Thoughts on Practice

As I've continued to study and investigate the latest edition of the Plum Mountain Newletter from Chobozenji, there is a tremendously helpful article, written by Genko Blackman Ni Osho. The article is entitled "Thoughts on Practice," and is on page three. I found the guidance incredibly compelling, clear and encouraging, reminding me of how grateful for the strong Dharma activity and training provided at Chobozenji.

Excerpting, Genko Ni Osho writes, "Through self-reflection and careful attention during zazen, we can clarify for ourselves what particular difficulties may slow down and stall our deepening practice. Through their own investigation, our predecessors on this path identified several major categories of difficulties, which are known as the Five Hindrances. These are Sensual Desire; Anger or Ill Will; Sloth, Torpor, or Sleepiness; Restlessness; and Doubt.

In the Theravadin traditions each of these hindrances is addressed through very specific practices that may be taken up as objects of meditation. But certain common themes run through all of these practices. First, know what it is you are facing. It is important to correctly identify the issue, so that your effort is directed effectively. Secondly, recognize the short-term nature of any satisfaction that comes from giving in to this hindrance. Third, there are some simple things we can do to help ourselves avoid reinforcing negative habits related to each of the hindrances, particularly as we begin working on them. Chief among these are "associating with noble friends," those who reinforce our best tendencies and provide a model for us, and “conducting suitable conversations,” as in Right Speech. Of course this is guidance for us here and now. But also becoming familiar with the Dharma through studying the old texts, the sutras, brings us into contact with the noble friends who preceded us, and allows us to take part in their conversations years after they occurred.

The traditional names of the hindrances can be a bit deceptive. For example, the second one, Anger/Ill-Will, is actually broader, including all aversion, or pushing away. So while we might think that boredom during meditation would be addressed in the hindrance called Torpor or Sleepiness, boredom is actually a subtle form of aversion, in which we resist or push away from complete attention to the here and now. It is more properly addressed using practices directed to lessen aversion. Pain or discomfort on the cushion is also addressed through this hindrance.

Likewise, excessive sleepiness can be caused by a lack of readiness to face an issue squarely, as much as it can be caused by poor posture or a lack of sleep. If we determine that this is what is going on, understanding and accepting it allows us to be patient with ourselves, until we are ready to take up that issue. It will not help in this case to treat our sleepiness as a physical problem. And Doubt here refers to indecisive practice, or doubt in how to proceed, rather than what we in Zen know as the Great Doubt.

Regardless of how we work at these stuck places in our practice, in the end it is up to us to observe and correctly identify our own "stuff" that needs working on. It is up to us to find, and use, the tools we need to do the work. It is up to us to keep going at it, in spite of everything that comes our way."

I strongly encourage you read her full article. The voicing is genuinely clear, beautiful and strong. As long as we're learning, we're growing. I hope that you find benefit in her words too, as Genko Ni Osho shares her, "Thoughts on Practice."

May We practice Well,

Jaye Seiho Morris, Curator
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