Teacher David,
What is the proper role of the mind?
Is it to disengage from the 5 aggregates and then watch with Peace, Calmness, Serenity and Contentment with Joy as one's life unfolds?
Or are there errors in that statement?
Thank you.
Teacher David:
Hello Chris…sure, I will help you.
The mind needs to be trained….watching as life unfolds is not practical and would not be basing one’s life in discernment (i.e. wise decision making).
There needs to be consistent and ongoing learning and practicing, training the mind to eliminate its pollutions.
Chris asks more questions:
Thank you, Teacher David.
I understand that I am not enlightened but I'm wondering, does consistent and ongoing learning and practice continue? Even after a person achieves full Enlightenment?
Are there any additional details, context, insight and clarity you can offer? Regarding how an Enlightened mind functions in the world?
Thank you.
Teacher David:
Yes, an Enlightened being is still learning and growing about many different things in the world....but in terms of The Path to Enlightenment, they fully understand The Path and no longer experience any discontentedness. Their mind fully understands 100% of all The Teachings of The Buddha....thoroughly and in detail.
The mind is highly peaceful and joyful....everything is fulfilling and enjoyable.
There is lots of fun and enjoyment in everything and everything that one does.
Let me know if you have specific questions and I will answer those.
Francis joins the conversation:
Teacher David...on the part where you mentioned "there's lots of fun & enjoyment in everything that one does"...would this be bordering on clinging to excitement & passion? I understand that walking this Path...we need to have disengagement & dispassion...so could you kindly give your guidance on the above concern. Thank you.
Teacher David:
It is possible to train the mind to have enjoyment and fun without conditioned pleasant feelings.
The unEnlightened mind does not know how to do this as this is the middle way.
The unEnlightened mind does not know, see, nor can practice “the middle way”…so it struggles with this.
That’s what you need to learn and practice, enjoying and having fun without conditioned pleasant feelings.
Through training the mind, you can accomplish this goal.
Francis asks for additional clarity.
Thanks for your reply. Could I say a few examples to see if I understood it correctly on the "having fun without the conditioned pleasant feelings" part. If I enjoyed seeing a movie & when it is over, it's over, I just let it go & not think about it anymore...move on to the next thing I want to do. Another one would be, I have lots of fun & excitement going on a holiday vacation, & when it's time to go home...don't feel sad or depressed going back home. Just pack up & fly home with a peaceful mind knowing it was time well spent & now let's go home sweet home. Could Teacher David provide your feedback & guidance on the above scenarios? Also could you please give us a couple more examples? Thank you.
Teacher David:
Yes, you are understanding this except for.....the "not think about it anymore”.
There is no harm in thinking about things you have done or experienced but yes, once it's done, it's done. Move on....not longing and yearning for it to continue.
If you are on holiday, it is fun.....but so is traveling to go home as well. If there are no conditioned pleasant feelings, then there will not be any conditioned painful feelings when it is over, for example. There will not be any sadness or other discontent feelings once it's over.
Yes, maintaining peace and joy regardless of what you are or are not doing.
An Enlightened being is having fun no matter what they are doing....it's all enjoyable.
But, with craving, anger, and ignorance (i.e. unknowing of true reality) in the mind, one will be hindered from experiencing this....
All your examples are fine, I am sure you can think of more, if you like.....you do that work, and share it with me and I will confirm it for you.