In a sports match the commentator informs his audience ... - Dhamma by Ajahn Jayasāro


In a sports match the commentator informs his audience about everything that is happening on the pitch. He expresses excitement and admiration, criticism and expectation. The commentator's words have nothing to do with the game itself. Without the commentator the game would carry on in exactly the same way.

In our meditation practice we have so many voices inside us commentating on our performance: voices expressing appreciation and criticism, judgement and anticipation. We assume that these are the voices of objective commentators like the ones who watch sports matches. In fact all of the voices are part of the practice, not observers of it. Meditators must be mindful and alert to all of the voices. If we take them seriously they can become considerable hindrances on the path to liberation. If we simply recognize them for what they are -- 'There's the judge', 'That's anxiety come to visit again' -- they soon leave of their own accord


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