July-07

Thought for the day: July 1, 2007

Set a time for practice every day. If you miss a day here and there, your practice
will suffer. If you miss a week here and there, it will die. If you practice everyday, it
will gradual change from a task requiring effort to a source of happiness you cannot
do without.

Our busy modern lives provides many excuses "why" we cannot practice. We
should be ready to reschedule our practice just like we would reschedule any other
appointment. and not simply miss a day because "something came up."

A practice is "built" over time. Even though we may be practicing correctly, it takes
time to identify with it. Often it can take years until the gears mesh and you feel
engaged with your practice. Therefore, be patient with yourself. Grass will not grow
faster by pulling it.

Thought for the day: July 2, 2007

Asceticism has many benefits. It helps us to see through the veil of our desire mind
and feel the freedom of our true nature. But, often asceticism is viewed as being out
of reach for those of us who are lay people living in the world. Nothing could be
further from the truth.

Asceticism is a relative dharma and can be practiced by anyone. The same ascetic
disciplines that a monk or yogi applies to his practice can be applied to by anyone
engaged in the common mundane world. We need only contemplate our daily
activities and consider carefully those aspects of our lives where energy is flowing
out and not returning. In other words, we should consider unprofitable outflows of
energy and cut them off.

The mind tends to think more, more, more; whether we are a monk, yogi, or lay
person, makes no difference. We have the power to go against this flow and think,
less, less, less. Asceticism is an inner discipline and has little to do with outward
appearances. The layperson engaged in the world with a sense of discipline and
sacrifice for the sake of the dharma is a true ascetic.

To blame one's position in life as being unsuitable for practice is an intellectual game
of a lazy mind. Opportunity always exists to apply ascetic discipline. It is only a matter
of taking an honest look at ourselves and gradually channeling unnecessary outflows
of energy into more profitable directions---going against the flow.

Thought for the day: July 3, 2007

I met a bike racer some years ago who raced from Canada to Southern California. I
asked him how he focused his mind during the many days of the race. He said that
whenever he got on his bike he set a goal for the day; but once on the bike he never
looked more than a few feet in front of him.

Dharma practitioners can learn something from this. Often people quit meditation
and dharma study because they became overwhelmed by the task and feel unworthy,
as well. Often this happens when a practitioner gets too far ahead of himself at the
beginning, and is abruptly slammed into his limitations. While it is important to
understand where you are going, it is also important to concentrate on where you
actually are. A humble attitude, with a view towards small achievements each day,
will carry one further than great expectations.

Just as the bike rider maintained his focus by concentrating several feet before him,
rather than the mountains, valleys, and cities, to cross, so also, the realization of our
true nature is achieved by paying attention to the common acts of daily life with a
view towards bringing them into our practice. Seemingly ordinary activities are
pregnant with opportunity to embody higher principles of thought and action. If we
recognize and seize these opportunities, we will find that our active lives will be a
great support for our meditative lives (and in fact, eventually merge.)

Thought for the day: July 4, 2007

There is a saying: "There are no fixed dharmas in Buddhism." This saying urges us not to
cling to dharmas as real in an ultimate sense. There are several ways that dharma can be
translated, but let us here regard it as teaching of the Buddha.

The teachings are a means to an end. The dharma is an aid to self-realization. It is not
something to be objectified and played with in an exercise of intellectual gymnastics. The
dharma is to be applied to one's practice and not put on a pedestal and worshipped
meaninglessly.

Recently, I read a discussion between a Buddhist who engages in interfaith dialog express
his frustration with a Buddhist who claimed that the Buddha taught that no enlightenment is
possible without taking refuge in the "Triple Gem:" The Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
(monks and nuns.) To which the advocate of interfaith dialog asked: "If that is the case, who
did the Buddha take refuge in?"

The Buddhist path is a path of compassion and integration with our fellow human beings with
whom we share this great planet. The principles the Buddha taught lead one to self inquiry
and an inclination towards basic human values. There is nothing exclusive here. Buddhism is
the science of inquiry and gives us the fundamental tools to carry this inquiry very deep into
the very foundations of our being. These tools are not patented for only Buddhists to use.

Thought for the day: July 5, 2007

There is a saying: "The intellect is a good servant, but poor Master," and, "You can't
outsmart the Buddha." My own teacher often cautioned his followers to beware of too much
cleverness.The intellect can be a tool of the wisdom mind or a slave of the desire mind.
Knowledge of the dharma is only as good as the use to which it is put. If this knowledge is in
itself considered a sign of accomplishment the point is entirely missed. This can be likened to
mistaking the finger (pointing at the moon) for the moon----as the saying goes.

