Five faults eight antidotes

• Laxity and lethargy
• Antidotes for coarse laxity
• Disadvantages of subtle laxity
• Remedy for subtle laxity
• Introspective awareness and mindfulness
• Stability and clarity
• Non-application of the antidotes and over application of the antidotes
• Six powers
• Four types of attention
• Nine stages of sustained attention

62 Five Faults Eight Antidotes (download)

Contemplation points

1. What is laxity? Make examples of coarse and subtle versions of laxity. How do you see these arise in your meditation sessions? What makes subtle laxity the worst fault when trying to generate serenity? What are antidotes that can be applied to each form of laxity?
2. The fourth fault is nonapplication of the antidote even when we know restlessness or laxity are present. Make personal examples of this from your meditation sessions.
3. The fifth fault is overapplication. It occurs when we apply antidotes to restlessness and laxity although they haven’t occurred. Make personal examples from your meditation sessions.
4. Review the five faults and identify them in your own meditation. Which one is the most troublesome for your present level of development?
5. Practice noticing each fault when it arises and applying its antidote. Do this over a period of time. What change do you see in your meditation?
6. What are the benefits of practicing the six powers and four types of attention? Really spend some time contemplating how each helps us to develop serenity.
   • Six Powers: hearing, reflection, mindfulness, introspective awareness, effort and complete familiarity
   • Four Types of Attention: tight focus, interrupted focus, uninterrupted focus and spontaneous focus