Drowsiness

Battaramulla
Siri Sudassanarama
sadaham senasuna
Ven. Dr. Mirisse Dhammika thero

" Restlessness and worry are the result as well as the cause of stress. We are all familiar with these. As with the first hindrance, sensuous desire, restlessness and worry come from ourselves not being fully engaged with the present moment. The mind “jumps” all over and is unable to settle down."

The Third hindrance, drowsiness, or lack of attention or the inability to concentrate properly, indicates that our mind is not alert and focused enough. Of course, drowsiness can be a result of physical fatigue, but here we are concerned with drowsiness and low energy in the absence of physical fatigue.

It is in a sense a “lazy” mind. When we see drowsiness appear, we should appreciate that this is a natural function of the mind, especially in the untrained or undisciplined mind. The untrained mind is unstable and shaky in that it cannot maintain concentration on a single object or subject for even a short period of time. For the undisciplined mind, one thought comes and is quickly overpowered by the next thought. A perfect analogy would be like bubbles in a stream: one bubble appearing and being quickly replaced by another, as they all flow along. The untrained mind lacks energy and determination, and these result from the “unstableness” of the mind. Some students are drowsy most of the time, especially when doing their schoolwork. Whenever they feel drowsiness, they should try to become more awake by becoming more aware: they should practice mindfulness on their drowsiness.

Restlessness and Worry

Restlessness and worry are the result as well as the cause of stress. We are all familiar with these. As with the first hindrance, sensuous desire, restlessness and worry come from ourselves not being fully engaged with the present moment. The mind “jumps” all over and is unable to settle down.

When in this state, the mind cannot concentrate on a single object. Then naturally follows worry, followed sometimes by the development of feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. The individual may think that he cannot achieve his goals because he doesn’t have the right direction to go. Again in this situation, the person who experiences restlessness should practice mindfulness as a means of settling down and resting the mind, thereby getting hold of it, as a horseman gets hold of a jumping horse. Mindfulness of breathing is most effective for the restless mind and will allow the person to gradually bring her awareness onto the present moment. When she see clearly her restless feelings, she can let go of them: she will then feel her mind becoming clear and she will be ready to concentrate properly.