Ajahn Lee via Ven. Sujato, Ellie Askew, Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly
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| Theravada Buddhist novices, NE Thailand |
We're taught to no longer hold onto concepts — all the labels and names we have for things.
We have to let ourselves be "poor." It's when people are poor that they become ingenious and resourceful.
If we won't let ourselves be poor [due to fearing unsatisfactoriness (disappointment, suffering, woe)], we'll never gain discernment (wisdom, insight, liberating knowledge). In other words, we don't have to be afraid of being stupid or of missing out on things.
We don't have to be afraid that we've hit a dead end. We don't want any of the insights we've gained from listening to others or from reading books, because they're concepts and therefore inconstant (impermanent, in flux, undependable).
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| What is the path to the light (nimitta)? |
We don't want any of the insights we've gained by reasoning and thinking, because they're concepts and therefore not-self (impersonal, empty, egoless).
Let all these insights disappear, leaving just the mind, firmly intent, leaning neither to the left -- toward self-torment or being displeased -- nor to the right, toward sensual indulgence or being pleased.
Keep the mind still, quiet, neutral, impassive — set tall. And there we are: right concentration.
- Three Basic Facts of Existence II: Suffering (Dukkha), Collected Essays (Buddhist Publication Society, BPS.lk)
- The Real Facts of Life: Reflections on the Three Marks
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