What does "picking up the aggregates" mean, and does it apply in this example?
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In my quest to develop virtue, sometimes, I get distracted and entangled in thoughts. When I am in thoughts, virtuous conduct is halted.
The reason why I get entangled in thoughts, is usually because of attachment. For example, attachment to what someone thinks about me. My head starts ruminating and I am not being mindful or diligent or metta in the present moment.
One way to phrase this came to mind, inspired by a sutta describing enlightenment.
To paraphrase the relevant part of the sutta:
> Picking up the aggregates is a burden, laying them down is blissful
Inspired by this, **when I become distracted, I think of it like this:**
> **Instead of having practiced the eightfold path, I picked up the aggregates**
**Since I still don't grasp enlightenment or anatta, I am unsure if this is a helpful application of that phrase.**
What do you think?
Asked by Gondola Spärde
(461 rep)
Nov 13, 2025, 12:47 PM
Last activity: Nov 14, 2025, 11:29 PM
Last activity: Nov 14, 2025, 11:29 PM