May a Deep Resolution Arise

This brief text on resolutions, the use of inner intentions in meditation, has been written for the benefit of teachers and experienced mindfulness, vipassana, and shamatha practitioners. It is especially intended to be useful for those in long retreats. — Jack Kornfield

is a Pali word that describes a quality of strong determination, one of the paramis, or “inner perfections.” It also refers to the practice of making inner resolutions. These are skillful means used to evoke and access beneficial inner qualities, especially when a practitioner has developed deep concentration. Resolutions can be used to direct the mind toward particular meditative states, as well as to invite wisdom to arise. The practice of meditative resolutions is found in many forms. They are used in contemporary Theravada lineages, such as those of Mahasi Sayadaw, U Pandita Sayadaw, and in the Thai Forest Tradition. The application of these practices also has much in common with Chan and Zen koan introspection, as well as certain Vajrayana trainings.