Saturday, August 09, 2008

The value of restraint

Our culture often gives the message that happiness depends on having as few restraints as possible, that the more we can do exactly what we want and have our own way the better off we'll be. No so. Truly!

With restraint, we are open to everything that arises, but we see with discriminating wisdom, without becoming lost or forgetful. With wisdom and awareness we can see that there are skillful activities that are conducive to greater happiness and understanding, and there are unskillful ones that lead to further suffering and conflict. Restraint is the capacity we have to discriminate one from the other, and the strength and composure of mind to pursue the skillful course.

-- Joseph Goldstein

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