Spiritual Detox

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Every full moon and dark moon day – in other words every fifteen days – lay Buddhists are encouraged to undertake the eight precepts. In the modern idiom this might be called a detox. For one day and one night the person who follows this practice abstains from eating after midday, from every kind of sexual activity, from all kinds of physical adornment, from all kinds of entertainment. It means no social media, no internet, no video games, no music. Temporary separation from these things provides an opportunity to observe to what extent they have produced toxins in our minds. If we see that they have, we can contemplate how to develop a more healthy relationship with them. At the same time, abstaining from these activities frees up time to devote to our spiritual welfare: to reading Dhamma books or listening to Dhamma talks, to chanting and to meditation. At least for two days a month, lay Buddhists are encouraged to put spiritual matters at the top of the list of their priorities.

This year, through no wish of their own, people all over the world are experiencing separation from things that give their lives pleasure and purpose. It is very difficult. But, at the same time, it can fulfil some of the functions of a spiritual detox. There is time to examine one’s life and goals. It may lead to questioning, perhaps for the first time, as to what is truly important in one’s life. And that is the first step towards wisdom.

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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:
https://www.jayasaro.panyaprateep.org/