Joseph Goldstein - Insight Hour - Ep. 79 - Turning the Wheel of the Dharma: Wise Attention

Ancient spiritual teachings remind us that underneath all the turmoil of the confused samsaric mind we are all awake by nature.

This birth has occurred through many causes and conditions that may not be present in the future. Such a recognition creates a strong motivation for us not to fritter our time away and waste the opportunities that we have but to devote ourselves to practice (4.4).

Normally we are unaware of the extent to which we are distracted, for the simple reason that distraction is a state of unawareness. This kind of exercise can force us to recognize that for much of the time we fail to register what is happening here and now.

Be particularly vigilant with respect to the arising of the five hindrances: desire, aversion, sleepiness, restlessness, and doubt.