Thought for the day: July 6, 2007

A sutra says, "Truly recognize your own faults and do not discuss the faults of others. To be
one with all beings, just this is great compassion." As dharma practitioners we should avoid
criticising others. The mere fact that we notice a fault in another is a good indication that the
same fault exists in ourselves (or else why are we noticing it?) If we can catch ourselves
before criticizing another's fault and use that energy to examine ourselves, it is quite
possible we notice the same thing masquerading in ourselves in some form or other.

If one finds oneself constantly finding fault in others, it is a good indication that one is not
practicing correctly. It is not our concern how other people lead their lives or what point of
view they maintain, and find in this endless fodder for coffee house discussion and vain false
thinking. Our concern should be that our own lives embody the highest principles of action
while striving to develop our inner understanding. This inquiry alone will demand our full
attention.

People who are misguided in the way they live and think are not going to change because
we tell them to live and think differently. If however, we can manage to truly realize in our
own lives the smallest degree of wisdom, they will take note and be positively influenced by
us. As often said: "teach by example."

Thought for the day: July 7, 2007

A sayings cautions: "A thousand days of wood gathering can go up in a single blaze."
Disturbing emotions, particularly anger, are very destructive forces, often inflicting more
damage on the bearer than the target. If I allow myself to become angry at someone, I have
already fallen from a position of mindfulness, but if I am carried away further and allow anger
based action to flow forth, then I have damaged the integrity of my practice. Other disturbing
emotions such as lust, jealousy, hate, covetousness, envy, etc are also detrimental, but
since anger is one of the most detrimental disturbing emotion, we will continue using it as an
example.

While it is best not to become angry at all; it is crucial to control anger quickly when it does
arise. This can be likened to controlling a brush fire before it becomes a forest fire. If we
contemplate the dangers of disturbing emotions before they arise, we will be far less likely to
come under their sway. This preemptive approach is the best way to guard the mind.

Once when my daughter Rachel was only seven, she took a candle and lit our curtains on
fire. I admit that I became angry, but the urgency of the moment brought my focus to saving
the house rather than releasing my anger on my daughter. This gave me time to think more
rationally about who was really responsible for the blaze (alas, circumstances occasionally
help out.) Better instructions to my little ones regarding the danger of playing with fire may
have prevented the entire affair.

While it is true that often anger may seem justified, upon closer examination we too are
culpable. That is where we should focus our attention. During the minutes putting out the
curtain fire, I put together a safety lesson for my kids that I delivered the next day.
Harnessing angers negative force allowed me communicate with my daughters and engage
them in a meaningful way.

Good communication is often the best way to avoid situations that spark anger. It is also a
good way to resolve anger that does arise. If we can learn to watch our thought patterns
carefully throughout the day, we will not be caught off guard when self control is demanded
of us

Thought for the day: July 8, 2007

Sexual energy is one of the most powerful and positive forces we possess. It is also one of
the two primary forces (together with desire for nutriment) that cause rebirth in samsara. The
positive power of sexual energy is realized by its containment, not its dissipation through
sexual activity.

While it is not best nor prescribed that everyone be a celibate, most can do more than they
do to control their sexual energy. A lustful mind is a sure indication of scattered sexual
energy (even if one happens to be a celibate monk.) A promiscuous lifestyle makes all
dharma practice futile---as the saying goes: "like boiling sand, expecting to get cooked rice."

While sexual energy should be controlled, it should never be blocked. Thwarted sexual
energy will only lead to excessive anger and deviant views. There are many positive ways to
channel this energy through yoga and meditation, so that we desire less and deepen our
practice. The full power of sexual energy is realized as an inner expansion of energy, not an
outward flow of energy.

While celibacy is not best for everyone, a deep relationship with a single partner is a close
runner up for discovering the hidden potential of sexual energy. This is not to say that there
is something in the physical act itself that is revealed with a partner, but only that stability in
ones lifestyle helps us to see the very subtle forces that control our lives, sexual energy
being one of the most powerful. As stated above, sexual desire and desire for nutriment are
two most powerful forces running through our being and controlling our lives and the primary
causes of future rebirth. These forces have both very coarse and obvious manifestations, and
very subtle and difficult to see manifestations. How we live our lives will determine whether or
not the hidden power of these energies are beneficial or not.

Thought for the day: July 9, 2007

Observe the play of your mind during your free time. When dharma practice and
responsibilities are done, at the end of the day or moments in between, stop and look at
where your mind inclines. A lot can be learned from looking at where the mind flows when it
is free of demands or engagements. This natural state of mind is where real progress or lack
of it is reflected.

