Constructing a Daily Practice
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- How should we go about constructing a daily practice? We will look at several aspects that could go into it, including ethics, meditation, and wisdom infused by regular reflection and sutta readings.
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I'm incredibly new to buddhism but..it resonates with me. Right now as cheeky as it sounds your videos are my daily way of learning more about this lifestyle and religion bit by bit, it's such a good starting point for me
Glad to hear it Riley, thanks for the comment! 🙂
This is me atm! 🙏
And me now too 🙏
This is me right now :)
Me right now!
Thanks Doug! My daily practice usually starts with reflecting on my intention to cultivate enlightenment for the benefit of the world, as well as gratitude for the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. I make on offering of fresh water, which symbolizes the merit from practicing that “cleanses” or renews this mission. Then I meditate using a mala by touching each of the 108 beads for each mindful reflection on the five precepts, the eightfold path, the noble truths, the worldly concerns, and antidotes to greed, delusion, and anger. Then I reflect on specific unskillful actions from my past to strengthen motivation, and finish by dedicating merit to loved ones, strangers, and all beings. This might be too much for most practitioners…but I like to work in as much as possible lol. Using the mala keeps me focused and prevents my mind from wandering :)
That sounds great, Sarah. I'm glad you've found a practice style that suits you and keeps your mind focused! 🙏
Thanks for explaining your process...this was helpful.
Metta + Morning meditation. Great combo to “perfume” the day!
Good question, good answer ...no need to re-invent the wheel, the Buddha has already done it for us, and it has eight spokes.
Indeed so Mael-Strom! 🙏
Thank you for being part of my new journey. I have never found so much peace in life than when I found Buddhism. I am finally happy, after 29 years. Your channel has helped me dive into Buddhism.
Hey that's great jmacsss, you're very welcome!
im really new to actually learning about buddhism but have felt a connection to it since i visited the temples in japan :) thank you for making these videos!
You’re very welcome, Abby!
Thank you! I am very new to Buddhism and wasn’t sure where to start with meditation or what to focus on and this was very helpful
Glad to hear it, Bee Fairy. Check out my videos and playlists for more! 😊
8:14 I recently read that Japanese children are taught be aware of their anger and to slow their breathing ( to a slight air hunger ) - which physiologically is greatly relaxing / calming.
I'm sure that can help, thanks!
I like to read a little bit before and after meditation practice. A short Sutta before, a chapter of the Dhammapada at the end. Five Precepts once a week. Perhaps find seven short Suttas, one for each morning of the week. Just a suggestion.
That's a good practice Philip, thanks!
Thanks 😊
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I'm a Buddhist ( well I try) Thank you so much for your clarification and keeping it real. w/ Metta
You’re very welcome Robert! Keep on trying, it’s the best we all can do. 🙂
Great idea to meditate after exercise. That never occurred to me. I’ll try it! In an Ayurvedic way of naming things, I find exercise brings out my Pitta side a bit too much. I’ll bet meditation after exercise would help restore balance too. Thanks!
Glad to help! 😊
Lovely, rounded set of recommendations. Thanks for this.
You’re very welcome David, thanks for watching! 🙏🙂
Thanks for this Doug.
You’re very welcome markwallis1! 🙏🙂
Last night I decided to become a Buddhist after spending 2 years sort of...lost spiritually. I practiced kaballah for 3 years and shamanism before that for 4 years. But the zenful simplicity of buddhism brings such a peace to my soul, it seems to be the way.
Yes I think so too! Thanks GG.
Thank you Doug.
You're very welcome gawldarn. 🙏
Very helpful video Dough 🙏🏼🌴
My pleasure, Mila! 🙏
Hi Doug, i find your videos very helpful that strengthens my practice and improves my understanding. Many thanks for the work you do for the good of the seekers of dhamma. Metta.
Much metta to you as well, Jeya. 🙏😊
Thank you, Doug!
My pleasure!
