How to See Yourself As You Really Are

by Dalai Lama XIV

At this point, it can help to lower the object and imagine it as heavier.

Too excited mind

Meditative Reflection 1. To counter laxity, which is a too-loose way of perceiving the meditative object: First try to tighten just a little your way of holding the object. If that does not work, brighten or elevate the object or pay closer attention to its details. If that does not work, leave the intended object and temporarily think about a joyous topic, such as the marvelous qualities of love and compassion or the wonderful opportunity that a human lifetime affords for spiritual practice. If that does not work, leave off meditating and go to a high place or one where there is a vast view. 2. To counter excitement, which is a too-tight way of perceiving the meditative object: First try to loosen just a little your way of imagining the object. If that does not work, lower the object in your mind and imagine it as heavier. If that does not work, leave the intended object and temporarily think about a topic that makes you more sober, such as how ignorance brings about the sufferings of cyclic existence, or the imminence of death, or the disadvantages of the object to which you have strayed and the disadvantages of distraction itself. By learning these techniques you will gradually develop the ability to apply them when you notice problems with your quality of attention while meditating.

Steps medication mind