Thought for the day: July 10, 2007

As we progress in meditation a new world of stillness emerges. We tend to objectify this still
and quiet mind and view it as positive and want to dwell in it. However, this stillness is merely
another manifestation of the active mind. As we alternate between the two we may view them
as different, but they are really the same mind. The way to get beyond fluctuating between
the active mind and the still mind is to try and balance out the two. While in stillness we
should stir the waters a bit and consciously create some activity. We should shake up the
blissful inertia of dwelling in quietude. This will help us to see that the active distracting mind
and the still quiet mind are really the same.

Thought for the day: July 11, 2007

"Dim your light" is a Taoist expression that cautions us to treasure our inner experiences
and to keep them "inner." If we immediately try to tell others about our experiences or
insights, it will be very difficult for us to internalize them and stabilize them into deeper more
meaningful realizations. Often we diminish our own realization by sharing what is meant for
us before we ourselves fully understand them.

Thought for the day: July 12, 2007

It is not what you know, but your ability to make use of it that is important. A saying goes: "A
body without function is useless." In this saying "body" means "idea." It is referring to the
importance of dharma practitioners to put their insights to use in the real world. We should
contemplate how we can give expression to our insights so that they can be a positive force in
our quest for realization.

Thought for the day: July 13, 2007

The Dharmapada urges us to associate with those who are our equal or superior. While our daily
activities may make it necessary to associate with a wide variety of people, we should strive to
befriend those with superior understanding. It is important that those we become close to inspire us
to go deeper within ourselves, those we look up to, and those who challenge us. Friendships for
the sake of "helping" the other person should be avoided. As the saying goes: "A clay bodhisattva
cannot cross the river of suffering himself, how can he expect to take others across."

Thought for the day: July 14, 2007

There is much to criticize in this world, but little to be gained by criticizing. Look beneath the surface
of the target of criticism and try to see its causes. This inquiry is constructive.

Thought for the day: July 15, 2007

A saying goes: It is better to say nothing, than much talk about something of which nothing
can be said." Beware of those who are supposedly trying to "help" you with endless
discussion of spirituality. There is really not much that can be said on the subject. We tend
to learn the most valuable lessons from those whose ordinary active lives reflect their
understanding of the dharma in subtle and simple ways. Their life is their message.

Thought for the day: July 16, 2007

People often confuse "believing" in the Buddha; with being a Buddhist. But, being a
Buddhist entails living according to the Buddhist precepts, something many so called
believers do not do. If there were a Tree God who demanded of his worshippers strict moral
and ethical discipline, and their were a Tree God worshipper, who in an effort to please the
Tree God, kept those moral and ethical discipline, that person would be a better Buddhist
than the so called Buddhist that doesn't keep moral and ethical discipline. This is because,
although their may be no Tree God, there is great merit in moral and ethical discipline, and
this merit can be easily realized when the Tree God worshipper eventually comes onto the
Buddhist Path (through the forces of his powerful good karma;) whereas the so called
Buddhist without merit and virtue will have nothing to realize.

Thought for the day: July 17, 2007

Renunciation can be practiced on many levels and is therefore not just meant for monks,
nuns, and yogis and yoginis. All of us have something that we can renounce. It is important
to remember that when we renounce one thing we are vulnerable to the temptation to
replace whatever was renounced with something else, and thus nullify the benefit of our
renunciation. The benefits of renunciation takes time to realize, therefore we should be
patient about results, and let the gap left by renunciation fill in its own time and way.

Thought for the day: July 18, 2007

Some hear the emptiness teachings and contrive it for self benefit. They say things like:
"Since all is empty, it makes no difference if I indulge my desires, etc" A smarter viewpoint
would be just the opposite: "Since all is empty I need not chase after my desires, because
they are empty."

Thought for the day: July 19, 2007

Speech karma is very powerful. What comes out of our mouth takes on a life of its own and is
no longer ours. Therefore, it is important to always engage in thoughtful speech. Angry
thoughts do not necessarily have to manifest themselves in angry speech. While angry
thoughts are harmful, angry speech is much more so. Frivolous thoughts and other non
beneficial thought patterns often give rise to needless talk and wasted energy, and should be
avoided. If we remain mindful throughout the day unprofitable speech and harmful speech can
be eliminated.

