Settling the mind: recognising joyful and pleasant feelings, and letting go of wandering thoughts

When wandering thoughts subside, the mind gives rise to subtle sensations. The meditator's task is to know them without clinging to them.

Joyful feeling (hỷ thọ)

The delight felt as wandering thoughts settle. Simply know it; do not crave it or hold on to it.

Pleasant feeling (lạc thọ)

A soft, smooth sensation, subtler than joyful feeling. However agreeable it is, you must still be clearly aware of the breath. The Teacher warns that if the breath is forgotten, the ego will grow quietly.

Letting go of wandering thoughts

There are three stages: being swept away by wandering thoughts; knowing them but not yet wanting to stop; and knowing them and then resolving to stop.

The sense of the mind

When wandering thoughts and emotions have fully settled, the mind is bright and at peace. The breath is still known, though at a very subtle level, because the ego is still hidden away.