some encouragement...

[dumb bonbu]

for meditation on and off the cushion -

When the urge arises in your mind
To feelings of desire or angry hate,
Do not act! Be silent, do not speak!
And like a log of wood be sure to stay

And when your mind is wild or filled with mockery,
Or filled with pride or haughty arrogance,
Or when you would expose another's secret guilt,
To bring up old dissentions or to act deceitfully,

Or when you want to fish for praise,
Or criticize and spoil another's name,
Or use harsh language, sparring for a fight,
It's then that like a log you should remain

And when you yearn for wealth, attention, fame,
A circle of retainers serving you,
And when you look for honors, recognition,
It's then that like a log you should remain

And when you are inclined to overlook another's need
And want to get the best thing for yourself,
And when you feel the urge to speak,
It's then that like a log you should remain

Impatience, indolence, faintheartedness,
And likewise arrogance and careless speach,
Attachment to your side - when these arise,
It's then that like a log you should remain.

- Shantideva

[Drolma]

[Heruka]

It is a nice set of contemplations from mahayana sutric way. A set of contemplations on restraint, and with-drawl from karmic producing situations. Would be nicer still if original poster could find another teaching of Santideva, on what is to be found, within all that stillness and restraint of the mind. What is the reason behind such lessons of remaining like a "log".