..續本文上一頁. Everyone starts out with doubts. You can learn a great deal from them. What is important is that you don”t identify with your doubts: that is, don”t get caught up in them. This will spin your mind in endless circles. Instead, watch the whole process of doubting, of wondering. See who it is that doubts. See how doubts come and go. Then you will no longer be victimized by your doubts. You will step outside of them and your mind will be quiet. You can see how all things come and go. Just let go of what you are attached to. Let go of your doubts and simply watch. This is how to end doubting.

　　Q: What about other methods of practice

　　 These days there seem to be so many teachers and so many different systems of meditation that it is confusing.

　　A: It is like going into town. One can approach from the north, from the southeast, from many roads. Often these systems just differ outwardly. Whether you walk one way or another, fast or slow, if you are mindful, it is all the same. There is one essential point that all good practice must eventually come to -- not clinging. In the end, all meditation systems must be let go of. Neither can one cling to the teacher. If a system leads to relinquishment, to not clinging, then it is correct practice.

　　You may wish to travel, to visit other teachers and try other systems. Some of you have already done so. This is a natural desire. You will find out that a thousand questions asked and knowledge of many systems will not bring you to the truth. Eventually you will get bored. You will see that only by stopping and examining your own mind can you find our what the Buddha talked about. No need to go searching outside yourself. Eventually you must return to face your own true nature. Here is where you can understand the Dhamma.

　　Q: A lot of times it seems that many monks here are not practicing. They look sloppy or unmindful. This disturbs me.

　　A: It is not proper to watch other people. This will not help your practice. If you are annoyed, watch the annoyance in your own mind. If others” discipline is bad or they are not good monks, this is not for you to judge. You will not discover wisdom watching others. Monks” discipline is a tool to use for your own meditation. It is not a weapon to use to criticize or find fault. No one can do your practice for you, nor can you do practice for anyone else. Just be mindful of your own doings. This is the way to practice.

　　Q: I have been extremely careful to practice sense restraint. I always keep my eyes lowered and am mindful of every little action I do. When eating, for example, I take a long time and try to see each touch: chewing, tasting, swallowing, etc. I take each step very deliberately and carefully. Am I practicing properly

　　A: Sense restraint is proper practice. We should be mindful of it throughout the day. But don”t overdo it! Walk and eat and act naturally. And then develop natural mindfulness of what is going on within yourself. Don”t force your meditation nor force yourself into awkward patterns. This is another form of craving. Be patient. Patience and endurance are necessary. If you act naturally and are mindful, wisdom will come naturally too.

　　Q: Is it necessary to sit for very long stretches

　　A: No, sitting for hours on end is not necessary. Some people think that the longer you can sit, the wiser you must be. I have seen chickens sit on their nests for days on end! Wisdom comes from being mindful in all postures. Your practice should begin as you awaken in the morning. It should continue until you fall asleep. Don”t be concerned about how long you can sit. What is important is only that you keep watchful whether you are working or sitting or going to the bathroom.

　　Each person has his own natural pace. Some of you will die at age fifty, …

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