When the Mind Is Still, the Waves of Suffering Also Subside
In the Dhammapada, there is a teaching that when the mind settles quietly and becomes like a clear lake, it is no longer carried away by the flow of samsara. These words show the heart of practice very simply.
We live by breathing in and breathing out. At the same time, thoughts also arise and disappear without ceasing. When we look closely at each moment, we can see the continuing flow of arising and disappearing.
Birth and death are not only great events far away. In the moment a thought appears and disappears, and in the moment the breath comes in and goes out, we can also learn the principle of arising and disappearing.
The more delusions and thoughts there are, the rougher the waves of the mind become. But when we notice the breath and quietly watch thoughts arise and disappear, the mind settles and clears little by little.
Today, rather than looking for a complicated explanation, notice one breath with care. A small effort to settle the mind quietly is the beginning of the path that leads away from suffering.
When the mind settles quietly, it becomes like a clear lake. The breath comes in and goes out, and thoughts also arise and disappear. When we notice those moments well, we can learn the flow of arising and disappearing. Rather than being pulled along by delusion, quietly watching the breath and thoughts and settling the mind is an important path of practice.
