‘Daily Dhamma’.
insights for daily reflection and practice….
Walking the path of Buddha-Dhamma is not a physical activity but an exploration of the way in which our mind works. When we watch the mind we begin to notice its reactions to other people, experiences and sense impressions which we encounter. We develop our practice through first understanding and then adapting our reactions and habitual behaviours in order to create less harm for ourselves and others. This is the way out of suffering ie. no cause = no effect.
Suggestions for Reflection and Practice:
Start by sitting comfortably on a cushion or chair, hands together in prayer position at heart centre, eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths to centre. Then open the heart and still the mind in order to work with both to answer your questions with love and wisdom:
- chant x3 (minimum** >108) — Om Mani Padme Hum
- prostrate x3 (minimum) — move to knees, sit back on heels, hands together in prayer position at heart centre, lower forehead to touch the floor moving hands below shoulders ie. bow to the Buddha, raise up to start position pulling shoulders slightly back to open the heart
- meditate 5 minutes (minimum) — return to sitting, watch the breath entering/ leaving at the nostrils to calm the mind
- No guided reflection today, just enjoy the stillness and allow your mind to take you on its own journey. If it wanders too much off track, gently bring it back to watch the breath again. Observe how the body tries to distract you through feelings of discomfort in the hips, knees or ankles. Try to stay with the mind, listening to what it wants you to know. Don’t force anything and remain until you are ready to come out
[** work in multiples of 3 and do however much feels comfortable and what time allows. It’s okay to start with 3 and work up to 108].
May this teaching lead you to happiness; may it help you grow in truth. May we all be freed from the suffering of birth and death.
You may also like these Dhamma articles:
