Typically, when it comes to Buddhist practice, many people think it is something very lofty, only achievable by masters or enlightened beings. However, according to the Buddha, Buddhist practice is not just about going to temples or meeting with monks and nuns. The most important aspect is to gain clear self-awareness in ordinary situations.
- The Four Noble Truths: Everything you need to know
- The Noble Eightfold Path: A Simple Yet In-Depth Explanation
- Three simple practices for Dharma: No need to do more
- Caution in Buddhist Practice
Buddhist Practice is Not Something Far-Fetched
Knowing that One is Acting with Wrong Intentions is Good:
Buddhist practice is not only about sitting in a temple, performing rituals, or walking around the temple. In fact, when we realize that we are greedy, angry, stingy, envious, or hateful, that is when we are truly practicing. Recognizing that we are having wrong thoughts and actions is the first step in the transformation process.
Practice Within the Mind:
In reality, Buddhist practice begins with observing our own mind. A true Buddhist is someone who can objectively and honestly observe and recognize the negative traits within themselves to make changes. This is more valuable than simply walking around a temple while harboring feelings of envy or stinginess. True practice is about self-awareness and transformation from within, not outward actions or appearances.
Self-Reflection for Buddhist Practice
Self-awareness:
The Buddha teaches that a Buddhist does not necessarily need to seek purity or enlightenment outside of themselves, but must look for it within. When we realize that we are having negative thoughts, that is Buddhist practice. The important thing is not to seek some lofty place, but to accept and truly recognize ourselves. Recognizing our own disorder, our own impure mind, is true Buddhist practice.
Do Not Look for Practice in the Heavens:
Do not think that Buddhist practice must be sought in some distant place. Practice is the process of deeply observing the small details of daily life. When you recognize your own unwholesome mind, you have begun the journey of transformation.
There Is No Meditation Without Understanding Yourself
Not Just Meditation Sitting:
Many people dream of reaching the first stage of jhāna (meditative absorption), thinking that simply sitting in meditation will lead to a state of higher spiritual realization. But the Buddha clearly pointed out that Buddhist practice is about awareness, not just sitting still. When we observe the impurity in our minds, when we clearly see greed, hatred, and all other negative emotions, that is when we are truly practicing. The goal is not the first jhāna, but the clear awareness of ourselves.
Nothing to Show Off:
Do not focus on boasting about your spiritual achievements, because true Buddhist practice is about humility. If someone boasts that they have attained the first jhāna or achieved something, it is likely that they have not yet fully understood the true meaning of Buddhist practice. The Buddha said that a true practitioner does not need to boast about their accomplishments, for they understand that displaying their attainments is unnecessary. If we want to boast about what we have “achieved,” it means we have not yet achieved it truly.
Buddhist Practice and the Attitude of Humility
Acting with a Mind Free of the Desire for Recognition:
A true Buddhist acts with a humble mind, not seeking recognition or praise from others. Their actions arise from a pure heart, not to attract attention or praise. The Buddha emphasized that being aware of one’s own actions is the most important part of Buddhist practice.
Boasting is Not the Action of a True Practitioner:
When we do something well, we don’t need to boast, because boasting only shows that we do not fully understand the value of what we’ve done. True practitioners do not seek recognition from outside; they act from their own hearts, without expecting anything in return.
Practice from Within Yourself
Recognizing Yourself to Practice:
The Buddha taught that Buddhist practice starts from recognizing oneself. When we acknowledge our weaknesses in the mind and our actions, that is true practice. Buddhist practice is not an external act but the process of transformation from within our own hearts.
No Need to Look Outside:
Ultimately, everything is not located somewhere far away, but within ourselves. True Buddhist practice is about recognizing and correcting our own faults in thought and action, leading to a peaceful life and enlightenment.
Lesson by Venerable Toại Khanh