I definitely agree with learning from other sources outside of Buddhism! Although I am very new to Buddhism, I have been learning philosophy for a few months. I highly recommend the podcast “Philosophize This” for anyone new to philosophy, it’s very good quality!
Thanks TT, yes for sure read around!
Thanks alot!😃
You're very welcome Kwanda!
Very useful - thank you.
My pleasure.
A good book that has been helping with daily practice focus as well as just helping with all areas of life is The Urban Monk. About 3/4 way through. So good, so far.
Interesting, thanks Corey. I don't know that one.
Thank you!
You're welcome Jean-Michel! 🙏🙂
I have this book "In the Buddha's words", I have read it only less than half but loved it.
Yes it is a very good book khushbu! Thanks.
this is a really interesting video and have subscribed. I mix stoicism with your mentioned practices and also have a daily meditation. This has helped me so much and I'm really not sure what I would do without this now. Thank you!
That's great to hear Mark! You're very welcome, these are great practices and I think often can be blended quite easily.
Er
I like to create a visualization of the Buddha in my mind and steadying the inner vision eventually releasing it and then holding that stillness in the mind.
Doug . your info clear many of my confusion of dharma
Wonderful! Glad to hear it. 😊
You are a good scholar with a good knowledge of history and credible.
Thank you Amit. 🙏🙂
Doug thanks so much for all you do. I find it helpful to do a little breathing throughout the day as a way to become more aware of my emotional state, particularly if I am in a work or personal situation that involves conflict or negative emotions. It helps me keep from getting triggered and to be more deliberate in how I react to the other person(s).
That's great to hear Jim, yes focusing on the breath is a great practice that really can help in difficult situations like those you mention.
I like it when you say “ coming right up” 😂
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Thanks a lot Doug.
I hope you are doing better
I want to advance in Buddhism but my life is chaotic and I am lost so I needed this video.
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Thanks Avida! All the best on your journey, I hope the chaos abates. 🙏😊
Really enjoyed learning all of this. Very Happy to embark on this new journey and your presentation is very crisp and clear. Thank you! Love and Peace from India :)
That's wonderful to hear Madhumitha. You're very welcome, let us know how your practice goes!
@@DougsDharma .. Thank you, Doug. Your tips help a lot :)
Thanks Gordon Freeman
You’re very welcome!
@@DougsDharma Honestly though, I've been attempting to take a Buddhist path for a while now and your channel has been greatly helping! I didn't know where to start until I found you! Much respect. 🙏
That’s great to hear, I’m so glad the videos are a help to you.
I like your metaphor of perfuming the mind.
Thanks Pritom, I think I got that from one of the suttas, but can't remember precisely where. 🙂
Hopefully refelcting on change , will help us love better . Losing materialism but enriching our interpersonal relations .
That's right Jillian, thanks!
Thank you, Doug, for the reminder, I am as ever grateful for the clarity of your teachings. I would enjoy a wee bit of bodywork such as yoga, Qigong, even a simple self-massage and a wee bit of chanting, to warm the intention. Kind Regards and a wee poem
I can't see it
not yet
without regret
held
in my hand
china blue
white
the cup
already broken
Thanks James, wonderful! Yes there are many ways to add to a daily practice as you note. 🙏
Great video. I just began watching your contents. Just here to share my daily practice. For a short background, I came from a Catholic background and I just recently started practicing Buddhism this 2023 (although I started studying Buddhist teachings and suttas since 2016). My orientation are more on Theravada and early Buddhism.
My daily practice consist of reciting short chants, particularly Tisarana (Refuge in the Triple Gem) and Panca-Sila (5 precepts). I also do 2 hrs. of daily meditation (Samadhi and Vipassana) 1hr in the morning and another in the evening. I do 40-minute Brahmavihara meditation weekly, usually every weekends (i consider this as my metta meditation practice).
I also practice Uposatha (following the 8-precept instead of only the 5-precept) every New moon and Full moon.
So far I can follow my daily practice, however, due to the demands of everyday life my meditation schedules are sometimes affected, making it only 30-minute sessions in the morning and evening.
