The 7 Factors of The Awakening Mind
#3: Persistence in awakening
This concept is a Buddhist philosophy. It is among an enormous amount of findings from Buddhist scholars the last 2 600 years or so. Yet I believe the content is relevant in modern times nowadays more than ever before. We live in a world (western world) that has for long distinguished the mind and body as two separate entities. The Easter world thinks differently. In Buddhist psychology, we discover the Dharma which consistently elaborates methods of engaged practice in forms of numerous meditative techniques and visualisation practices. Among others: the 7 factors of the awakening mind.
The 7 factors of awakening represent the qualities that lead to individual enlightenment (Buddist psychology and CBT, Dennis Tirch, Laura R.S, Russell L. Kolts).
#1: Mindfulness in awakening — (sati-sambojjhanga)
Leading Buddhist teachers such as Chogyam Trungpa and Thich Nhat Hanh have described mindfulness as the foundation of the Dharma.
This factor is about cultivating flexible-focused attention to the present moment with acceptance. Accepting what is being the first factor in the liberation of an individual from needless suffering.
Mindfulness allows us to consciously step out of the domination of our internal representations, to slow our goal-directed “autopilot” pursuits for a moment, and to allow things to be as they are. With mindfulness our thoughts are thoughts, our emotions are emotions and our physical sensations are physical sensations.
#2: Investigation in awakening — (dhamma-vicaya-sambojjhanga)
Worries may draw us into preoccupation with the past or anxiety about the future; but our mindful stance allows us to investigate these mental events with a curiosity and an even-handed wisdom. We were born with the inner wisdom unique to each individual in order to figure out whichever challenge one is going through. We need silence and curiosity to let that intervene when necessary.
#3: Persistence in awakening — (viriya-sambojjhanga)
Often translated as “energy” this one reflects the degree to which we can remain committed to the process of awakening to reality and liberation from suffering. This factor involves an increased engagement with practice.
This deeper engagement with living and the experience of greater energy can be like arising from a sleep of rumination, victimhood attitude etc..
As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote:
“Even if we are in pain, if we can see meaning in life, we will have energy and joy” — (Hanh, 1973, p.216)
#4: Joyfulness in awakening — (pīti-sambojjhanga)
This is the experience of delight. The state of bliss arises when attention is absorbed in way that is conducive further activities that enable awakening.
#5: Serenity in awakening — (passaddhi-sambojjhanga)
Freedom of action in our thoughts, feelings and behaviours is often followed by an experience of calm and centeredness that may be described as serenity. This factor involves the calming, focusing and stilling of body and mind.
#6: Concentration in awakening — (samādhi-sambojjhanga)
This one involves settling and composing the mind and focusing it with pointed attention to the present moment. It contributes to an enhancement of wisdom, compassion and overall well-being.
#7: Equanimity in awakening — (upekkhā-sambojjhanga)
Uppekkhā or the balance and non-reactivity of mind is the seventh factor of awakening.
This feeling state is described as sublime, satisfying, and fulfilling. Elements of this state are correlated to the feelings of contentment and secure attachment as well as the safeness-based emotion regulation system (Gilbert, 2009a).
Equanimity reflects an acceptance that this is how things are, and by extension, everything is as it should be. This term is also associated to the act of “letting go”. It is about seeing things as equal and interconnected. We see ourselves in all things, and we are moved by the suffering and joy of living experience itself. Our emotions extend into a place of loving-kindness, sympathetic joy and warm regards towards all beings.
This factor of awakening opens the door for a much broader experience of being alive.
Until next time, stay hydrated, take gorgeous care of yourself.
One love 💜
Source: Buddhist Psychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/Dennis Tirch, Laura R. Silberstein, Russell L. Kolts