Sublime

much. In the Visuddhimagga, Buddhaghosa advises us to start with someone we like, because it is easier to offer our mind of love to such a person. He uses the example of lighting a fire. First we ignite some straw. Once the straw is burning, we add small sticks. Once the small sticks have caught fire, we add small logs. Once those have caught fire,

The two main teachings of the Lotus Sutra are: (1) everyone has the capacity to become a fully enlightened Buddha, and (2) the Buddha is present everywhere, all the time.

(Samyuktagama Sutra,

The renowned seventh-century Zen master Seng-tsan taught that true freedom is being “without anxiety about imperfection.”

This one practice alone is worth a lifetime of practice. I call it “ahhh-riving.”

“Bhikkhuni Mahapajapati, the most important thing is to take hold of your own mind. Practice observing the breath and meditate on the body, feelings, mind, and objects of mind. Practicing like that, each day you will experience a deepening of humility, ease, detachment, peace, and joy. When those qualities arise, you can be sure you are on the corr

In the same way, Ajahn Chah helped his students by pointing out denial. To me he’d say, “Hey. You’re not paying attention today, are you?” To John, “Hey there, you think you’re meditating, but we can hear you snore.” And to Prasert, “You’re afraid of the ghosts near your hut. The closest thing I’ve seen to ghosts are these big white Western monks.”

In trying to figure out a way to approach our sadhana, there are a few strategies that I would suggest we keep in mind—and the first and most important one is Relax! It doesn’t really matter which next thing you do, because whatever it is, it will become your next teaching. And it isn’t the thing you do that matters, anyway—it’s who it is that’s do

Here’s a formula you should commit to memory to make joy and relaxation a natural part of your practice: relax and look for the joy; observe; let it come, let it be, and let it go. Recite it every time you sit, especially when you catch yourself thinking meditation is difficult.