|
|
The Path of Mindfulness in Daily Life - by Dr Thynn Thynn
Student: What do you men by silent mind? If there is no action in the
mind, aren't we paralyzed?
How can we function?
Dr. Thynn: A silent mind is not a dead or static mind. A mind is dead or static when it is dulled with ignorance of oneself. In Buddhism, this ignorance is called avijja.... This is a true paralysis of the mind, which renders one unable to open to others. A truly silent mind, on the other hand, is alert and sensitive to its surrroundings.
"Silent Mind"
Student: I still don't understand how we can make the mind silent.
Dr. Thynn: Actually, you cannot make the mind silent. The more you try to silence the mind purposefully, the more you tie yourself up in knots...
You see, a mind that is already unquiet cannot deal with a nonquiet mind. This vicious cycle perpetuates a continuous state of frenzy.