08/04/2026
Sayadaw U Tejaniya: “50/50” 28th March 2026
While working, while talking, while doing business—during times when we are working in daily life, it is important to be mindful. Even while doing general tasks, be mindful. Whatever you do, be mindful while doing it. Nowadays, people, if they try to be mindful, they feel they can no longer work; if they work, they are no longer mindful. Some people first establish mindfulness and then go do what needs to be done. But while doing it, mindfulness fades away again.
How can we remain mindful while working? In life, when working, we cannot be like we are in a meditation center—mindfully noting everything movement and staying that way. When I was practicing in daily life, I used to keep asking myself, "What is the mind knowing?" With this question, I repeatedly inquired into myself. At that time, whatever happened outside, I didn't try to stop it; instead, I kept asking myself, "What is the mind knowing?" over and over again. Day by day, I did what needed to be done, went where I needed to go, said what needed to be said, but in my mind, I frequently asked, "What is the mind knowing?" and kept reminding myself again and again. This is how I practiced. By doing just this and practicing, mindfulness remained constantly attached, constantly present. Whatever I did, I kept the radar always turned toward myself.
Keep mindfulness turned toward yourself, then do what needs to be done. Don't forget to keep it turned this way. Constantly remind yourself of this in life. It is very useful. Otherwise, mindfulness will keep fading away. Without that 50/50 balance, if you lean too much toward the other side, the mindfulness side weakens. If you lean too much toward the mindfulness side, then the other side weakens, and you won't know what to do. Suppose you are in a business meeting—you also need to direct your attention to what needs to be said, what needs to be listened to, and what needs to be thought about in the discussion. If instead you put too much emphasis on the side of maintaining awareness, you won't know what's happening in the meeting and will become confused.
If you sit at your shop and just focus on awareness, when a customer comes, you won't know what to reply. If you keep aware on the practicing side while also being aware of what's happening, then from the moment the customer arrives, you will be aware of everything—the sights, sounds, emotions, and the workings of the mind. Then, if the customer asks a question, you will already have the answer ready. If your mindfulness is very sharp, you can even guess what the customer wants to buy. Life will become increasingly easier.