Practicing Buddhism is surely a life changing decision, wishing everyone taking this path to be well and achieve Nibbana.
Edit: I forgot to also mention that I also try to connect with other practitioners in my area (Manila, Philippines). When we are free (usually once or twice a week), we meditate together virtually and talk about suttas and our practice. We also meet in various Buddhist retreats.
That sounds like a wonderful practice, and glad you have other local practitioners. Thanks for sharing!
another great video! In my late teens I took an interest in stoicism and still often carry a copy of Marcus's journal or Seneca's letters in my ruck to keep myself busy and remind myself of their principles, which are often strikingly similar to buddhism's. I'd love to see a video on the precepts, similar to the one on non violence, that also explores new and old opinions on them. I'm particularly curious about intoxicants: where does buddhism differentiate medical use and pleasure? Has medical advancements changed the view of intoxicants
I too would like to know this question?
Thanks for the question, Emo. I've done a couple of videos on the precepts, most recently: th-cam.com/video/Ltr0gPj6s50/w-d-xo.html . As to how to interpret them, it is part of our practice to figure out how each of us interprets them for ourselves. There is no "Buddhist pope" to tell us, and each teacher, lineage, and school may see them slightly differently. But in general intoxicants used for medical purposes aren't a problem in Buddhism. The problem is using something that makes us more likely to violate one of the other four precepts, by messing with our mind in a social setting, or by doing something foolish that might make us ill or fritter away our wealth. To my mind it is more a precept against drunkenness and overindulgence than it is about a glass of wine or beer with dinner, but again each of us has to interpret this for ourselves.
@@DougsDharma I agree with it being a rule to prevent other principles from being broken and that moderation is wise. I ask because I'm in a position where I'm contemplating if eliminating certain suffering/pains can be a negative. I agree with the themes of attachments leading to suffering, yet I think this can be countered with idea that some suffering can be a catalyst to change and improvemet.
And by pains I mean physical/mental ones.
สาธุ! สาธุ! สาธุ!
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Very interesting video Doug, thank you very much for sharing all your knowledge and time :D!. What kind of books on ancient greek philosophy do you recommend as a support for daily buddhist meditation practice? Thank you
Good question Kusala Mic. Honestly I don't spend a huge amount of time reading ancient Greek wisdom, though I have at times and found it generally very useful and insightful. My preferences would be for ancient Stoics or Epicureans, or the early Platonic dialogues. I did a couple of earlier videos on Stoicism and Buddhism in case you are interested: th-cam.com/video/wJ0iQiNf6ZE/w-d-xo.html
Meditation & a teaching, ideally in the morning.
Yes, that’s a fine practice Bernadette.
You and I sound like uncannily similar people, Doug. I'm glad to have found you 😊
Hope you are well
Hey, thanks Saint Burnsy, you as well!
Chinese Martial arts are often very connected to Buddhist teachings so that is my recommendation. Through the hard work you need to put in you automatically prepare your body for longer meditation. Of course you need a good teacher to guide you.
Yes I think exercise in general is very important. My only concern with martial arts is the "martial" aspect, which could promote violence. I am sure though that a good teacher, as you suggest, would try to dissuade such a result.
Hi mate, I'm really appreciating these videos. I've spent a long while feeling somewhat lost spiritually and emotionally but after beginning to learn about Buddhism, I really feel like it suits me really well. I'd be lying if I said I've stopped feeling lost overnight but hey, everything is a journey and I have to accept that even if I'm taking the longer route. I have a sort of two part question for you. I've just had possibly the most horrible and frustrating meditation session. It's honestly crazy, the previous one was just so right as in everything clicked into place and it was quite moving. And then suddenly on the next one it was the opposite. Right from the first breath I just couldn't get into it at all. I was restless, agitated, tensed up etc. You name it, I was it. I know I'm just starting to find my way so I have to expect this a little but that doesn't help the frustration. So do you ever get like this? And if so, do you have any advice? Thanks in advance. And sorry for the long comment. I'm really enjoying your work here and you seem like a great guy :)
Thanks Brendan, very kind of you to say! Yes you’re expressing what I’d say 100% of all meditators go through: we have good days followed by bad days. It’s absolutely normal and part of the process! Indeed the process is to begin to become equanimous with the idea of having “bad days”: we can learn something from each session. Sometimes we learn that the mind is agitated or distracted or tired!
