The Buddha’s Teaching on Sensory Obsessions
The discussion centered around passages from Obsessions of the Mind from the Numerical Discourses of The Buddha, Translated by Bikkhu Bodhi. Venerable Dhammakusala explained that the Buddha systematically analyzed the six sense bases—eye and form, ear and sound, nose and odor, tongue and taste, body and touch, and mind and mind-objects.
For instance, the Buddha noted how the form, sound, odor, taste, and touch of a woman can obsess the mind of a man. More broadly, he taught that human beings are constantly drawn toward different sensory pleasures through these six channels. Left unchecked, these obsessions dominate our attention and drive our behavior.
To illustrate this, the Buddha used the striking metaphor of six wild animals—a monkey, crocodile, cobra, fox, and bird—all tied together by leashes. Each one pulls in its own direction, just as our senses tug at our attention in competing ways.
The teaching invites us to recognize this restless pull of the senses and cultivate mindfulness as a way to free ourselves from being dominated by them.
Meditation and the Power of a Primary Object
A major theme of the meeting was the importance of selecting a primary object for meditation, usually a bodily sensation. Venerable Dhammakusala explained that while our senses are constantly competing for dominance, we need an anchor to steady the mind.
- Sitting meditation: Use the breath as the primary object.
- Walking meditation: Use the steps as the anchor.
The group shared experiences of meditation practice. Joseph explained how he sometimes uses the breath as a “check-in point” rather than a constant focus. Venerable Dhammakusala responded that what matters most is knowing where your attention should be, even if thoughts occasionally distract you.
It is natural for attention to wander during meditation. The practice is not about eliminating distractions but about noticing when the mind has wandered and gently returning to the chosen object.
Practical Recommendation
The group agreed on a simple, consistent routine:
- 20 minutes of sitting meditation in the morning
- 20 minutes of walking meditation in the evening
In addition, mindfulness should extend beyond formal practice—into daily activities, conversations, and interactions—without disrupting them.
The Subtle Effects of Celibacy
Toward the end of the discussion, the group touched on the effects of celibacy for monks and nuns. Venerable Dhammakusala explained that when primary sensory desires remain unfulfilled, they often reappear in subtler ways.
Instead of manifesting as direct sexual desire, they may surface as anger, jealousy, or other mental difficulties. This reminds us that suppressing desires without understanding can have unintended psychological consequences.
The Buddha’s teaching on sensory obsession helps us see that desire is not merely about objects of attraction but about the way the mind fixates and grasps. True freedom lies in recognizing these obsessions and loosening their hold through mindfulness.
Conclusion
This meeting highlighted the Buddha’s timeless insights into the restless nature of the senses and their power to dominate the mind. Through mindfulness and meditation, we can gradually free ourselves from these obsessions and live with greater clarity and peace.
By consistently practicing—whether through daily meditation or mindful awareness in everyday life—we learn to anchor the mind, recognize distractions for what they are, and return to the present moment.
The teaching reminds us: it is not the world of the senses that binds us, but our obsession with it.
Awakening Friends 