Some Thoughts on Encountering Difficulties in My Practice

[Douglas]

These are all very GREAT suggestions. Greatly appreciated!

In addition to "Insta Zazen" I also remind myself that I really don't know what is going on or what will happen. You may not have the solution to your thinking mind's problems. This is OK. During my insta-zazen moments, I try to expand my awareness and recognize what is.

I'm a mess of a human being! I see this. My practice is terrible! (and yes, one should not evaluate your practice...I'm bad at this too!). I grasp way too much.

Gassho to everyone!
SAT/LAH
Doug

[Ryokudo]

Hey Taiji,

Been there done that, will do it again????

I think we all get these times in our lives and as everyone is saying, recognition of this, dusting yourself down and stepping forth with faith is already "the way". Also as Jundo said never forget that we are not just the cushion and we are not only practicing when sitting. You've still got working zazen, worrying zazen, feeling sorry for yourself zazen...........

Just embrace whatever is at hand in the moment, don't worry about the past or whether you can sit tonight. Be wholehearted and present and your practice will look after itself. I guess I'm saying your practice is always with you, just be open to it.

Sitting is still great though even when it's rubbish

Deepest gassho,

Ryokudo

SATLAH

[Onki]

Hey Taiji,

Practice is everything. It’s every aspect of our life, even the ones that aren’t necessarily positive. And there aren’t a lot of things that we can control either-if anything at all. The only thing we can control is our response and behaviour to each situation we’re in.
Jundo’s Insta-Zazen is a perfect way to practice in everyday life regardless of the situation. We don’t have to be sitting on the cushion. The world is your Zendo.

The world is in-itself our Practice.

Sit on the cushion when we can, while living our lives with the Precepts as our guide.

Gasshō,

On

st/lh