@@DougsDharma Some good insight and a good overall attitude. Thanks for the response :)
A video on Bodhisattva Avlokiteshwara and his similarities with Abrahamic description of Lord..I would suggest
I would recommend chanting from the Pali theravada tradition. Wearing Buddhist amulets and jewlery to remind you of your practice.
For sure some people find such practices helpful.
Right on time :) I was about to ask you yesterday about this topic - how do you construct your practice and more precisely the mixing of metta with the mindulness and/or calming maditations. But as you say a person should find his/her own way to make use of it. I started doing metta regularly cause i am am kind of an angry type and it does help me to deal better with intense situations. Sometimes when i am calm i start with metta and finish with mindfulness, other time when i am restless i start with calming breathing meditation and then do the metta or just split them one in the morning and one in the evening. I curious about the way you practice metta? I watched you wonderful description of the brahmaviharas and i wonder do you have a particular type of metta or you change and mix the different variantions (the radiation and the one with the different persons)? May be it is a matter of personal mind construction and different people start feeling the benevelonce under different approach. Thanx for the wonderful videos and shareing your knowledge and experience. Greetings :)
You’re very welcome El Freegano. As to metta, I tend to mix it up a bit. Usually I try to do the radiation type but it can be difficult. If I feel I really need the practice then I use the Visuddhimagga type with persons. That’s easier to do for me. 🙂
Meditation is not something different from daily life. Life is meditation.
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Thanks Abhishek, it certainly can be! 🙏
Hahaha, yeah, but still there could be a good meditation or a bad meditation. If life is meditation, you should meditate, otherwise you would just live and get nothing good out of it.
I would highly recommend using and carrying THE DHAMMAPADA ......THE SAYINGS OF THE BUDDHA (SHAMBHALA POCKET CLASSICS). It is tiny, fits into a wallet, handbag or pocket easily. It is written in very good and clear English. Incidentally this is not an advert and I have no commercial interests in promoting this book. I do love it though.It is always with me. I can read it at anytime, anywhere.
Yes the Dhammapada is a great book, thanks!
I pretty much do the same thing aside from loving kindness. Last week I was taking a break from practice, but I'm looking forward to starting again. I also use essential oils to make mindfulness practice more interesting and easier. I also use music to make calming meditation easier. I know that the Buddha probably didn't recommend that, but it's something to consider. I know that other forms of Buddhism use incense, but I don't think that was mentioned in the early texts. I could be wrong about that though.
Thanks for the comment Afanasi. You're right that the Buddha didn't mention incense, music, or other such stimuli during meditation. Many of us find them useful, but my supposition is that the Buddha might have considered them elements of sense pleasure or sense desire. Might be something to make a video about ... 🙂
@@DougsDharma I'm looking forward to it. When I went to a monastery I noticed that they used incense as well so I'd love to hear your opinion on it. You can also talk about the types of Buddhist practice that uses incense and how it differs from early Buddhist practice.
Yes, they certainly do use incense in many monasteries. I'm not sure how much I can turn up about the history of the practice but I'll put it on the list and see.
@@DougsDharma I forgot to mention another thing that I do from time to time. If I'm having trouble focusing I pretend that I'm inhaling blue for healing and exhaling gray. I just chose the color gray because it's the color of smoke, pollution, etc. I don't do that all the time. I usually do it in the beginning of my meditation practice to help me focus on something and then I do traditional mindfulness meditation.
Yes this is similar to some Tibetan practices like Tonglen.
love your channel
Thanks so much Gabriel. 🙏
Much like a diet. If you set a Mindful Spritual plan...and stick to the plan...and trust in the process of the plan...More than likely...your Spiritual practice will work...to some degree. The more you practice...the better you will get. Adjustments may be necessary. But a good plan...made thoughtfully...taking into consideration the myriad of elements that will pop up...you put yourself in a very good position for success.
