Comments on: Becoming Our Practice

By: Jerry

Jerry — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 01:04:50 +0000

Wade,

You are so right about practice. I watch myself do the silliest things sometimes; knowing that the most important thing I could be doing is meditating or reading something spiritual. I wonder…what’s up with that?..in my mind. I should be practicing, I think to myself. Thanks for expressing this gentle reminder so eloquently.

By: Bowing to a Statue?

Bowing to a Statue? — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:55:43 +0000

[...] you bow to another, you say thanks to them, you honour them, you also bow to their inherent perfect nature. This is the same nature that you yourself also have. In this way, when bowing to another, you bow [...]

By: blissbyte.com » Blog Archive » How Sitting Practice Enhances Life

blissbyte.com » Blog Archive » How Sitting Practice Enhances Life — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:41:19 +0000

[...] Through our practice, we engage in life. Observation on the cushion, informs how to act and interact with others. It’s often said that our practice is the cultivation of Wisdom and Compassion. This Wisdom and Compassion isn’t developed in isolation, it’s applied to life. [...]

By: How Sitting Practice Enhances Life at The Middle Way

How Sitting Practice Enhances Life at The Middle Way — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:14:13 +0000

[...] with a new understanding, a realization that life and practice must fully encompass one another. Through our practice, we engage in life. Observation on the cushion, informs how to act and interact with others. [...]

By: Gregor

Gregor — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:01:04 +0000

Great post.

I have long struggled with the “idea” of building motivation for practice—- well now I am coming to a realization that this is the wrong approach.

In fact what is needed is practice in spite of “motivation” or other such whims. I like your example of the study and discipline required for a medical practitoner.

I should look at Zazen this same way. Sit regardless of the myriad excuses that may arise. Pick a time and simpley do it!! I’m paraphrazing from a great post that Brad Warner wrote recently at his Hardcore Zen Blog – - and this post helped to drive the point home even further.

Having said all of this your point of embracing our human foibles is a great balance for this. . .as humans it is only natural that we make mistakes and have some resistance to practice; so fullying appreciating ourselves means understanding that side of our beings as well.

By: WaterLearner

WaterLearner — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 02:23:14 +0000

You are so right in citing the importance of Spiritual Practice. In my blog yesterday (http://waterlearner.blogspot.com/2007/06/when-going-get-tough.html) I had, coincidentally written about my situation of spiritual theories that I have heard or learnt being put to test.

One thing I come to realise for people who are in touch with spirituality is that … at times, we could fall into the trap of using such theories to demand a standard of behavior from others, and other times, into a state of being too harsh on ourselves.

Alas! We are still mortal beings made of blood and flesh still struggling in Samsara. With our deep aspirations to evolve to a more enlightened state, let us be more gentle on ourselves if time and circumstances put us in a stagnant state.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:41:46 +0000

Becoming my practice is a beautiful image that will stay with me as I put in the effort. Thank you Wade, for your wise words.

By: Mikael Aldridge

Mikael Aldridge — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:23:19 +0000

I like this idea of smiling upon one’s imperfect nature. In a meditation I use “may I accept myself just as I am” one is encouraged to touch oneself lightly on the cheek, like a mother to child and/or upon the heart.

-Mikael
http://www.mikaelaldridge.com