When the Mind Becomes Sluggish

On an occasion, Monks, when the mind becomes sluggish, it is untimely to develop the Enlightenment factor of tranquility, the Enlightenment factor of concentration, and the Enlightenment factor of equanimity.

For what reason?

Because the mind is sluggish, Monks, and it is difficult to arouse it with those things.

Suppose, Monks, a man wants to make a small fire flare up. If he throws wet grass, wet cow dung, and wet timber into it, sprays it with water, and scatters soil over it, would he be able to make that small fire flare up?

‘No, venerable sir.’

So too, Monks, on an occasion when the mind becomes sluggish, it is untimely to develop the Enlightenment factor of tranquility, the Enlightenment factor of concentration, and the Enlightenment factor of equanimity.

For what reason?

Because the mind is sluggish, Monks, and it is difficult to arouse it with those things.

On an occasion, Monks, when the mind becomes sluggish, it is timely to develop the Enlightenment factor of investigation, the Enlightenment factor of energy, and the Enlightenment factor of joy.

For what reason?

Because the mind is sluggish, Monks, and it is easy to arouse it with those things.

Suppose, Monks, a man wants to make a small fire flare up. If he throws dry grass, dry cow dung, and dry timber into it, blows on it, and does not scatter soil over it, would he be able to make that small fire flare up?

‘Yes, venerable sir.’

So too, Monks, on an occasion when the mind becomes sluggish, it is timely to develop the Enlightenment factor of investigation, the Enlightenment factor of energy, and the Enlightenment factor of joy.

For what reason?

Because the mind is sluggish, Monks, and it is easy to arouse it with those things.

(Reference: SN 46.53)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares how to remedy a sluggish, lazy, and complacent mind.

Complacency: Dullness, Lethargy, Lack of Motivation (sloth and torpor)

Remedy: Enlightenment Factors of Investigation, Energy, and Joy

When the mind is sluggish, it would not be wise to practice the Enlightenment factors of tranquility, concentration, and equanimity as remedies for the sluggish mind.

Detailed explanation of The Seven Factors of Enlightenment is available in this same book series found in Chapter 3 of the book “Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment” (Volume 1).