Examining the assertions of the Buddha

The Buddha is either true or he is not, in his assertions about the nature of reality. What makes these assertions much more believable is the fact that there are many meditators, sages, saints, and people who undertake the inner voyage, who corroborate many of the same internal landmarks. This is something to consider. If it is true that our true nature is in keeping with what are generally viewed as positive qualities, such as love, compassion, joy, equanimity, and traits that are combinations of these four, and if it is also true that their antitheses, all of the neurotic qualities, such as fear, anger, jealousy, envy, self-loathing, and so on, are adventitious, or added on to the mind, then I am forced to come to only one conclusion. I will have to grow the former, and wean myself off the latter, if I want to fully embody my true nature.

It appears to me that these are not two distinct activities. These appear to be the same activity. When I grow my love, compassion, mudita and equanimity, I end up attenuating my neurotic qualities. The more I experience my own mind, the surer I become of this. An issue that I run into often at this point in my own path is the sheer force of habit. Habit is strong. Habit takes over when I am not at my most vigilant. There is wisdom in noting this, and keeping an eye out for habitual currents of mind.

On a practical note, it is easier to practice and work on my own mind early in the morning, when I am well rested and have more energy. At such a time, the neuroses barely have the power to consume my mind. It is when my body is weaker, and more fatigued, later in the day, that it is easier to take the habit energy of my neurotic elements to be reality.