Cattāri Brahmavihārā

In what ways do you offer less than 100 percent dedication to awakening?

Learn what drains and diminishes your effort. Notice the effect of daily habits and entertainments on your meditation. Observe the effects that watching TV, engaging in gossip, or surfing the Web might have on your concentration. If you discover that an activity increases distraction or reduces your energy, you can do something different — engage in more supportive pursuits. Confront any obstacles that sap your strength and determination for practice.

Excerpt From: “Wisdom Wide and Deep: A Practical Handbook for Mastering Jhana and Vipassana” by Pa-Auk.

This. Why is it that I fail to dedicate myself completely to the task of awakening when it is truly the only thing of value here in samsara. Why do I give myself a pass if I’ve fasted or sat in meditation for an hour? Are there not 23 more hours in a day?

Every day when I sit in meditation memories of past wrongdoing arise: do I think I can escape their consequences? When hell fire and states of woe may lie in wait for me on the other side of death’s door how can I afford to pass my days in sloth and indulgence? Do I truly care for myself?

May I recollect at all times that I am practicing and planting seeds. May I not waste precious time and practice well while this opportunity remains.