WEEK 12: Confidence and Effort (2 of the 5 Controlling Faculties of Success)
IMG Notes from August 23, 2009
We are halfway through our sessions, and questions often come up during our practice.
1. Has the effort been worth it so far?
2. Why are we not enlightened yet?
3. Will we be enlightened by the end of our six months together?
4. If not, will we continue?
The demands of raising children, managing our careers, and interacting with our spouses can indeed place significant strain on our practice time and practice attitude. We must have faith and confidence in the knowledge that our efforts are worth it, even if at times it doesn't seem to be. Sometimes, it is not until we face a major life altering experience that we begin to see the benefits of our practice reveal itself. Josten shared his recent experience with illness, a hospital stay, and his personal revelation regarding the value of his practice. Even though he experienced severe pain and discomfort, he realized that his practice sustained him, and made his ordeal easier to bear.
Are you ready to face life changing challenges? If so, be determined and work hard ("... Sharpening the Controlling Faculties" by Sayadaw U Pandita) Make meditation your first priority!
!!!!! ------------------------------------------------- !!!!!
Sunday, (August 30th) we will have a half day retreat, starting from 7:00 A.M. to noon. This will include 2 walking and sitting meditations, and end with dharma discussions. We have the full use of the Kwan Yin Hall due to the fact that the EDG will be meeting at the Bodhi Center in Hempstead, TX.
Get a head start and listen to the meditation teachings from Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
- Why train the mind (15 min)
- Befriend Breathing (20 min)
- Importance of Being Focused (15 min)
We are halfway through our sessions, and questions often come up during our practice.
1. Has the effort been worth it so far?
2. Why are we not enlightened yet?
3. Will we be enlightened by the end of our six months together?
4. If not, will we continue?
The demands of raising children, managing our careers, and interacting with our spouses can indeed place significant strain on our practice time and practice attitude. We must have faith and confidence in the knowledge that our efforts are worth it, even if at times it doesn't seem to be. Sometimes, it is not until we face a major life altering experience that we begin to see the benefits of our practice reveal itself. Josten shared his recent experience with illness, a hospital stay, and his personal revelation regarding the value of his practice. Even though he experienced severe pain and discomfort, he realized that his practice sustained him, and made his ordeal easier to bear.
Are you ready to face life changing challenges? If so, be determined and work hard ("... Sharpening the Controlling Faculties" by Sayadaw U Pandita) Make meditation your first priority!
!!!!! ------------------------------------------------- !!!!!
Sunday, (August 30th) we will have a half day retreat, starting from 7:00 A.M. to noon. This will include 2 walking and sitting meditations, and end with dharma discussions. We have the full use of the Kwan Yin Hall due to the fact that the EDG will be meeting at the Bodhi Center in Hempstead, TX.
Get a head start and listen to the meditation teachings from Thanissaro Bhikkhu:
- Why train the mind (15 min)
- Befriend Breathing (20 min)
- Importance of Being Focused (15 min)
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