The Most Sacred Resource. . .
In modern life, attention is constantly claimed. Notifications, obligations, worries, and desires all compete for it. Buddhism treats attention not as a commodity, but as the foundation of freedom.
Where attention goes, the mind follows. When attention is scattered, life feels thin and rushed. When attention is steady, even simple moments become rich.
Practice begins by noticing how attention is spent. Not judging, just seeing. How much of the day is lived on autopilot? How often are we present for what we are doing?
At home, attention reveals subtle beauty. Light through a window. The rhythm of breath. The sound of ordinary life. These moments are easy to miss when the mind is elsewhere.
At work, attention supports quality. Fewer mistakes. Clearer thinking. Less reactivity. When attention is trained, work becomes more skillful and less draining.
Leisure becomes meaningful when attention is whole. A walk becomes immersive. Music becomes absorbing. Rest becomes deep.
Protecting attention requires intention. Saying no when needed. Reducing unnecessary input. Creating pauses. These are not luxuries. They are necessities for mental health and clarity.
Buddhism reminds us that attention is not infinite. How we use it shapes the life we experience. When we treat attention with respect, the mind settles. When the mind settles, wisdom has space to arise.
Peace and Love, Jim
#sacred #thedailybuddha #tdb