Dear Diary,
Today in my repetitive and cool Dutch world, as I strolled along the serene canals, I experienced a moment of mindfulness that reminded me to always return to the present. During my walk, I recalled the wisdom shared by our Tibetan teachers that the real practice is not in the extraordinary but in the simplicity of each moment. Their teachings constantly pull me back to this humble truth. I felt the freshness of the air enter my lungs and the softness of the path under my feet. This ordinary moment became a profound meditative state by simply being aware. The teachings of the Dharma always urge us to see these ordinary experiences as not separate from our practice but rather the essence of it.
This brings me to reflect on the practice of yoga nidra as a bridge for those finding meditation difficult at first. If you find the formal method challenging, begin with simpler practices. Explore more of these rich topics in diverse dharma texts.
I recently read a comment that echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that practices like yoga nidra, mood regulation, and mindfulness can interconnect and complement formal meditation techniques like vipassana. It stated that even these varied paths, while seemingly different, can support one another, suggesting a month of yoga nidra before jumping into deep meditation practices.
Drawing from the “Dharmasaṃgīti Sūtra”, this approach aligns well with the Buddha’s teachings. The sūtra advises to gradually build one’s capacity, layer by layer, turning even the simplest acts into avenues for profound realization. Likewise, integrating diversified practices helps in creating a sustainable meditation routine. Each stage of the practice is neither a detour nor a hindrance but an integral part of the path.
From a Buddhist analytical perspective, the works of obscure yet impactful figures like Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and Ani Choying Drolma highlight the significance of this integrated approach. Tulku Urgyen describes how preliminary practices pave the way for deeper insights, much like setting a foundation for a grand structure. Similarly, Ani Choying’s music transforms her meditation into auditory mindfulness, revealing that the path to enlightenment incorporates myriad forms of mindfulness.
#MindfulPractice #BuddhaPath
Another reflection today: embracing the simplicity around us is a profound step in our journey. May we all find joy in each small, conscious step and deepen our practice through diverse ways. With metta, sri Veer.