QUESTION
Dear Robina,
This is D, the guy who was in your class last night (we had met before which is how I got your email).
I have been screwing around for about 15 years dabbling in one type of Buddhism or another (which is rather confusing). If I wanted to have a more structured practice based on some of the teachings you are trained in, who would I work with as a teacher or where would I start in a more structured program? Someone no-nonsense and sharp would be good. Doing it ad hoc by myself is not working.
I need a stepwise practice that is focused on meditation (I tend to over engage my analytic side, too focused there for my own good). I have a nascent morning meditation practice (trying to get over that fear), and have done periods of intensive meditation without much guidance.
In the end, I am just looking for a place to start, that has structure, that’s not bogged down in esoteric or fluffy stuff where I don’t just do it on my own. It would help to have a teacher I respect and can trust.
I was attracted to your teaching because you understand in depth the teachings, but that doesn’t get in the way of clearly communicating in a no-nonsense manner the root of the issues.
I know you are super busy. Very short answers or a link is fine.
Many thanks on your teachings and for giving your time.
D
ANSWER
Happy to hear from you, D. Yes, I remember you from before, although I forgot your name.
Yes, if we like Buddhism it’s good to find a style that suits us. And, yes, it’s good to connect with teachers we like.
As for a daily practice, a disciplined, even if short, practice is good — in any endeavor we know this is true.
So keep it simple:
- Wake up in the morning and remember you’re still alive and make a decision to make the most of the day.
- It’s good to have an altar, a focus for your practice, a place that’s yours. After cleaning yourself, etc., go there, make an offering on your altar, and sit and do some practice. It’s good to do this first thing, before anything else.
- Then throughout the day watch your body and speech, and watch your mind: this is all part of practice.
- Finish the day with a short practice.
On top of this, attend some teachings, or watch some teachings from YouTube. If you like what I say, for example, then there’s plenty there apparently. Many people say that they get their teachings in this way (not just from me). Find a course you like, and do a bit of listening regularly.
And attend teachings on Zoom. I don’t have many these days, but you can see on my schedule.
As for other teachers, you can check them out and find the ones you like.
Keep it simple and steady, D.
And I’m here to support you, so stay in touch.
All the best,
Robina