How does one cultivate uplifted energy (paggaha)?
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In the sutta quoted here the Buddha recommends cultivating in equal measure concentration, equanimity and uplifted energy.
As far as I know, in order to develop concentration one focuses the mind on an immobile object like a kasina, and for developing equanimity one observes the rise and fall of the breath.
Similarly, what practice can one perform in order to cultivate uplifted energy? Would shraddha (pious faith) and belief in the dhamma qualify? Or does it refer to moment to moment mindfulness?
Is there a specific meditation practice recommended?
> "A monk intent on heightened mind should attend periodically to three themes: He should attend periodically to the theme of concentration; he should attend periodically to the theme of uplifted energy; he should attend periodically to the theme of equanimity. If the monk intent on heightened mind were to attend solely to the theme of concentration, it is possible that his mind would tend to laziness. If he were to attend solely to the theme of uplifted energy, it is possible that his mind would tend to restlessness. If he were to attend solely to the theme of equanimity, it is possible that his mind would not be rightly concentrated for the ending of the fermentations. But when he attends periodically to the theme of concentration, attends periodically to the theme of uplifted energy, attends periodically to the theme of equanimity, his mind is pliant, malleable, luminous, & not brittle. It is rightly centered for the stopping of the fermentations.
SOURCE: [Nimitta Sutta: Themes - AN 3.100 (xi-xv) PTS: A i 255 Thai 3.103](http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an03/an03.100.11-15.than.html)
Asked by Buddho
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Sep 16, 2015, 05:43 AM
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