2012 is The Year of Deepening Practice. Our invitation to everyone is to jump on board to “Deepen Practice by Making Practice Yours.”
At a recent gathering some old-timer practice stalwarts expressed that, although they are committed to practice, they have lived compartmentalized lives. On the one hand there’s the Monastery, the monks, Cheri, and practice; and on the other their own lives—very separate entities. They participate in practice but practice is something they “go do.” True, they meditate at home, use various practice tools, and attend workshops and retreats; but they didn’t feel any “ownership” of the practice. Part of Sangha, yes, but the “making practice happen” side of things belongs to Cheri and the monks and a few other people.
In truth, those days, if they ever existed, are over. We are now looking at succession. What will happen to our practice when the current guide is no longer at the helm? How will practice continue? Who will “make practice happen”? The answer to all those questions and more is “you.” Sangha. The great good news is that Sangha is ready to step up, ready to take responsibility for practice, for Sangha. That’s what this next year is about, and everyone is invited to join in.
Your practice questions to consider:
What’s it like to consider that you are responsible for the future of practice?
What will your practice be now that you have realized this practice is yours?
Gasshō, Cheri