Break Down

On the question of striving: early practice needs to be precise and strategic, focused on precepts, developing mindfulness, and faith in the Buddha’s awakening. Later, working in community, with support, one protects the process as it unfolds, while trying not to control, to let go of competitiveness. Ways of the world do not work in this practice. We are not taught by the world to let go with complete surrender using skills not revered by the world. We need to give up what the world is telling us to go for. This is a path of selflessness and breaking it all down.  A talk given during a 7 day Satipaññā Insight Meditation Toronto retreat at Chapin Mill Retreat Centre, Batavia, Rochester, NY in 2016.