Well said, Uli!
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What do you think about standing meditation?
I've been trying and trying and trying to sit in meditation in easy pose on the floor. With all kinds of aids in form of mats and pillows and what not. But its so uncomfortable for me. I especially has to use so much much muscle in my pelvis and core, that it's more of a workout than a meditation... finding it hard to meditate because it takes all my focus to sit with an uptight spine, ignore the ache in the muscles, and concentrate not to tip backwards.....
So I can only really stand, or sit in chair /, couch... is that OK?
Sure! You can stand, walk, sit on a chair or couch, or even lie down. Though if you do lie down, try not to fall asleep! 😄 For walking meditation I have a couple of videos, for example: th-cam.com/video/SPEoWeF7ClE/w-d-xo.html . You do not have to sit on the floor to meditate.
@@DougsDharma thank you very much 😊 🙏
I am new to this and in need of finding inner peace and how to deal with life, emotions, etc in a better way. Which video do I start with 1st?
Well you might want to check out some of my playlists, for example this one on beginning Buddhist practice: th-cam.com/play/PL0akoU_OszRihO7Z4ynccF5rmGgyfNLQr.html
And welcome! 😊
Hey Doug, when do you feel one can call themselves a "Buddhist" I'm still fairly new to this way of living, and I'm trying my best to learn and grow, meditate daily, and put into practice what I'm learning. When people ask my "religion" or what I believe in, I'm not quite sure how to answer it. I feel like a fake saying I'm a "Buddhist" when I'm still learning and don't know all I should yet. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
I wouldn't worry about labels too much Gloria. While they can be useful to ourselves or to others, they can also become objects of clinging and egoistic self-identification. So there's no reason to rush into anything. What's most important is the practice and the mindset. Eventually it may be that you realize you are Buddhist, and that's fine, or it may be that you realize you love the practice but don't care to identify yourself in any particular way with it. That's also fine. It's up to you!
@@DougsDharma thank you so much. Makes sense. I've been loving your videos, and watch them daily as well as reading books you've suggested. As I've been learning more, I was reading that the Buddha would "fast" and had a no food after 12pm "rule" I've read many different reasons why and not sure yet how true it is. If you don't already have a video on this, I'd be interested in hearing what you know. Take care, and thanks again!
Then how do you practice metta if you decide to add it to your meditation?
Check out my playlist on the Brahmavihāras, I give some pointers there: th-cam.com/play/PL0akoU_OszRi-PrNLubfI0LVwkjXbZ-c7.html (The first one is on metta).
Taste your coffee every morning, each mouthful without concepts
.. Start there
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"Touching Bottom"
wow
Yes.
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I've searched and asked to many but still can't understand what suttas are...
What are suttas? What do we get from using them? What can we learn from it?
"Sutta" is the Pāli word for "sutra". Basically they are the Buddhist discourses. All of the early Buddhist teachings are in the early suttas.
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That line - 'This cup is already broken' - really resonates with me. I have indeed attachments to certain things, like my computer and its Internet connection. So, thank you.
Question, however. How does one avoid falling into despair or pessimism when considering all things to be temporary and sort of falling apart?
You're very welcome Anders, yes it resonates with me as well. As to your question, I think the despair comes as we let go of our attachments. Once we have let go however then the despair as well evaporates and we can find a deeper happiness that doesn't rely on attachment. That at least is the path the Buddha points out, and I think it's one we can get glimpses of in our practice. Also it helps to do practices like lovingkindness or compassion. Those can be a real help in difficult times.
Taken me twenty years of Buddhism and Hinduism to finally become increasingly aware and understanding the spiritual perspective and philosophy of suffering and ignorance is as important as the good times ( Taoism is a great philosophy)
Logic can help you overcome pessimism. Yes, everything around you is temporary. With this in the background, you can still love life. There is absolutely no correlation or causation relationship between permanence/eternity and happiness/joy. This is just a false programming in our minds, that you can realize through practice.
