Mindfulness Restraint of Attention

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 fourth Foundation of Mindfulness, Mindfulness of Attention, one can begin to work with this extension to the practice, "Mindfulness Restraint of Attention."

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 fourth Point of Practice, that of the Attention:

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

  • Noting if distraction, heaviness, or hesitation is present in the attention, one gently places their attention evenly on the object one intends.
    
    

  • Noting if the attention is repelled from the object one intends or attracted to the object one does not intend, one gently places their attention evenly on the object one intends.
    
    

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

  • In waking, one allows the attention to arise to even placement on the object one intends.
    
    

  • Scatteredness, enchantment, and ambivalence are released from the attention. communicating deliberate and considered placement to the external environment and beings therein.
    
    

  • Eventually, one should begin to sense a reduction in craving to let one's attention flit from entertainment to entertainment and an attenuation of clinging to objects of attention as reinforcement of identity in daily life. Not expending oneself needlessly, a deliberate steadiness begins to naturally arise in the attention, even in the presence of object variety and attention demand.
    
    

The fruition of Mindfulness Restraint of Attention is called Placement of Attention--letting the attention focus in response to one's intention, with attention held neither too tight nor too loose, with a quality of restrained potential for the full direction of the attention. The attention appears composed and focused in stillness and movement.

May these words help the steady Asheyana practitioner to intentionally direct the Placement of Attention with full mindfulness. May it be of benefit.