Mindfulness Restraint of Senses

In the Asheyana path, Calm Abiding practice is supported by one's work with the Eight Renunciations, having developed some space of mind in stepping back from bivalent perceptions.

Having worked with Calm Abiding within the context of the second Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Senses, one can begin to work with this extension to the practice, "Mindfulness Restraint of Senses."

The purpose of this Mindfulness Restraint is to develop particular habits of mindfulness conducive to progress along the path within and beyond the context of formal practice.

During a session of Calm Abiding or in daily life, one begins to focus on the third Point of Practice, that of the Senses:

• • Recalling "Mindfulness Restraint of Senses," one brings their senses back to a good poise as in Mindfulness of Senses practice.
    
    

  • Noting if sensory clinging is present, one brings their attention to the underlying sensory feeling.
    
    

  • Noting if sensory feeling is present, one brings their attention to the underlying sensory contact between sense object and sense gate.
    
    

  • Noting if sensory contact is present, one brings their attention to the underlying meeting of consciousness, sense organ, and sense object at the surface of the sense organ.
    
    

  • One allows sensory contact naturally, without reaching for or inviting sensory contact.
    
    

  • In resting, one allows the senses to fully withdraw into rest.
    
    

  • In waking, one allows the senses to arise to point of gently apprehending the external environment.
    
    

  • Tension, holding, or sense of urgency is released from the senses. The senses gently held, upright and supple, communicating satiety and contentment to the external environment and beings therein.
    
    

  • Eventually, one should begin to sense a reduction in craving for saturation of sense gratification or craving to alleviate an absence of sense gratification and an attenuation of clinging to the senses like a sensationalist newscast in daily life. Not expending oneself needlessly, steadiness begins to naturally gather in the senses, even in the presence of distractions and interruptions.
    
    

The fruition of Mindfulness Restraint of Senses is called Placement of Senses--letting the senses perceive space gently, with senses held neither too tight nor too loose, with a quality of restrained potential for the full extension of the senses. The senses appear steady and sated in stillness and movement.

May these words help the contented Asheyana practitioner to steadily abide in Placement of Senses with full mindfulness. May it be of benefit.