Upāsaka

Over the course of time, views become straitjackets of the mind, preventing the mind from achieving liberation.

This happens when the mind clings to a view. For example, one might have the opinion that getting soaked in the rain is an annoying and unfortunate event. As one thinks this every time the event happens, a mental habit forms. This is what we call a view.

But that view does not align with reality, for getting soaked in the rain is neither good nor bad. It is what it is. Regardless, people still cling to the view, and they suffer as a result. This view is a straitjacket of the mind that prevents the mind from exploring other ways of seeing the situation. One might be able to perceive getting soaked in the rain as a fun and refreshing experience if it were not for the straitjacket.

To remove the straitjacket, one must carefully observe reality and always question whether a view is truly correct. This is difficult, as the view may be the result of years of mental conditioning. One must really get to the foundation of an experience and reexamine it. Only then does the straitjacket loosen up and possibly release its hold on the mind.