The Well-Trained Mind

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

How many times have we suffered, and how many times have we created suffering for others, because of our negative emotions? How many times have we been consumed by self-aversion because of things we have said or done? How many times have we acted in ways that we had previously promised ourselves, ‘Never again!’

This is not the first lifetime in which we have had to endure such a frustrating state of affairs. It has happened countless times before, in countless lifetimes. And unless we take more responsibility for our lives, it will go on happening for countless more lives in the future. Just stop and think about that for a moment. The Buddha once observed that the greatest of all enemies is our own untrained mind. But – and it is here that we can find some hope – the mind is trainable. The Buddha also said that there is not friend that can compare to the well-trained mind. So please put forth your best effort to train your mind. Break free from your worst enemy and find happiness and peace with your truest friend.

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.