AWAKENING
2 IDEAS FROM ME
The Seven Factors of Awakening—mindfulness, investigation of states, energy, joy, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity—cultivate holistic well-being and the rapture of being alive. Mindfulness fosters self-awareness and clarity, grounding us in the present moment. Investigation of states promotes curiosity and wisdom, encouraging deeper understanding. Energy invigorates our practice, combating laziness. Joy uplifts our spirits, making the path extraordinary. Tranquility brings peace, reducing stress and fostering inner calm. Concentration sharpens focus, enhancing mental stability. Equanimity provides balance, allowing us to face life's challenges with calm and composure.
The Seven Factors of Awakening act as antidotes to the Five Hindrances. Mindfulness counters sensual desire by fostering awareness and presence. Investigation of states diminishes doubt by encouraging curiosity and understanding. Energy overcomes sloth and torpor, revitalizing our practice. Joy dispels ill-will, replacing negativity with positivity, gratitude, and generosity. Tranquility soothes restlessness and worry, promoting inner peace. Concentration opposes sensory desire by focusing the mind. Equanimity neutralizes aversion and craving, fostering balanced responses. Together, these factors dismantle the hindrances, clearing the path for spiritual growth and deeper meditation, leading to greater clarity, insight, and enlightenment.
2 QUOTES FROM SAGES
“The seven factors are called the “Factors of Awakening” when they provide the clarity, calm, and wisdom that brings “awakening”, i.e., being aware without being attached. Because awakening is often seen as a distant ideal, it is also helpful to recognize the significant ways that being ‘awake’ occurs in our ordinary life.”—Gil Fronsdal The Ordinary and the 7 Factors of Awakening.
“If while washing dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as if they were a nuisance, then we are not “washing the dishes to wash the dishes.” What’s more, we are not alive during the time we are washing the dishes. In fact we are completely incapable of realizing the miracle of life while standing at the sink. If we can’t wash the dishes, the chances are we won’t be able to drink our tea either. While drinking the cup of tea, we will only be thinking of other things, barely aware of the cup in our hands. Thus we are sucked away into the future—and we are incapable of actually living one minute of life.”—Thich Nhat Hahn The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
1 QUESTION FOR YOU TO EXPLORE
What daily habit could you implement to spend more time passionately awake and alive?
Namaste,
Duane Nelson
