Chapter Twenty-Six Summary and Analysis

Mindfulness, investigation of phenomena, diligence, joy, ease, concentration and letting go are the seven factors of awakening or enlightenment, which Buddha taught reside within us. "Mindfulness always arises in the context of a relationship with ourselves, other people or things." Awakening is always available to us and needs only "favorable conditions." Investigation and allowing things to reveal themselves expands our boundaries. Energy is the result of feeling meaning in our lives; looking deeply lets us see the miracle of life. The fourth step, ease, is a release of stress and restful letting go. Joy, the fifth factor, "comes from touching things that are refreshing and beautiful, within and outside of ourselves." Concentration used for escape or negative means is not healthy, but when it is used to shine light on suffering it helps us develop understanding. Practicing equanimity transforms...