The Nature of the Human Body and Mind : หน้า 20/47

the physical nature of the average human body consists of an articulated vertical spine and skeletal frame that enable efficient movement for standing, walking, running and sitting. this framework also permits desirably effective movement and flexibility in the horizontal plane and while resting. although this structure is practical, versatile and efficient, its mortal make-up will ensure that in due course the four elements will break down and degrade to their original form, and any acquisition or contamination will suffer the same fate. this is the mortal nature of the human body. this confirms that we are all on 'Death Row' in the prison of life, without any chance of parole or escape. MIND The mind is a refined element with the ability to 'know' and/or 'understand.' It is also a vault of memories we have collected over many lifetimes. the original state of mind is selfs-luminous, crystal clear, sperlerical and as small as a human eye. however, on becoming infected with kilesa, the mind's self-luminescence deteriorates further and further, diminishing its ability to 'know.' Too referenced to be seen with the human eye, the mind is visible and can be felt only when its luminescence is restored so that true perception with clarity and shape is achieved through reconnecting with the refined channel of our 'inner eye.' Since the mind acts like a satellite which receives impulses from the sensory organs, the eyes, nose, ears, tongue and skin, the quality of the mind directly affects the way we perceive the world. Once defilements diminish the mind's brightness and clarity, it distorts the impulses received by the sensory organs which are sent to the mind, forcing us to perceive the world in a false way. KILESA However, when our mind becomes clouded with kilesa (defilements such as greed, anger and delusion), the brightness and clarity of the mind is diminished, causing our perception and responses to be inaccurate and inappropriate. We may therefore conclude that kilesa should be perceived as a true enemy of our efforts to be good human beings or educators.