Why Is Morality Important for the Practice of Meditation?

QUESTION 10: WHY IS MORALITY IMPORTANT FOR THE PRACTICE OF MEDITATION?

ANSWER: The evolution of the mind from its lowest to highest state follows a clear progression:

●An Unwholesome Mind (Lacking morality, filled with faults and harmful tendencies)
●A Mixed Mind: Containing both wholesome and unwholesome qualities.
●A Purely Wholesome Mind.
●A Serene Mind
●A Wise Mind
●An Enlightened Mind: Reflecting the quality of the Saints

Let us start with the honest premise that we begin with an unwholesome mind—one that lacks true morality and still harbors negativity, faults, and harmful tendencies. If our goal is to attain a serene mind capable of deep meditative absorption, there is no other path but to cultivate profound morality.

We must commit ourselves to deeply nurturing our virtuous character and gradually reducing unwholesomeness. At first, our mind may be a mix of good and bad, but through persistent and sincere practice, we can refine it until it becomes purely wholesome. Only when our mind is fully aligned with virtue can we confidently and genuinely progress into the deeper realms of meditation.

In truth, as we cultivate morality, we must also practice meditation. Cultivating morality and practicing meditation must go hand in hand. Meditation helps focus the mind, creating opportunities to recognize and confront inner faults. Upon reaching the first stage of meditative absorption or meditative ecstasy (First Jhana), the mind transitions away from unwholesomeness. However, even at this level, conceit or pride (Māna) lingers. True liberation from conceit is only achieved upon reaching the Non-Self state of an Arahant (Arhat), where the deeply ingrained instinct of pride and conceit, which shadows us across lifetimes, is finally eradicated. Pride is a formidable and insidious force. It is not merely a fleeting emotion but a powerful instinct that follows us from lifetime to lifetime, always waiting for the perfect moment to unravel our spiritual merit.

Achieving flawless morality through individual effort alone is nearly impossible. Morality is not merely a human endeavor but a sacred quality bestowed by the Enlightened Ones. To nurture morality within ourselves, we must cultivate deep reverence for the Buddha and earnestly seek the blessings of the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Saints.

The first step is to pray for humility, the mindset of always seeing ourselves as ordinary and inferior, fostering respect for everyone around us.

Secondly, we must develop an infinite love for all beings. This is not an instant transformation but a lifelong prayer, often requiring five to ten years for a genuine spark of compassion to ignite within the heart.

Thirdly, we must cultivate profound and unwavering reverence for the Buddha, who embodies absolute enlightenment. This devotion should remain steadfast across countless lifetimes, anchoring our lives in boundless reverence for the Buddha.

Beyond humility, compassion, and reverence, numerous other virtues must be cultivated:
●Patience in Adversity: The ability to endure difficult circumstances with grace.
●Persistence in Pursuing Virtuous Deeds: A steadfast commitment to following the path of righteousness.
●Selflessness: Living entirely for the well-being of others, regardless of whether their nature is good or bad.
●Calmness and Composure: Maintaining a steady and balanced mind without becoming irritable, defensive, hasty, or angry, no matter the situation.
●Caution and Thoroughness: Observing everything with keen attention to detail, avoiding mistakes and potential dangers.
●Freedom from Greed and Self-Interest: Not seeking fame or material gain for oneself; if recognition or wealth arises, using it solely as a tool to serve others.
●Diligence and Dedication: Working hard to serve and contribute, understanding that laziness is a negative trait.
●Generosity in Sharing Knowledge and Talents: Openly sharing skills and insights with others instead of keeping them hidden.
●Encouragement of the Good: Praising and uplifting those who demonstrate goodness, inspiring those who are still striving.
●Strictness in Correcting Wrongs: Holding those who err accountable, offering correction instead of indulgence.
●Joyfulness as a Gift: Maintaining a cheerful demeanor, offering joy as a present to those around you.
To embody these virtues, continuous prayer for the blessings of the Buddhas is essential. Alongside prayer, Right Consideration serves as a practical tool for cultivating a moral heart. This means consciously directing our thoughts only toward what is wholesome and virtuous while diligently eliminating any harmful or negative thoughts.

This practice demands meticulous attention, monitoring our thoughts moment by moment to prevent any lapse or misstep. Each day, we encounter countless situations, and in every scenario, our goal is to maintain noble and morally aligned thoughts. This is both a challenging and fascinating practice, where each situation becomes a test of our ability to apply Right Consideration effectively.

Every moment, we must ask ourselves, “What is the most virtuous thought I can have in this situation?” Whether it is:
●Meeting an old friend who is still struggling with poverty.
●Witnessing a car accident on the road.
●Observing a long line of people entering a hospital.
●Hearing the news of a child in the neighborhood achieving high academic success.

In each of these scenarios, the task is to generate the highest and most virtuous thoughts possible. Each time we manage to think with compassion, wisdom, and integrity, our heart becomes a little more virtuous. Over time, these small but consistent efforts accumulate, gradually transforming our mind into a sanctuary of morality and goodness.

Written by:
Janna

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