What creates a new state of mind? I notice that this present one, this thought pattern, begins to decay because it runs out of energy. Sometimes this is concurrent with weak messages of another formation. This contributes further to the decay. Sometimes my mind notices that something has changed in the body, or the body knocks on the mind first.
At this retreat, we can use the library. I read Bodhi, Bhikkhu, trans., The Great Discourse on Causation: The Maha Nidana Sutta and its Commentaries (Kandy, Sri Lanka: Buddhist Publication Society, 1984), with fervor. I notice many points that can be observed. Bodhi points out that clinging includes an attachment to views, which explains a lot. I experience my mind tapping in to memories, and some of them are strongly held views.
In this discourse, the Buddha adds a piece about how craving becomes clinging in addition to the typical course of feeling>craving>clinging, etc.
"Now, craving is dependent on feeling, seeking is dependent on craving, acquisition is dependent on seeking, ascertainment is dependent on acquisition, desire and passion is dependent on ascertainment, attachment is dependent on desire and passion, possessiveness is dependent on attachment, stinginess is dependent on possessiveness, defensiveness is dependent on stinginess, and because of defensiveness, dependent on defensiveness, various evil, unskillful phenomena come into play: the taking up of sticks and knives; conflicts, quarrels, and disputes; accusations, divisive speech, and lies."
I observe a robin land in the grass, looking for a place to find bugs. He chases away an interloper. But there was plenty of room for both.
My fellow potwasher is slow to arrive. I consider him a slow person. I notice the above set of links in my process. What a leap I have taken!
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