Day 55

Question of the Week

In her book Thorson's Principles of Zen, Martine Batchelor outlines the three attitudes students are encouraged to cultivate in Zen practice—Great Faith, Great Courage, and Great Questioning. She goes on to say:

Great Faith might come upon someone suddenly, but generally grows with practice.

The question of the week is:

Now that we find ourselves halfway through the journey, do you find yourself developing greater faith and courage with respect to your practice?

I'm considering this tonight... I'll be back with my response tomorrow.

Comments

[chalip]

This one is just a maybe for me right now. I can definately see that I've broken through a major hurdle of just being convinced that I couldn't practice everyday because I simply have "too much going on..." So I do have more faith in my ability to actively engage in this practice...

And I'm finding myself willing to look at things that I've ignored in the past, so perhaps some level courage is developing?

IDK. Maybe.

[Sudo]

Yes.

This is interesting for me. When I first stumbled upon Buddhism, it resonated with me in a big way due to what was going on in my life at the time. I really appreciated that it seemed to offer a lot insight into my own condition and how I could improve it without asking me to blindly believe in anything. Since then, the Dharma has given so much to me that I have developed a strong and beautiful faith in it. I now understand a little more how theists might feel. I find myself more drawn to practicing Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and so on as sisters and brothers on a spritual path that's not really that different from mine. God, Buddhanature...what's the difference?

Anyway, since 108 days began, my faith has strengthened. I would never have gone on two retreats without having dedicated the energy to strengthening my mediation practice via 108 days. My faith in the Dharma and my faith in my meditation practice has strengthened. In fact, there was a time a few weeks ago where I recited the refuges and I swear...for the first time, I really meant it!

I'm going through a valley right now in terms of my practice. It's hard. Stuff is coming up. It is not as joyful as it has been at times in the past. I feel as if I've taken a few steps back in terms of my concentration. But my faith is stronger than ever.

So, faith. Yeah. Good stuff.

Courage. I think committing to 108 days or a three day silent meditation retreat took courage. And I have survived. So maybe those things are courage paying off? I don't feel couragous, though.