SEED QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: What do you understand by the unconditioned dimension of your mind? What ways of distilling the unconditioned dimension of your mind have worked for you? Can you share a personal story where you were able to tap into the unconditioned dimension of your mind?
I have a great experience about meditation. When I started it, for first 4 -5 days I just continued in confusion. Then a stage slowly began to arise when I started forgiving everybody ( ? ). Then I started praying for well being for those I respect and for those I hate. Then a stage came I was doing just nothing and time passed by. I was so fresh and energized after meditation that I remained always happy and worry-less.
Only thing I wonder is how I stopped it ? Is that also a stage of mind enrichment ?
I have acknowledged the 'committee of my mind' for a long time, have begun to recognize the various members which have produced much chaos often. Recently I have opened to listening more to the voices and 'sorting them out', and listening deeper to which voice(s) has clarity. This article has expressed simply and clearly what I've felt for a long time. Thank you so much.
I like the two metaphors. Mind as a disjointed crowd with each member pushing its own agenda.
Meditation helps the members to realise that they are members of the same family.
The other metaphor of distillation of sea water is also very illustrative of the process of meditation.
This is a beautiful passage. Thanissaro Bhikku has illustrated the fragmented aspect of the mind in way that's clear and easy to understand. I am yet to experience the unconditioned dimension but his reminder that genuine happiness is possible is reassuring. The passage also made me think about how working with one's own desires and those of other family members is indeed like a committee and everyone's voice and opinion needs to be given due understanding and respect.