After seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching,

discriminatory thoughts arise,

habits solidify, control lessens,

and suffering increases.

Through our senses, we perceive our world. Feelings arise, ideas form. Opinions become set. Liking this, I want more; disliking that, I want it to go away. Such impressions accumulate in our store consciousness. We form habitual ways of responding to our assumptions rather than the facts and act emotionally rather than with understanding.

Reacting from habits, we do not stop to formulate the wisest course of action. We respond automatically, unaware the control we had over our thoughts and behavior is waning. The more we fail to exercise control and the more careless we become, the more mistakes we make. Since we act negligently and harm others, our ensuing sufferings will worsen.

What can we do?

Observe clearly, but do not attach, do not discriminate.

Act compassionately from understanding, not uncontrollably from emotions.