Speaker: Paddy McCarthy. Three approaches can help us to avoid self-aggression when working with habitual patterns of thought: an outer approach (seeking external support); an inner approach (self-reflecting), and a secret approach (recognizing the nature of interdependent origination). The outer approach, which relies on using external supports such as maintaining practice records or working with “practice buddies,” is a useful though limited way to cultivate beneficial habits of thought and to challenge harmful ones. The inner approach, which relies on self-reflection, engages us in investigating the thoughts that present obstacles to progressing on the path; it has the added benefit of allowing us to develop our resolve and to understand how our thought process imputes our reality. Finally, the secret approach, which involves recognizing the nature of interdependent origination, provides a broader context for understanding how habitual patterns of thought arise and how we can free ourselves from them by coming to understand their true nature.

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