SIT-A-LONG with Jundo - TO ALL SOLO PRACTITIONERS: Don't Be A Selfish Pratyeka-buddha
http://blogwhatdesign.com/wp-content...bout-page0.jpg Many times I hear folks say that they want to practice on their own, and not join in a Buddhist Community, because doing so gets in the way of their own practicing and sitting. They say that other people or having a teacher are a distraction, take up "my" precious time, are not a benefit to "me".
Well, I say: Don't be a selfish sitter, a Pratyeka-buddha.
There is an obligation, a face of the Bodhisattva Vow and taking refuge in Sangha, to support the Practice of others and not to be a Pratyeka-buddha. Ours is a Path beyond one's personal needs and wants. It is not a matter simply about what "I" want, what "I" need to do or learn, staring into my own navel.
Quote:
Pratyeka-buddha:
In Buddhism, one who attains enlightenment through his own efforts rather than by listening to the teachings of a buddha. The way of the self-enlightened buddha was criticized in Mahayana Buddhism, which rejects the path of self-enlightenment as too limiting and embraces the ideal of the Bodhisattva, who postpones final enlightenment to work for the rescue of others.
It is much like family and children, who we tend to and spend time with ... whether we selfishly always want to or not, and whether or not we would rather run away. Community activity is vital. Sure, there is a place for "time alone" (whether in my "man cave" in the house or my "Bodhidharma cave" in the mountains), but in the end we have a duty to the community ... and to ourself ... to help and be together.
Self and other are 'not two', and the community leaves us all stronger.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtmA3qs8lJI
SIT-A-LONG with Jundo - TO ALL SOLO PRACTITIONERS: Don't Be A Selfish Pratyek...
Hello,
I'm not sure if I practice alone when I hang with you. :)
Gassho, Jishin
#SatToday.
SIT-A-LONG with Jundo - TO ALL SOLO PRACTITIONERS: Don't Be A Selfish Pratyek...
Ugrok,
We do the best we can with what we have on a particular day. It is important to practice with a Sangha, with a community, but if feelings of tension and fearfulness arise, it's important to examine these and try to understand their origins. Sitting in a zendo obviously will not be a joyous and willing activity if you are constantly tense.
So I have a question for you: what is the difference between the dojo and the Zendo? You feel good practicing aikido with others - Aikido is moving meditation - perhaps it's helpful to understand the different mental states in each?
My sensei tells me that when he is teaching kata he is really teaching students zen, but doesn't tell them that. Martial arts and zen are one - I think it is helpful to bring the same demeanor to the Zendo as to the dojo - one of openness, sharing, and lack of resistance.
It might be helpful to ask why it is that your feel differently in your Zendo than in Aikido practice.
By the way, Zazen is neat because in the act of breathing in and out we are uke and nage, giving and receiving with the breath. That can be pretty powerful in your practice. If I can help, please don't hesitate to PM.
Deep bows
Yugen
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SIT-A-LONG with Jundo - TO ALL SOLO PRACTITIONERS: Don't Be A Selfish Pratyek...
Ugrok,
This is very helpful, thank you for your honesty.
It helps to isolate variables in your experience - it may be as simple as finding a Zendo whose style works for you - I too struggle with Sanghas where people take themselves very seriously .... Is there another sitting group or Zendo near you that you can try? It would be interesting to see if you have the same reaction.
Another possibility is to try sitting with Treeleafers online? Perhaps that environment will help you feel more at ease.... You will be sitting in your own physical space and with others at the same time.
It sounds as if you are accepted the way you are in your aikido practice. It is important to practice in a place where you feel comfortable.
Just a couple of ideas - I wish for your practice to be light and joyful - while we deal with suffering as a fact of life that doesn't mean we have to suffer in doing so! Patience and joy are available to us every moment.
Deep bows
Yugen
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