This past weekend we had a great winter retreat. We had 7 of us attend all ready and willing to progress in our meditation and learn Dharma.
Wen kept us in line:
After hours of standing and sitting meditation, chanting and eating amazing meals, we were totally,
The three key take-away lessons that I believe I learned from this weekend's
dharma teachings and weekend retreat practice were:
1. Always keep the "law of cause and effect" top of mind from moment to moment. The decisions you make have consequences and by following this common sense rule, not only aids you with keeping peace in your life, but helps you to create a path of total honesty and integrity. With discipline and intention you will follow the path, with ongoing practice, wisdom will grow, with dedication to learning from your teacher you will be guided and supported on this journey.
2. Boddhicitta - Ultimate altruism - to give without conditions, compassionate actions need to be a guiding force within your life. Boddhicitta doesn't stop at the door of the meditation studio, compassionate intention and action becomes part of who you are to all sentient beings (includes animals). In every aspect of our lives, this giving selflessly to others is our purpose in this world.
3. Follow and have faith in your teacher. Actively participate with the TWDD teachings and practice. Knowledge gained by books, is just that; experience gained by practice is what keeps you on the path. Wen likened this to an example of us "reading about driving a car", is certainly not the same as "driving the car". And what I have found is the more you practice the more you see results both physically and emotionally.
Intensive meditation sessions like these, may seem difficult, but they are so beneficial to your meditation practice. Make sure you don't miss the next one!
Jemma
