Mindfulness Restraint of Phenomena

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

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 fifth Point of Practice, that of the Mind:

• • Recalling "Mindfulness Restraint of Phenomena," one brings the phenomenal of expression of mind back to a good poise as in Mindfulness of Phenomena practice.
    
    

  • Noting if unwholesome or path-irrelevant qualities or attributes accompany one's experience of phenomena, one gently shifts their perception to seeing the path-connected purpose of the expressing phenomena.
    
    

  • In resting, one allows phenomena to dissolve in rest.
    
    

  • In waking, one gently shifts their perception to seeing the path-connected purpose of expressing phenomena.
    
    

  • Unwholesome or path-irrelevant qualities of phenomena are abandoned. Wholesome and path-relevant qualities of phenomena are allowed to arise, communicating purposeful living to the external environment and beings therein.
    
    

  • Eventually, one should begin to sense a reduction in appearance of and craving for recognition of unwholesome or path-irrelevant attributes or qualities in expressed phenomena and an attenuation of clinging to unwholesome or path-irrelevant attributes or qualities in expressed phenomena as reinforcement of identity in daily life. Not expending oneself needlessly, qualities of energy, tirelessness and effortlessness begin to naturally arise in one's phenomenal experience, even in the presence of unpleasant and undesirable phenomena.
    
    

The fruition of Mindfulness Restraint of Phenomena is called Placement of Phenomena--letting one's phenomenal experience move towards path-driven purpose, with a sense of knowing held neither too tight nor too loose, with a quality of restrained potential for the full release of knowing peace. Phenomenal experience appears bright and unimpeded in stillness and movement.

May these words help the purposeful Asheyana practitioner to dwell brightly in the Placement of Phenomena with full mindfulness. May it be of benefit.