using the right tool for the job

we all know the three poisons - greed anger and delusion (fear) - so well, yet sometimes having the practice we believe we should be able to meditate into bliss or quietude or be mindful enough to shunt the ill effects aside. But I offer the thought that we can choose to augment the practice at will and the wisdom that has developed thru meditation can inform our choice.

So when bizarre emotions or illness or situations or stories arise that interfere with our well being then we ought to incorporate other tools. Start with the least invasive first and work up from there as needed. We all have different tools we have collected in our lifetimes. Some are effective and some are not worthwhile - I am talking about coping mechanisms as well as  newfangled techniques! What I am saying is that we should not insist on limiting ourselves to the routine of Dhamma Practice when we can include biofeedback or flower essences too. Its a big world today and our choices are more varied than ever, I embrace that.

There is a grey area, a neutral zone there though. It takes that wisdom to navigate and to remain non judgmental when non practice tools are used, especially when covetousness arises because everyone has access to the practice but not everyone has access to other tools. That's when the purity of the practice shines because it out strips the others, never the less it is not wise to rigidly insist on purity. Rigidity is inherently harmful. The climber that moves smoothly and intuitively is the most joy to watch or to be, not the one that only follows a prescribed route and method.

Rasasvada

Noun: meaning the taste of bliss in the absence of all thought. Mmmhhhhhhmmmmm...

Sophrosyne

Noun: meaning a healthy state of mind, characterized by self control, moderation, and a deep awareness of one's true self, and resulting in true happiness. We might add: result of the practice of the Dhamma.