The practice
When a real gladness arrives — an old friend appearing, unexpected good news, a reunion — turn towards the gladness itself in the moment it is happening. Do not analyse the situation that produced it. Let the feeling be the object and let the mind be absorbed in it.
What it works on
The text picks this example carefully. Reunion joy is sudden, undeniable and impossible to fake, which makes it an unusually clear specimen for a practice that depends on recognising joy as it occurs.
Notes
- Nothing about this requires you to leave the conversation. It is done while the moment is happening.
Practise gently
Shoonyaka offers educational and contemplative material, not medical, psychological or religious authority. Nothing here diagnoses or treats any condition. Stop any practice that leaves you dizzy, frightened or unwell, and treat a strong reaction as a reason to rest rather than to push on.