CHAN PRACTICE IN DAILY LIFE

Practice should not be separated from living, and living at all times should be one's practice. Proper practice includes cultivating mindfulness, compassion, intuition, and wisdom. Think less about oneself and more about others. Be aware of your changing mental and physical conditions. See how they affect your thoughts, words and actions. In all our actions, we should reflect on whether our intentions are beneficial to others. In this way, we will check ourselves before we act. If we put other sentient beings before ourselves, those selfish feelings will not arise as much.

Being considerate of others is as much a form of practice as meditation is. However, sentient beings have their own karmic causes and conditions, their own merits and virtues, their own karma. You cannot change them, nor can you take on other people's karma. Of key importance is one's intention. You should sincerely try to help others, whether or not you succeed. Do not do anything that will make you feel tense, tired, or miserable. If you whip yourself all the time, you will be of no use to others or to yourself. Use meditation as a supporting discipline and the Buddhadharma as your guideline. Do the best you can, but don't push too hard.

One can practice in any situation. During your busy day, try to find little bits of time to sit, relax, and clear your mind. It is not always necessary to sit on a cushion to practice for thirty minutes. You can do your practice anywhere, at anytime, at your desk, in a car, bus, or train, or right now. Relax your body and mind; let a gentle smile arise from within; allow your body and mind to refresh itself.