Sense Consciousnesses - Verse Twenty Nine

Their field of perception is things-in-themselves.
Their mode of perception is direct.
Their nature can be wholesome, unwholesome, or neutral.
They operate on the sense organs and the sensation center of the brain.

There are three fields of perceptions. The mode of representations and mere images are erroneous modes of perceptions. Only the mode of things-in-themselves is direct perception without distortions and delusions. This is discussed in verse eight.

Sense consciousnesses perceive in the field of things-in-themselves. They do not speculate or compare. When we look at a flower and do not compare or think about past experiences, we are in the field of things-in-themselves.

Perceptions in the field of things-in-themselves are wholesome in nature, however, when sense organs are not functioning properly they may be unwholesome or neutral.

We must practice perceiving in the field of things in themselves. We only create stress when the mind consciousness brings memories, emotions and notions into play.

Gross sense bases are the physical organs and subtle sense bases are the nerves associated with that organ. The subtle sense bases are also part of the organ bases where the sense consciousnesses operate.

Monks practice looking at objects without trying to think about them. They try to experience the world 'without the mind'. When we practice this meditation, the mind is free from anxiety. We don't need to close our eyes or sit in a meditation posture. We can carry on whatever we are doing, just being mindful that we do not bring memories, emotions and our preconceived notions into action. Many people develop fears due to past experiences. Many customer service reps and shop assistants do not want to deal with certain customers due to past experiences. Someone being rude is not our mistake but when our emotions get involved, then we experience discomfort. With a little bit of practice we can get through the difficult moments of our day without experiencing stress.

The more the time spent without stress and anxieties, the better it is. When we can do this successfully, we can show others how to do it. Then not only will we be relaxed and calm but the people around us too will be relaxed.

(Based on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.)

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