What The Buddha asks of us is really quite difficult?

Question

Constant mindfulness. Right thought. Right speech. And on it goes.
How good at it all do we have to be?
Do we have to be the best?
Or do we just have to do our best?

Nose to the grindstone? Or eyes on the stars?

PS
Anybody tempted to just dismiss Kewl Beans, as I was at first, might find it pleasant to look into 'em.

D'ya see, this all started because I had one of those meditation sessions this morning where you just can't concentrate and time slips boringly past.
It doesn't worry me - but it might some people? There can be a sense of inadequacy, of 'Everybody's better than I am.'

So I thought I'd share that.

And then this . . .
Everyone's going to get there eventually. That's just the way it is.
So why get upset? Do your best. As yourtime approaches, your best will get better and better until, *Pop!*
In the meantime let's enjoy the stars.
And do our best.

Answer 1

Chameleon's always do their very best to stay perfectly balanced, but even we fall off our branches here and there.

And, what do we do when this happens... Well, first we usually curse and moan at the tree for dropping us (hehe). But, then we just climb right back up on that wonderful branch and start all over with our balancing act.

<<<<<<<<<<< perfectly imperfect love >>>>>>>>>>>

Answer 2

Hi Jon :-)

It's a gradual process much as the dawn slowly lights the day. Words are tools that should be used only for constructive means, the mind directs them with the heart's input. A helpful tool is an evening review. Take a few moments each evening to look over the day. Did we do our best as a spiritual being? In what ways can we improve tomorrow?

The morning meditation can close with inspiration to stay focused on the light within all we meet and to understand the divine plan as it unfolds before our very eyes.

As we keep doing our best, the best gets better. As our compassion grows more expansive mindfulness, right thought and speech and all are a natural outflow of the divine that lights our path.

Just let your beautiful light shine :-)))))

((((((( Cosmic Light )))))))

Answer 3

*There is a book which you'd find most interesting to read on the Simplicity of practicing the Noble Eightfold Path - the book is called:

"Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness"
By: Bhante Henepola Gunaratana.

*You can download for free off the internet
his first book: "Mindfulness in Plain English"
at the Website below - if interested as well:
http://www.budsas.org/ebud/mfneng/mind0.htm

Had Read "Mindfulness in Plain English" - first book on meditation - then read "Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness" afterwards. Two Fantastic books by an excellent
teacher/author.

Answer 4

I think the important part is the journey. I read a book by Thich Nhat Hanh that said admonishing yourself is not what its about, its a path. When you find yourself off the path just make a note of it and get back on again. Just do your best. Doing so is for minimizing your own suffering and the suffering of others.

Answer 5

Two Reb Anderson stories I have found deeply useful (Reb is a Senior Dharma Teacher of San Francisco Zen Center):

~~~
Student: "My living situation right now is really difficult. All my possessions are in one room, and one day last week I woke up to find my legs covered with 22 flea bites. And yet, in that moment, I was sincerely grateful. It was just there, I just saw it, THAT ANYTHING AT ALL IS GOING ON IS A MIRACLE. It was unpleasant and everything, but at the same time, I really was kind of in awe. I was GRATEFUL to be experiencing ANYTHING.

"And I know, at least in my mind, that ANY moment can be like that, ANY moment is a miracle, no matter what. But a lot of the time, I JUST CAN'T GET IT THAT WAY. I know that it's a miracle, but I just can't see it that way."

Reb: "Is that not a miracle?"


~~~
Reb was leading a discussion group, he was calling for a 100% engagement with Buddhist practice.

One student felt moved to confess, "You know, I hear you saying that, calling for that commitment, that 100% engagement. But I feel I need to confess to you right now, I feel my practice is really half-hearted."

Reb said, "My advice to you is to be 100% half-hearted."

~~~

As Zen master Dogen emphasized, zazen is seated enlightenment. All that we are and such that we are, just facing that, showing up for that, admitting, facing and compassionately touching that. With such a practice approach, there is, of course, no such thing as a bad meditation.

It's not difficult ... it just requires everything we are.
.

Answer 6

Moses would hear on your question and then inform you to circulate and locate the only real God who's that this nature of which you talk. this manner of esoteric question seems extra useful appropriate for a taoist like Lao Tzu. you comprehend, that is precise up there with questions like "why is there air?" or "If a tree falls in the woods...yada yada".

Answer 7

You do your best, given your current level of development.
As you learn how to improve your focus, you get better. Everything gets better with practice.
Each time you miss the mark, you learn something.
Meditation helps in quieting the mind and being mindful of the ramifications of each of our actions, and having right thought. Having integrity assists us in right speech and right behavior.

Answer 8

I'm on a similar mission, Others will attempt to drag me down but my momentum is sufficient to keep me moving in the right direction. I can soar with the best through the cosmos of understanding.

Answer 9

Hello

Definately just do your best, no more can be asked of anyone

sometimes I guess it means when you have done the best you can, find someone who knows more than we do.

First the grindstone and then the stars,

Have a lovely week

Answer 10

I was never asked anything by the Budda. If he had, then he would have had a desire, and what does that imply for my desires? Why we could already be in conflict and I have not ever met him. I pay very little heed to billionth-hand stories anyhow. I tried that path and prefer to stay off it now, now, now.