If I don’t take refuge in triple gem & tipitaka but only on noble eightfold path, is there any problem?
I don't think there's a general answer to that question Jackson. It depends on what your practice is and what these refuges mean or don't mean to you.
@@DougsDharma I have seen Buddhist who are spending lots of money for constructing buddha statue when there are crores of poor. I have seen monks who have become monk for completing education, teaching,exerting power,showing austerity & so on.
What about meditation on the certainty of our death?
That could be useful too, for sure.
It's been a month I'm away from my casual practice of meditation because I complicated it too much...
I related 12 mudras to twelve values I have chosen in my psychologist - and I've drawn them like gods. Whenever I meditate I try not to think about my hands, but the thoughts related to the mudras just come. On one hand I find it easier to meditate like this, on the other hand I've been feeling it's harder to do mindfulness meditation the way I could previously. I even have created a neutral mudra, but I kept focusing in "how neutral it is" lol
Thanks for that Lucas, hope you’re finding it easier now! 🙏
What if your on medication for depression?
I don't think it should make any difference Donald, but you might want to check with your doctor.
Better you look for a meditation with clinical evidence. You could find the best mediation that helps you.
What about mantra meditation?
Sure, if that works for you, then by all means.
2 hours a day would be too much? I already want to sleep in the lotus position. After time you might feel the desire, of not letting your back horizontally, but to holding it always straight. As far as I can not do any breathing meditation, I started with concentration on mantras and relaxation. It's pretty weird for those who have dissociation, I can hypnotize my self to everything. Its no problem for me watching myself breathing from aside, but that has nothing to do with meditation, I just hypnotize myself. It is very difficult after some minutes I need to lay down, because I simply fall asleep. I feel that I could stop my heart from beating by my mind. I think in the end it is better to find your own meditation practice, especially for those who don't want to agree with their life situation.
Yes, find whatever meditation practice works for you. I don't think two hours a day would be too much if you have time for it.
heres a silly question. Can you drink coffee if your a Buddhist? I mean it is a simulant but I feel I cant live without it! lol
Oh sure, there is nothing in the dharma opposed to coffee and many Buddhists love coffee and tea.
Do you recommend veganism ??
Well that kind of decision is up to each of us individually. Historically speaking, the Buddha was not a vegetarian, but many Buddhist schools practice vegetarianism.
@@DougsDharma why did buddha praise vegetarianism when he himself wasn't vegetarian. I know that he forbade to eat meat specially cooked for monks, but vegetarianism is the act of eating and not the act of accepting alms. I never got clarity on this. How to interpret this in present context ?
@@PC-jn3kq I did a video on this general topic awhile back: th-cam.com/video/r5oncPD7jKo/w-d-xo.html
Hi Mr.Craig,I love your videos ,these so important heads up for the fellow buddhist laymen to habituate the Buddhist principles for daily cultivation. May i get your email id .I wish to invite you for your talk on the dhamma ,i live in Dubai and connected to a Buddhist sangha here. Appreciate,Arhant
The problem I see with Secular Buddhism is not in the philosophy itself but rather in that it seems to produce some aggressive practitioners who want to destroy traditional Buddhism. I don't they SB should call itself Buddhist. What for ? If their practice can stand as it is, they do not need to appropriate the name.
Thanks for your comment Daphne. I know many secular practitioners and not a single one wants to destroy traditional Buddhism, so I wonder who you are thinking of.
Would you say though that there were traditional practitioners who would like to see the end of secular Buddhism?
@@DougsDharma I see both sides have those would like to dominate. My personal view is that perhaps Secular Buddhism should be renamed because in essence it is not traditional Buddhism .I think you ideas are perfectly fine and useful for those who resonate but it does not appear that is is in essence Buddhism .It reminds me slightly of the Jehovah's Witness, who I think are acceptable but not Christian.Maybe of them denigrated Christianity .
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