..續本文上一頁 used properly, it supports the practice, but some monks are so worried about the petty rules that they can”t sleep well. Discipline is not to be carried as a burden. In our practice here the foundation is discipline, good discipline plus the ascetic rules and practices. Being mindful and careful of even the many supporting rules as well as the basic 227 precepts has great benefit. It makes life very simple. There need be no wondering about how to act, so you can avoid thinking and instead just be simply mindful. The discipline enables us to live together harmoniously; the community runs smoothly. Outwardly everyone looks and acts the same. Discipline and morality are the stepping stones for further concentration and wisdom. By proper use of the monks” discipline and the ascetic precepts, we are forced to live simply, to limit our possessions. So here we have the complete practice of the Buddha: refrain from evil and do good, live simply keeping to basic needs, purify the mind. That is, be watchful of our mind and body in all postures: sitting, standing, walking or lying, know yourself.

　　Q: What can I do about doubts

　　 Some days I”m plagued with doubts about the practice or my own progress, or the teacher.

　　A: Doubting is natural. 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 o…

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