"I have also realised that one
must accept the thoughts that go on within oneself of their own
accord as part of one's reality. The categories of true and false
are, of course, always present but because they are not binding
they take second place. The presence of thoughts is more important
than our subjective judgment of them. But neither must these
judgments be suppressed, for they are also existent thoughts which
are part of our wholeness." (So, be mindful of
everything.)
- Sayadaw U
jotika
I think the first and most
important thing a person should clearly see in their practice is to
see the truth that unwholesome thoughts make a person unhappy. It’s
not about trying to overcome them, but just to see them plainly and
clearly.
- Sayadaw U
jotika
To see my mind through and
through, and not to deceive myself is now the most important task
for me. When I don’t believe in something, it is very important for
me to see clearly that I don’t believe in it instead of trying to
believe it.
- Sayadaw U
jotika
I think a person’s (my) most
important task is to understand themself (myself) well; to
understand everything happening in life deeply and not just
philosophically; to understand my own motive and attitude very
clearly when I say something or do something; to understand without
distortion how I feel about something I’ve heard, seen, etc. (the
true reaction of my mind); not to be deceived by anybody, or to
deceive myself; not to follow anybody; not to have an ideal just
because it sounds beautiful, but to find out for myself whether it
is natural, possible, and about the consequences; and to know my
own capacity when I undertake to do something. When I understand
all those things clearly then I can think of helping others.
Otherwise I will be deceiving myself and also deceiving others in
the name of helping others. Helping others can become
self-aggrandisement. I see this self-aggrandisement
everywhere.
- Sayadaw U jotika