Unexpected Freedom

Unexpected Freedompointedness. In the tranquillity of such samadhi one is ableto read the mind’s reality quite differently from when bodyand mind are distracted and dissipated. We are encouragedto cultivate this one-pointedness, and when we experience itthere is no doubt about its value. Yet to reach such stillness,there has to be restraint. When we sit still, the body oftenfeels uncomfortable, and this discomfort doesn’t accordwith our preferences. If we don’t understand that ourpreferences need to be countered, then we won’t be able toget to this one-pointedness with which we can moreaccurately read reality. We will feel uncomfortable, getdistracted and move.We don’t go against our preferences because there’sanything inherently wrong with preferences. In truth thatwhich is causing the problem is the way we relate to ourpreferences. We counter them so we are not pushed aroundby them. Our enjoyment of pleasure is natural and yet weget ourselves into all sorts of tangles in our pursuit of it. Ifwe are suffering as a result of our pursuit of pleasure, aninitial attitude might be to take a position against pleasure;we interpret the Buddha’s teachings as saying that ourpreference for pleasure over pain is in itself the cause ofsuffering. If this is our motivation for practice, again wecould cause ourselves more troubles. We should rememberthe exhortation to exercise extreme care in how we pick upthe teachings. In the chant we recite together in themonastery every two weeks after the recitation of thePatimokkha rules there is a verse that says: ‘This trainingwrongly held will lead to increased pain, just as kusa grasswrongly-grasped will cut the hand.’ Kusa grass is a toughgrass they have in India that has a sharp edge. I’m sure youget the picture. More immediately we could talk aboutgoing out to cut the grass along the edge of the walking108