Thought for the day: July 20, 2007

Rejecting some thought patterns and accepting others is the habitual way we think. It is better
to look at everything that arises in the mind with a sense of equanimity, like a mirror that does
not grasp the objects before it. While objectionable thoughts may not be pleasant to look at,
trying to keep them out will not make them any less frequent, and may only give them more
force. Looking at them impartially like a witness is the best way to release their steam.
Pleasant thoughts should be looked at in the same way. They to should not be dwelt on in
vain musing and endless daydreaming. Allowing oneself to be entertained this way is
detrimental to inquiry. Whether good or objectionable thoughts arise, always remain in the
neutral position, always alert and conscious, mindful of ones mental content, and unmoved
from one's center

Thought for the day: July 21, 2007

Often the idea of no self confuses people---and it is no wonder that it does. If one hears or
reads of the Buddhist doctrine of no self, it brings up more questions than answers---at least
for those without a firm background in Buddhist sutra texts.

Buddhism does not deny the existence of self in the conventional everyday usage of the term.
You do indeed exist, pretty much as you think you do. However, Buddhism does deny the idea
of a permanent, eternal, unchanging, individual essence, underlying the everyday notion of
selfhood---in other words a divine individual.

The question often arises that if there is no divine self to realize, what is the point of Buddhist
practice. Without a God or soul Buddhism often seems frightening and nihilistic. But, if one
views Buddhism in this way, one should ask oneself that if Buddhism is so nihilistic, why does it
go through so much effort to teach a path that requires tremendous discipline. The code of
ethics and morality required to even scratch the surface of Buddhism is extremely demanding.
Its stress on the cultivation of virtue and compassion, together with its emphasis on meditation
to develop wisdom and concentration, is unmatched by any religious philosophical system. If
Buddhism was really nihilists, why is so much personal sacrifice demanded of its practitioners?
Inquiry into this question will lead one to a deeper understanding of Buddhism and dispel
erroneous viewpoints.

Thought for the day: July 22, 2007

If Buddhism were nihilistic it is likely it would also be hedonistic. But, it is not. Many charge that
Buddhism is a godless, soulless religion. They view Buddhist emptiness and Nirvana as an
extinction of everything. But, what Buddhism is really asserting is that god, soul, etc. are really
mental constructs and that the nature of reality is not limited by what we can imagine.
Buddhism urges its followers to abandon conceptualizing what reality is, because it is beyond
conceptualization. It urges its followers to refrain from the futile effort to picture the nature of
reality in the limited confines of the rational mind. If Buddhism's denial of god and soul were
really negative, why is the discipline demanded of a Buddhist practitioner more strenuous than
than that of any other religion? If there were really no goal, why is such a rigorous moral and
ethical discipline taught? It is not that Buddhists do not believe in anything; but rather that they
are more careful about how they use the word belief.

Thought for the day: July 23, 2007

Intelligence is a precious resource that is often squandered. Misuse of intelligence can be a
source of misery on both the personal level and public level. Indeed, it is the improper use of
human intelligence that has led us to an environmental crisis and made terrible wars
possible. On a personal level, intelligence is often applied in a way that does not bring
happiness.

More important than being intelligent in the conventional or worldly use of the word, is being
intelligent in the practical sense. A person who uses his mind to bring happiness to himself
and others, who distinguishes rightly those thoughts that lead to liberation from those that
ensnare, may not be intelligent in the worldly sense, but is in a practical sense.

True intelligent is closely tied to use. Intelligence is not inherently beneficial or harmful; it is
the use to which it is put that makes it so.

Thought for the day: July 25, 2007

If you cannot find a good teacher, study a good book every day. Today there are many new
and excellent translations of Buddhist texts. Stick to authoritative texts and avoid New Age
interpretations. Books like: "How to See yourself as You Really Are," by HH Dali Lama,
should be studied again and again until they are understood. Avoid modern interpretations
unless they are commentaries by reputable teachers who are supported by a lineage. Many
modern teachers have given excellent commentaries on ancient texts, for example, "Heart
Treasure of the Enlightened Ones," by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, for example, gives
excellent advice on building a practice.

Thought for the day: July 26, 2007

There is a saying, "When the Buddha grows a foot, the demon is already ten feet tall." All
manner of obstructions seemingly appear out of nowhere as soon as a step forward is taken.
It is no wonder that so many people abandon their effort shortly after beginning. A meditation
practice is begun with a hope of more clarity, and instead often becomes more muddled and
obstructed; at least it often seems that way. If one finds oneself in this predicament, one
should be thankful, because if the opposite were true, it would be likely that you are a victim of
self-delusion.

The path was never meant to be easy. It confronts those on it with an increased awareness of
faults and shortcomings. Often this increased awareness is mistaken for the sudden arrival of
new obstacles caused by meditation. This can lead to becoming discouraged, and giving up.
The potential that this happens is increased if one does not have a teacher to point out the
error.

