Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche comments,
“To cultivate a steady mind independent of circumstances, we must work with the mind itself. Working directly with the mind uncovers the inherent quality of meditative awareness.”
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, a prominent Tibetan Buddhist monk and teacher, here emphasizes the importance of cultivating a steady mind regardless of external circumstances. He directly asserts that the key to achieving this lies in directly engaging with the mind itself. In fact, in the Tibetan language, the word for meditation, “ghom/gom,” means “to become familiar with.” To become familiar with something, one needs to get to know it.
To become familiar with the mind, we start by observing the mind without judgment, acknowledging its fluctuations, and gradually learning to stabilize it through techniques such as mindfulness and concentration. Developing a deeper understanding of the workings of the mind can gradually help detach from the grip of external events and emotions, fostering a sense of inner tranquillity amidst difficulties.
Rinpoche’s teachings highlight the transformative power of meditation, offering a pathway to liberation from the cycles of discontent through an unwavering commitment to working with the mind rather than controlling it or entering into conflict with it. So befrending the mind thus, in turn, this can cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity that remains unshaken amidst life’s inevitable ups and downs.
Originally published at https://now-about-meditation.com on April 30, 2024
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