factors. For example, when we hear other people talk behind our back and what they say is true, we should fix it. But if it is not, we should correct it. If we cannot do so, that is when it is better to ignore it.

To start

For a start, try to practice it with the breath. That is to be aware whether in or out. Then focus on whether such breath is long or short.

Stop your usual habit for some time and find the right time to do it. That is not to be in a rush with no disturbance. Try it during meals, during a walk or talking the stairs, etc., for 5-10 minutes each day and increase the amount of time that best suits you.

When our mind is conscious, we are at peace. We would not be affected by any emotions or feelings seasoned by our mind. If this can be accomplished, the poisonous emotions will definitely decrease.