http://m.timesofindia.com/home/opinion/edit-page/Bodyguard-and-mindguard/articleshow/9970757.cms

• the nature of the mind is peaceful and calm
• looking inward is the essence of spirituality
• mindfulness and awareness are the guards employed at the door of the senses

Shantideva  “Except the conduct of guarding the mind, where is the need of many conducts?”

From the school of hard knocks, I personally know this to be sooooooooooo true!! :

It is a good thing to apportion a fixed time for spiritual pursuits such as prayer, chanting and meditation. But if the doors of the senses are not guarded for the rest of the time, you could become vulnerable to klesha. It will hunt you down and churn your mind. Then the few hours of prayer or meditation are less likely to have the desired effect. That is why sages and seers recommend continuous practice and mindfulness.