Overview
The defilement of laziness (kusīta) is a master of justification. The Buddha acutely analyzed human psychology and listed the eight specific excuses the mind generates to avoid putting effort into spiritual practice. In every single scenario of daily life, the lazy mind finds a reason to sleep rather than meditate.
The List
- Anticipating work: “I have a job to do. Doing it will make me tired. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Finished work: “I have finished the job. I am tired. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Anticipating a journey: “I have to go on a journey. It will make me tired. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Finished a journey: “I have returned from a journey. I am tired. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Lacking food: “I went for alms but didn’t get enough food. My body is weak. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Full of food: “I went for alms and ate a huge meal. My body is heavy like a soaked bean. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Slightly sick: “I feel a slight illness. I need to rest. Let me lie down and sleep.”
- Recovering from sickness: “I have just recovered from an illness. My body is still weak. Let me lie down and sleep.”
Textual References
- Canonical: Kusītārambhavatthu Sutta (AN 8.80) – The Buddha exposes these eight excuses to warn monks against falling prey to the tricks of their own lethargy.