Removal of Distracting Thoughts

Where was the Blessed One living when he addressed the bhikkhus in the Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta?

• Jeta's Grove, Anāthapiṇḍika's Park

• Lumbini Grove

• Deer Park in Sarnath

• Bodh Gaya

What should a bhikkhu give attention to when evil unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, hate, and delusion arise?

• Some other sign connected with what is wholesome

• True

• False

According to the Vitakkasaṇṭhāna Sutta, how many signs should a bhikkhu give attention to when pursuing the higher mind?

• Three

• Five

• Seven

• Ten

What is the result when a bhikkhu gives attention to something wholesome, according to the text?

• His mind becomes unstable and distracted.

• He experiences increased desire and delusion.

• His mind becomes steadied, quieted, and concentrated.

• He becomes more attached to material things.

According to the text, what should a bhikkhu do if unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, hate, and delusion arise while focusing on something wholesome?

• He should ignore these thoughts and continue his practice.

• He should examine the danger in these thoughts and recognize them as unwholesome.

• He should express these thoughts to others.

• He should change his focus to something unwholesome.

What should a bhikkhu do when he examines the danger in evil unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, hate, and delusion?

• He should ignore the thoughts and continue his daily activities.

• His mind becomes steadied internally, quieted, brought to singleness, and concentrated.

• He should discuss these thoughts with others to find a solution.

• He should engage in more activities to distract himself.

If evil unwholesome thoughts still arise after examining their danger, what is advised for a bhikkhu to do?

• He should try to forget those thoughts and not give attention to them.

• He should meditate more intensely.

• He should seek advice from a senior bhikkhu.

• He should write down the thoughts and analyze them later.

What is the result of not giving attention to evil unwholesome thoughts connected with desire, hate, and delusion, according to the text?

• The thoughts become more intense and frequent.

• The thoughts are abandoned and subside.

• The individual becomes more agitated and distracted.

• The individual loses focus and clarity of mind.

According to the text, what should one do if evil unwholesome thoughts still arise despite trying to forget them and not giving attention to them?

• Continue to ignore the thoughts.

• Seek advice from others.

• Give attention to stilling the thought-formation of those thoughts.

• Engage in physical activities to distract the mind.

What analogy is used in the text to describe the process of controlling one's sight and thoughts?

• A man walking fast and then choosing to walk slowly.

• A man with good eyes who chooses to shut his eyes or look away from unwanted forms.

• A man trying to listen carefully in a noisy environment.

• A man trying to balance while standing on one foot.