practice

we have a lot of work to do, nunks that is...not just nunks but anyone pursuing a spiritual practice path. What comes to your mind when I put that out there?
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That was space in which to reflect. Did reform come to mind? Did personal discipline? Did the world at large? Did the Sangha?

I was actually just thinking about our practice, the continuous effort of minding the mind, guarding, restraining, taming and training the mind. When disharmony arises observing the turbulence manifested is absorbing and then observing the resumption of calm is also and this is the practice we share at GD.

It is so good to remember this when hindrances jostle to the head of the line. It is a challenge to stay rooted in this effort rather than making plans and responding to conditions and participating in discussions not centered on that effort, after all the discussions can be so close, so almost about the practice. But then a check in with the heart reveals that no, the discussion is just about decorum or deportment or translation or some other artificial construct and its importance fades away. Excitement fades away and Stillness shines forth again. All is well.

This is the avenue of practice we choose at great determination. The Dhamma and the Discipline are ever present, crystalline and vibrant but how are they known? They are tested, weighed and evaluated by utilizing discernment developed in meditation. This makes for a slow and humble approach, a gentle and respectful review of events that is not without humor. Written guidelines are applied with generosity, compassion and wisdom. The hazards of comparing, measuring, and adhering to strict interpretations is recognized and the harm in them assiduously avoided.