It is far better to be keenly aware of obstructions on the Path, than strive to walk under a
rainbow created by delusional self-righteousness.

Thought for the day: July 27, 2007

There are many approaches to self realization. As individuals we must find our own Path. In
seeking one's way it does little good to seek out the highest or most profound, but rather think
in terms of what is going to work. The Buddha taught a variety of approaches to accommodate
the varying ways people think and capacities. One should seek a practice that is harmonious
with one's disposition and disregard talk on how "advanced" the practice is. What good is
"advanced" if it does not work?

Scholars are especially susceptible to the lure of the "highest philosophical point of view." They
prance about debating court yards slapping their hands as they roundly defeat their opponent.
And yet they go to the market place and their head turns at the first skimpy skirt that walks by.
Although they can present the highest viewpoint in debate; they are confused by their own
desires. So what good is their study?

In general whether our practice is mediation, study, or a combination of the two (as it should
be,) our practice should bring about contentment and fewer desires. Fewer desires means less
anger, jealousy, greed, and disturbing emotions, which are all obstructions rooted in desire.
The practice we choose should be one that will help untangle the web of desire that ensares.
The most effective Path to do this will be the one we can understand and like to engage in---not
necessarily the "highest."

Thought for the day: July 28, 2007

A house built on sand will fall because the foundation will not support the structure. The
house may look very beautiful for awhile, but will crumble in the first storm. A good house
builder puts a lot of work beneath the surface in the foundation that, while essential,
contributes nothing to the aesthetic beauty.

Building a meditation practice is much like building a house; it requires a lot of preliminary
work. This is a humbling experience. Our ordinary everyday lives must be cleaned up and
brought into the Path before meditation can be effective and the deeper meaning of
Buddhism can be understood through study. Ordinary activity is the first focus of the
Buddhist Path. This is revealed by the fact that many masters instruct their new monks to
engage in activities such as gardening, cooking, cleaning, office work, etc. rather than
toiling unproductively in the meditation hall. Aside from the usual morning and evening
meditations, most monasteries teach monks to find opportunity to engage Buddhist
principles in ordinary activity, before spending more time in seated meditation.

When meditation is new it seems totally different from our active life; but as one's practice
matures the line between active life and spiritual life becomes more and more
indistinguishable. While mediation should help support our role in life by revealing how to
become a better person; it is important to understand that the life we lead should support
our mediation, as well. If it takes some time to clear our head every time we sit in
meditation, we know that our ordinary life is still a distraction and needs more discipline
and self awareness. When we immediately become focused when we sit in meditation, it is
a good sign that our active, everyday life is being brought into the Path and a foundation
that will support deeper spiritual inquiry is being built.

Thought for the day: July 29, 2007

A house is built with rafters, beams, roof, walls, floor, and many other parts. The integrity of
the house is dependant on the integrity of each part. If one area fails, it effects the
functionality of the entire house. In similar manner, our practice of the dharma is composed of
many disciplines, the integrity of each contributing to the integrity of the whole. If one area
becomes weak, the entire practice is weakened.

As dharma practitioners we want to maintain a diversified practice that is comprised of
disciplines that are well maintained and balanced. Particular attention should be paid to weak
points. Just as a homeowner would pay special attention to a cracked roof tile while the leak
is still small, so also deficiencies in virtue, morality, humaneness, honesty, etc. should be
quickly spotted before the weakness in one area negatively impacts other disciplines
(comprising ones dharma practice.)

All of us have disciplines that we favor. While some may favor meditation, another might tend
more towards study; while many find keeping moral discipline easy, another may find it
difficult, etc. Weak areas are often ignored in the belief that by concentrating on one's strong
points the weak areas will be compensated. We see meditators, for example, who are weak in
moral discipline, who engage in this belief, for example. This is like building a fine house
without a roof and somehow believing it will stand! Whether we willingly ignore essential
aspects of the Path, because we are too weak to acknowledge them, or unwilling ignore them
because we are unaware how to practice, makes little difference. It is our responsibility to
ourselves to practice what we know is the Path, and to make an effort to educate ourselves
about the Path.

Thought for the day: July 31, 2007

An effort should be made to maintain a thread of one's meditation throughout the day. It is a
seemingly impossible task; but with practice we can get better and better. If this is done, it will
be much easier to become focused when we do sit down to meditate, we will have far less
erroneous thoughts and disturbing emotions to clear, and our time on the meditation cushion
will be more efficiently used.