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Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

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(1694-1748) said, "The human underst<strong>and</strong>ing is<br />

naturally right <strong>and</strong> has within itself a strength sufficient<br />

to arrive at the knowledge of truth <strong>and</strong> to distinguish it<br />

from error." Men<strong>and</strong>er (342-291 BC) said: "Our mind is<br />

God."<br />

Both Western <strong>and</strong> Eastern scholars emphasize that the<br />

mind should be brought under control. Horace said,<br />

"Rule your mind, which, if it is not your servant, is your<br />

master. Curb it with a bit; bind it with a chain."<br />

Publilius Syrus (circa 43 B.C.) said, "A wise man will<br />

be master of his mind, while a fool will be its slave."<br />

Marcus Aurelius said, "The mind unmastered by<br />

passions is a very citadel; for a man, no fortress more<br />

impregnable wherein to find refuge <strong>and</strong> be untaken<br />

forever." William Hazlitt (1778-1830) said, "The mind<br />

of man is like a clock that is always running down, <strong>and</strong><br />

requires to be as constantly wound up."<br />

However, Western scholars do not know how to train<br />

the mind, nor how to rid it of disturbance, sleepiness,<br />

<strong>and</strong> worldly delusions.<br />

1. Samatha<br />

A bit may control an entire horse, <strong>and</strong> a chain may<br />

restrain a mad lion, but they could do nothing for the<br />

mind, which is formless. A clock which has stopped<br />

may be wound up, but the sleeping mind cannot be<br />

"wound up" without awakening. It is a matter of religion<br />

<strong>and</strong> yoga, not only of ethics. All religions have some<br />

850

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