Right Attitude
We are taught by our parents, educators, and/or the environment to have positive attitude. Positive attitude to mean having optimistic view on situations, interactions with others, and relationship with ourselves. By adopting positive attitude, it is said that one becomes happier, has better relationships, witnesses increased in productivity and creativity at work, stronger immune system and has the ability to overcome challenges easier, just to name a few. This attitude promotes a better well-being.
What is then Right Attitude in meditation? Right Attitude is one of the 3-meditator’s job. Does Right Attitude mean an attitude that is right; and of which cannot be wrong? Or does Right Attitude mean an ability to notice without judgement regardless the attitude is right or wrong? The former is when we make right a wrong attitude or lament the wrong attitude because we want it to be right. We try to fix something that has already happened and passed. This is our natural tendency that only requires our acceptance and acknowledgement. Whereas the latter quietly observes the mind happening be it of right attitude or wrong attitude. This quiet observation that does not interfere with the happening is Right Attitude. It is Right because it comes with an understanding that whatever happens is due to causes and conditioning. Right Attitude lies in the cause not in the effect. Hence undoing of wrong views is also in the cause never in the effect. This is the reason why we are encouraged to check the attitude of the meditating mind for the potential of wisdom arising happens through this doorway.
How do we know if it is Right Attitude? We know because it comes with an understanding of reality. It knows Right Attitude is Right Attitude and it knows not Right Attitude is not Right Attitude. It does not need to make up something that is different from what is already happening. It is contented to what is already happening because it knows nature is taking place. And because of non-involvement to what is happening, the mind gradually loses its power to hold on (either hold on to wanting the experience to stay or wanting it to go away). This way of looking at things is very different from our already know way. Hence, Right Information is upmost important to navigate us towards The Way that is not another make up but that which was overlooked all along! The 3-meditator’s job is not a brain-washing or yet another learning program. Rather, the 3-meditator’s job is to unlearn what we already know; a correction of errors that prevents us from noticing the realities that are right in front of us.
On the other hand, how do we know if it is not Right Attitude? We know because it does not come with an understanding of reality. Instead, the mind complaints what is being noticed and wanting the attitude to be right. It judges what is noticed as wrong. It judges that it did not practise well. It sighs “it’s you again” or “I have failed again”. Identification is happening. Right Attitude is not found in the object that is being noticed. Right Attitude is when the wrong view is being recognized instead of being lamented.
How can we apply Right Attitude in our daily life? We learn to observe how the mind interacts with our experiences by having awareness with Right Information. We gather data of the workings of the mind throughout the day. It does not matter how many times we succeed or fail, we just continue to gather data of the workings of the mind so that we become so familiar with the inside out of the mind. When we become so familiar with the mind, involvement in the happenings gradually loses its power. This is non-attachment without needing to purposely not attach to the experiences.
Living life with equanimity is possible with Right Practice. With an equanimous mind when confronted with a choice, you just make the only meaningful choice there is, which is to be equanimous. And it won’t make any difference to you whether you make decision A or decision B because the mind is equanimous. With equanimity, the decision made would be a wise one. Let’s begin to explore the mindscape and learn how is it possible to have an equanimous mind. Do join us in the coming new season of Mindfulness–A Starting Point as we introduce you to get to know your own mind better.
Blessed Wesak to all!
In grace,
Hung Leng
Newsletter 25 May 2021