Both Scattering and Stillness Arise from the Original Place
In our mind, scattered thoughts arise, and a quiet mind also arises. Yet both are functions appearing from the original place of mind. Just as the weather is not always the same, the mind also does not remain in the same state all the time.
When we follow a scattered mind, one deluded thought calls another deluded thought, and before we know it, we are caught in a net of suffering. If we hold on to one thought and keep following it, our emotions, speech, and actions are shaken along with it.
On the other hand, when we notice that thoughts and emotions are arising and do not get pulled along by them, the mind becomes quiet. Practice is not forcibly eliminating scattering, but clearly noticing that scattering is arising.
Mara-forces do not only mean special beings outside us. The moment we are pulled along by deluded thoughts in our own mind and lose awareness is already the beginning of suffering. That is why a practitioner must keep observing the mind in daily life and cultivate good habits.
Today, even when scattered thoughts arise, may you not be pulled into their net, but remember the original quiet place and continue awareness throughout the day.
Both the scattered mind and the quiet mind arise from the original place of mind. What matters is to notice scattering without following it. Today, please do not be pulled into the net of deluded thought, but keep the center of the mind.
