Glenn Wallis

No other thing do I know that brings so much harm as a mind that is untamed, unguarded, unprotected, and uncontrolled. Such a mind truly brings harm.

No other thing do I know that brings so much benefit as a mind that is tamed, guarded, protected, and controlled. Such a mind truly brings great benefit. (The Buddha)

(from the book)

If you think about it, what, within the range of your actual lived experience, could possibly precede your mind? Objects or situations may lie “out there,” in the world, but isn’t it your mind that produces the specific fashioning or appearance that makes up your experience of life? This fact is what accounts for the myriad different viewpoints that people inevitably bring to the shared experience of a given event, or, to be more specific, to their shared observation of anything seen, heard, smelled, tasted, felt, or thought. So, because of the importance of the mind in giving shape to what lies before our sense faculties, the Buddha asks us to consider the quality of our very mind. How is it with your mind right now? Is it doubtful? critical? open? seeking? Is it cloudy? Is it clear? What word would you apply?