Training the Mind

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Training the mind may be compared to raising a young child. Just as the well-being of their child is always of primary importance to mothers, the well-being of the mind must always be of primary importance to Dhamma practitioners. Just as mothers are sensitive to the slightest threat to their child, so practitioners must be sensitive to the first subtle appearance of defilement in their mind. Just as mothers rush to deal with any threat to their child without delay, so must practitioners rush to deal effectively with defilement, before it gains momentum in their mind. Just as mothers are tireless in promoting the welfare of their child, so must practitioners be tireless in promoting wholesome dhammas in their mind. Just as mothers must know the right time to be strict and the right time to be gentle, the right time to encourage and the right time to discourage, the right time to teach and the right time to listen, so too Dhamma practitioners must be wise in the training of their mind.

- - ❖ - -

"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

- - ❖ - -

For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.