Community Blog

Let us reflect on what is known as the Five Hindrances in the Teachings. These hindrances are common experiences that arise in meditation: desire (attachment), aversion (anger, fear), sleepiness (sloth and torpor), restlessness (agitation) and doubt. Meditation mirrors our actual lives—as they arise in meditation, they also arise in daily life. Their arising is not a problem. It is only a problem when we are overwhelmed, consumed, or define ourselves by them, when we tangle with them rather than working skillfully.

The fifth precept is refraining from alcohol and drugs (authentic medical need excluded) “that cause heedlessness.” I am inspired by this, as the last words of the Buddha are reputed to be “strive on with heedfulness.” This is something upon which we can deeply reflect—the need for sobriety and clarity of mind as requisites for the heedfulness highlighted in the Buddha’s last injunction as he lay dying. How can we practice heedfulness having ingested that which is designed to encourage heedlessness?

The fourth precept is to refrain from false, harmful and reckless speech. Speech is a primary way in which we relate to and communicate with each other. It can enhance connection, or be the agent of disconnection. In expressing our intentions and aspirations, our words, mindfully spoken, can remind us of what we hold most dear.

When we observe the precepts, they have a humane effect on us and everyone affected by us. We align with the understanding of karma, that the most important powers shaping our experience are the thoughts, words, and deeds we choose in the present moment. Every choice of action, in every aspect of life, contributes to making the world.

The precepts can be understood in the context of illuminated heart-mind. We are guided not by “do’s” and “don't’s” but by the interconnected nature of being. This is not so much to be understood by the mind, but by the heart.

In awareness practice, we invite ourselves into more and more sensitivity to life--to the aliveness within us and our interrelatedness with all life around us. We cultivate this sensitivity by becoming very simple, slowing down and being willing to see things as they are at the level of simply being alive. From clear seeing, our acts need not be contrived to be "good" or "virtuous," because the acts that naturally flow from a mind of clear seeing will be compassionate and wise.