There are four focuses of the Paramita (Perfection of Mind) of Determination. They are; Generosity, Peace, Truthfulness and Wisdom. Wisdom (clarity) arises from many sources and practices but asking questions is one method Buddha mentioned quite often. It is said that asking questions is very good karma. Here are a few questions to consider regarding your spiritual practice.
• What is my primary motivation for having a spiritual practice?
This relates to your intention. “All that we are is the result of what we have thought (our intentions); it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts.” the Buddha.
What is the purpose of your practice? The responsibility for your practice lies within you. So you probably should explore “Why am I on this path?” It may seem like an obvious question but maybe it’s not. Spend some time exploring this. We can over evaluate (constantly questioning our practice) and we can also under evaluate (never questioning). But in the end; No questions=No Wisdom. What is your motivation for a spiritual practice? This is one of the most important questions we can ask.
Does what you’re doing in terms of practice support your intention? If it doesn’t then why are you doing it? Why have a spiritual practice at all? Is it because it’s the latest thing to do or because it’s intellectually interesting or makes you more creative or perform better at your job? You could probably do something else that would better support these kinds of reasons.
• Is my goal/intention reasonable?
If your goal is to realize Nirvana by 2015, Good Luck! But we can also short change ourselves and not aspire to a grand enough intention. Fear and doubt may hold us back. Maybe you’re not putting enough effort into your practice. Check this out for yourself.
Maybe you are an intellectual “Spiritual Junkie”- a “Nightstand Buddhist Bookworm”. You may know a great deal about spiritual topics from reading but you’re only reading the menu instead of eating the meal. Where is the practice? Where’s the beef? Look at your goal. Does your intention match your aspiration?
• How well do I understand myself?
We are all different. One person’s spiritual practice will never look like another’s. One kind of practice doesn’t fit everyone. Our lives are different- different experiences, different causes and conditions, different issues. All these influence our practice. Our practice can’t be like someone else’s. This won’t work. We all learn differently. For some people ethics may be the most important focus; for others it might be meditation or concentration; for others it could be anger, jealousy, comparing mind and conceit, greed or lust. Some people like to interact with others while others are more solitary and more introspective. Others move toward kindness and gratitude as a focus of practice. So understand yourself! And don’t avoid focusing on difficult areas nor overly focus on the blissful.
• What is my practice? What do I do? How do I do it?
How do I meditate? What sitting meditation instructions do I follow? How does my meditation relate to my life off the cushion? Does it stop at the cushion? How do I bring mindfulness and spiritual practice into my home or work? Do I have patience (contentment) with my practice? Has my practice disappeared into my life? That is a wonderful practice.
• Is my life in balance?
Work vs. home/family/partner; exercise vs. relaxation; energy vs. calm; determination vs. contentment; too much study vs. not enough study. Is there balance (a middle way without extremes)?
• What are the obstacles to my practice?
Is it Attachment? When do I lose my mindfulness during the day? In what situations does it go out the window? Do you know? Are they self image Issues? Is it pleasure? Discomfort? Fear? Aversion? Ethical (unethical) behavior? Self Image Issues (doubt or narcissism)? When these situations arise and I’m pulled away from mindfulness can I sense this in my own direct experience?
• What are Insights I have had because of my practice? What understandings have I come to realize?
How my mind works? How compassion, loving-kindness arises more naturally? How ego and self referencing mind works? Can I watch events happen mindfully sometimes? And most importantly; can I see how clinging, craving, and anger pull me away from freedom, peace and clarity?
• Lastly, what are the benefits of my spiritual practice?
If there aren’t any then it’s unlikely that you will continue! Some benefits are immediate—Just take a breath right now and be mindful for one in breath and one out breath- It grounds us to the present moment. Other benefits are long term; perhaps there is less reactivity; more joy in your life; more courage; more service to others; or gratitude. One benefit is to realize the sacredness of our daily activities and how these very mundane activities are all manifestations of the miracle of our life. In these very routine daily chores wisdom can arise and allow us to see things from a place of contentment and peace- even if situations are difficult. These are questions worth asking. Aren’t they? May you be well, happy and peaceful. Floyd
