Off the Cushion Practice

Periodically, we identify an "off the cushion" practice on which to focus day-to-day. The purpose is to facilitate the application of our practice to our daily lives.

Working with "Thoughts"

The current practice stems from a realization that just as my thoughts are "merely thoughts" which don't have to bother me or define me, the thoughts that others might have about me are also "merely thoughts." Their thoughts don't have to bother me, define me, affect my self esteem, or discourage me from taking necessary action, even if others may not agree with me.

While we continue to apply the Eightfold Path and approach other people with skillful speech and action (being kind, patient, and compassionate), the realization that we don't have to worry so much about what other people think (just as we don't worry so much about our own thoughts) can be freeing.

Throughout your daily life, be mindful particularly of whether/how you may be speculating about the thoughts of others. Are you allowing worry about what others may think of you to cause you suffering or to limit you in some way?

Practices on Joy and Lovingkindness

The first practice (courtesy Maureen) is on joy. See chapter 6 of The Places that Scare You, on the Four Limitless Qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Acknowledge where you feel joy in your life. The group spent a few minutes discussing this, including the observation that sometimes "joy" seems like a pretty high bar, but we liked the fact that Pema Chödrön describes the cultivation of these qualities as "aspirational."

The second practice (courtesy David) in on loving-kindness practice. Practice including a "difficult person" in your loving-kindness meditation. This is something recommended by many teachers and writers. Some of us have already tried it, and some of us haven't. We can learn something interesting about ourselves by observing what happens when we include a difficult person. Pema Chödrön suggests that "This practice is like a workout that stretches the heart beyond its current capabilities."

Buddhist Precept Practice for Lay People

Chapter 1 of The Engaged Spiritual Life discusses how to practice the Buddhist precepts for lay people. Donald Rothberg suggests, for our purposes, considering the precepts in a modern context relevant to where we live (e.g. in our case, a wealthy Western country). For each precept, he suggests three levels of practice:

• • Personal

  • Interpersonal

  • Societal

We might examine our tendencies for a day or several days at a time: what aspects of each precept pose a special challenge for each of us as individuals and within our interpersonal relationships? Then, we might consider how we could promote upholding the precept on a societal level.

For example, the second precept of not stealing (or not taking that which is not given) can be broadened to examine greed, craving, and grasping. I might spend a day noticing my own tendencies: craving chocolate as a snack (personal level), and being stingy with my time and attention with colleagues (interpersonal level). I might reflect on the negative results of these behaviors: gaining weight in the case of chocolate; damaging my relationship with colleagues in the case of withholding my time and attention.

Then, I could extend my reflection to a societal level and consider how greed contributes to inequity both within my own country and between countries, resulting in exploitation of people in poverty. I might resolve to be more mindful in my purchases: avoiding excess consumption and buying from companies that have implemented ethical practices. I might research charities that work in less wealthy countries and choose one to receive my monthly donation.