The Root of Drowsiness in Practice

This is a record of an interview with Venerable Yongning, who reflects upon the common obstacles faced by practitioners at the Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre in Australia. This account addresses the nature of drowsiness and mental distraction in the context of spiritual cultivation. Recorded by the chief writer, Shi Fajing, on May 31, 2023.

Venerable Yongning speaks:

"Namo Amituofo. I am Yongning. In observing the state of practice within our temple, I have noticed that falling into a state of drowsiness, lethargy, or drifting into 'space'—a state of mental vacancy—is a common phenomenon. This is not unique to our centre; it is a situation frequently encountered in many other temples as well.

The Danger of Complacency

Because this situation is so visible and common, one might be tempted to think it is something that does not require urgent attention. That would be a grave mistake. Precisely because every practitioner encounters these states, it signifies that they are the very obstacles that must be overcome. Only those who truly conquer these states can break free from the control of other beings and ultimately depart from the six realms of existence to achieve liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. Otherwise, one will simply remain among the same cycle of beings, unable to be reborn in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss because of this persistent drowsiness, lethargy, and the tendency to drift into empty space.

I have observed that some people hold the misconception that this state is merely a passing phase. They believe that when the 'right time' comes, it will naturally improve. Consequently, they become careless and indifferent toward their own state of drowsiness.

The Illusion of the 'Right Time'

It is true that this is a transitional period in one's practice, a stage that most people must pass through. However, if you believe that it will simply resolve itself when the time is right, you will wait forever. That 'right time' is not a gift of fate; it must be earned through your own accumulated, diligent practice over time. You must adjust your body and mind, accumulate merit and virtue, and resolve the conflict with your karmic creditors. Only then is it possible to pass through this transitional period and break through the barrier of drowsiness to reach that moment of breakthrough. If you remain the same every day—lacking vigour in your practice and being passive in your actions—that 'right time' will never arrive. You will only find yourself taking step after step further down the path of reincarnation.

The Lion's Roar of Awakening

Within the temple, one can often hear the voice of Practitioner Su, whose 'Lion's Roar' constantly seeks to awaken those who are drowsy. He often says, 'It happens to both men and women.' Indeed, this situation is found in both men and women alike, because regardless of gender, every individual carries the weight of their own karma.

The reasons for each person's drowsiness are not identical, but regardless of the specific factors, they are almost always inseparable from one's own intentions. Intentions can make you proactive or passive; they can turn your thoughts toward the righteous path or toward negativity. Furthermore, your intentions can attract your karmic creditors from accumulated lifetimes. Therefore, your intentions truly govern everything.

The Cycle of Novelty and Fatigue

One can observe that when a person does something for the first time, they are usually full of energy. This is because the experience feels fresh, and they are filled with curiosity about every detail, allowing them to be fully focused. It is like attending a Dharma assembly for the first time; one is so curious that drowsiness simply does not appear. However, after attending the same Dharma assembly time and time again, one begins to feel weary and bored. It is then that the frequent occurrence of drowsiness, lethargy, or drifting into 'space' begins. At this moment, it is clear that one's 'intentions' have begun to play a negative role.

What kind of intention leads to this state of drowsiness? Perhaps it is an intention focused on one's own physical sensations—a sudden thought that 'I am tired' or 'This is boring.' The head may then become filled with a multitude of wandering thoughts. When these thoughts saturate the entire head, one becomes highly susceptible to interference from external spirits or one's own karmic creditors, and in an instant, one is pulled into that state of mental vacancy.

The Necessity of Respect

I have clearly observed that for most people, the state of drowsiness is also deeply related to a lack of respect. The specific intentions behind this lack of respect may vary from person to person, but whenever one lacks respect for the Buddhist work being performed—whether it is a Dharma assembly, reciting the Sutras, performing prostrations, or walking meditation—one inevitably becomes lax and indulgent. In a state where focus cannot be maintained, it is inevitable that one will be influenced and fall into the appearance of drowsiness.

Every person should be aware of the root cause of their own drowsiness. What are the uncorrected intentions or mental note that you hold? What strong personality traits have you failed to change, leaving you frequently controlled by other beings? Regardless of the factors involved, you should observe them every time you feel drowsy and work to change them. Only by constantly changing can you walk the path of 'breakthrough' and successfully navigate this transitional period of drowsiness.

Namo Amituofo."