Dhamma for Everyone

by Ajaan Lee | 1960 | 2,274 words

A talk about 6 guidelines for both monks and lay people. 1. not disparaging 2. not injuring 3. restraint in line with the Patimokkha 4. moderation in food 5. dwelling in seclusion 6. commitment to the heightened mind: this is the Buddhas instruction. October 5, 1960 by Ajaan Lee Dhammadharo (Phra Suddhidhammaransi Gambhiramedhacariya) Translated ...

Guideline 6 - Adhicitte Ca Ayogo

Adhicitte ca ayogo: Dont be complacent. Be diligent in practicing concentration to the level of adhicitta, or the heightened mind. Practice concentration frequently, sit in concentration frequently as an example to the rest of the community. When you talk, seek advice in how to develop your meditation theme. Discuss the rewards of concentration. Practice ridding the heart of its hindrances. When you do this, youre acting in line with the principle of heightened mind.

Another level of heightened mind is when the mind has been freed from its hindrances and has entered concentration, without any ups or downs. Its solid, stalwart, and strong, with nothing defiling it. This is called adhicitte ca ayogo, commitment to the heightened mind. So dont be complacent. Keep working at this always.

Etam buddhanasasanam: When you do this, youre acting in line with the Buddhas instructions. These are the Buddhas words, straight from his mouth.

So we should all work at giving rise to these principles within ourselves. If you establish yourself in these teachings, in all honesty and integrity, then even if you cant liberate your mind totally from suffering, at the very least youll be developing yourself in the right direction. Your bad habits will disappear day by day, and the good habits youve never had before will arise in their place. As for the good habits you already have, theyll prosper and flourish.

So now that youve listened to this, take it and put it into practice. Train yourself to behave in line with the Buddhas exhortation. When you do that, youll meet with happiness and prosperity as you flourish in line with his instructions.

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