The Present Moment

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Practice is not just a matter of establishing ourselves in the present moment. It is the values and qualities of mind that we bring to it which are crucial.

Present moment awareness is not purifying in itself. Safe crackers know how to be in the present. Narcissists preening in front of an audience are very much in the present moment, but their narcissism is fed by it rather than undermined. Artists and sports stars can often be very intensely focused on the present moment, but on emerging from it, the experience has no discernible effect on their morals or spiritual maturity.

The present moment is the only classroom in which we can learn the meaning of the Four Noble Truths as a direct experience. Taking our seat in that classroom we must be equipped with Right View, humility, a sharp eye and a sincere love of truth. Now we are ready to seek the most profound liberation – freedom from the tyranny of ‘me’ and ‘mine’.

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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.