I am looking again at the principle of least action as being applicable to the path of change in mental states from initial conditions where klasha driven disfaction is high , through settling of the mind into harmony with direct experience -least action- and from there following a path of minimised attachment and maximum compassion and mental expansion through major changes in mental states to enlightenment. Gosh a long sentence. If this is a useful view, what might action be in this view?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPTMemory updated

In this view, “action” could be conceived as the cumulative effect of mental “effort” or intention, where each step in the path of mental transformation represents a discrete contribution to the overall trajectory toward enlightenment. Much like how action in physics is the integral of energy exerted over time, in this context, “mental action” might be understood as the sum of volitional shifts toward harmony with direct experience, reduction of attachment, and compassionate expansion.

Here’s one way to think of it: initial “high-action” states are klesha-driven, reactive, and disharmonious, requiring more energy (effort or intention) to maintain. Through mindful practice, this action begins to reduce as the mind settles into more stable, responsive, and harmonious states that resonate more with immediate, direct experience—analogous to a path of least action where resistance to change lessens.

Further along, as attachment minimizes and compassion grows, “mental action” might be experienced as a flow of responsiveness aligned with compassionate intent and an open, resonant awareness that feels effortless. This “least action” culminates in a state of enlightened awareness where action and effort converge into spontaneous, compassionate expression, effectively resonating with the dynamics of awakened experience.

4o

You said:

Gosh you are express my intuitive thinking on this in a coheremtND

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

I’m glad to hear that it resonates! It sounds like you’re exploring a profound and elegant view, where the natural flow of mental states moves from high-energy, attachment-laden dissatisfaction toward an open, resonant awareness that reflects the least-action principle. In this way, spiritual progress follows a path not of forced effort but of increasingly aligned, efficient, and harmonious mental shifts, leading to a compassionate and expansive state.

I’d be happy to help refine this further, especially if you’d like to build it into a talk or teaching on the dynamic process of transformation in Buddhism.

4o

You said:

Yes. But I would like to identify the most important parameters. For example , open hearted devotíon leading to the influence of other power as in fortuitous happenstance. Am I making sense?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPTMemory updated

You’re making excellent sense, and it sounds like you’re identifying open-hearted devotion as a key parameter in allowing for the influence of “other-power”—where the mind opens itself to grace or fortuitous influence, often experienced as unexpected moments of support or insight. In this model, devotion functions like a catalyst that enables the mind to “align” or resonate with forces beyond the self, which can guide the practitioner toward greater clarity or compassion with minimal personal effort.

Other potential parameters might include:

1. Intention – The direction and quality of mental focus, which sets the foundation for each step along the path.
2. Openness to Experience – A willingness to encounter reality as it is, reducing resistance and allowing natural harmony with experience.
3. Compassion – Serving as both a driving force and an expression of reduced self-centeredness, it helps expand the mental state.
4. Mental Stability and Presence – The ability to sustain awareness without distraction, aiding the shift toward “least action” as mental states stabilize.

These parameters can help map the dynamics from high klesha-driven states toward progressively more spacious, compassionate awareness where influences like “other-power” can act effectively. This blend of internal conditions with openness to external, sometimes surprising influences may indeed resemble a “least action” pathway. Would exploring these parameters in more depth be useful for your talk?

4o

You said:

I think I’ll go and meditate for a couple of days on just being open before coming back to this. Also I’ll share our discussion with a few Buddhist friends I think can contribute. Thanks.

ChatGPT

Thought for 5 seconds

That sounds like a thoughtful approach. I wish you a peaceful and insightful meditation. Whenever you’re ready to continue, I’ll be here to assist. Take care!

1/2

4o

You said:

can you give me our conversations for today and yesterday as am HLML file?

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

I’ve saved our recent conversations as an HTML file. You can download it here. Let me know if you’d like any further adjustments! ​​

4o

You said:

Thanks

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT

You’re very welcome! If you need any more help, just let me know. Enjoy your meditation and sharing these insights!