Grammer #04.
As we progress through the stages of jhanas, concentration becomes the factor of enlightenment. Using concentration as a power tool, we focus the mind like a laser beam on the five aggregates. Our concentration penetrates to the three universal characteristics of all conditioned things: the reality of constant change, the unsatisfactory nature of everything that exists, and the complete absence of a permanent soul. These characteristics are no longer a theory. We recognize them as essential truths. In jhana, mindfulness, and concentration work together to dissolve all barriers to achieving realization.
He punched me playfully on the arms. “Lighten up, young man,” he said. “First of all, you’re about a foot and a half taller than me, so no, I’m not about to rob you. Second… There is a benefit to not owning a bunch of stuff.” I looked at him blankly, so he went on: “You are safe. Not only am I not going to rob you; neither is anybody else. You got nothing to take!” He paused, aware that I was not smiling. In fact, quite the opposite - I was becoming angry.
Jay Mangum represented an elevator-escalator maintenance company in Tusla, Oklahoma, which had the maintenance contract for the escalators in one of Tusla’s leading hotels. The hotel manager did not want to shut down the escalator for more than two hours at a time because he did not want to inconvenience the hotel’s guests. The repair that had to be made would take at least eight hours, and his company did not always have a specially qualified mechanic available at the convenience of the hotel.
Man has always asked this question: what is it all about? Has life any meaning at all? He sees the enormous confusion of life, the brutalities, the revolts, the wars, the endless divisions of religion, ideology and nationality, and with a sense of deep abiding frustration he asks, what is one to do? what is this thing call living? is there anything beyond it?
It is a game. Your opponent sits opposite you. Both of you behave as gentlemen or ladies, observing the rules of the game and taking nothing personally. You play with a strategy and you observe your opponent’s move with as much calmness as you can muster. In the end, you will appreciate the politeness of those you are playing with more than their good and sweet intentions. Train your eyes to follow the result of their moves, the outward circumstances, and do not be disturbed by anything.