I resolve not to engage in sexual misconduct
or in any sensory indulgence.
Instead, I will develop
the mind of self-restraint and purity.
Sensory indulgence underlies the warning against sexual misconduct. In our practice, we seek a pure mind—the state of a controlled mind, undisturbed by what it encounters.
And yet in daily life, we veer toward a conflicting mental state—one of excitement. While such stimulation feels enjoyable at the time, it wreaks havoc with our practice. Plus, sensory indulgence—be it visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, or mental— always ends in suffering.
How so?
The activity stops, and we miss it. Or we become disappointed by our failed attempts to duplicate the experience, feelings included. Or, maybe we just lose interest.
We need to realize that by indulging ourselves in the momentary satisfaction of our senses, we repeatedly distract ourselves from what truly matters—a serene, clear mind untroubled by momentary sensory distractions.