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Examining Freedom and Ease
The mind is both the source of suffering if it is not practiced and trained, and the wellspring of peace, happiness, and freedom when it is cared for and nourished. In the life of practice, at every moment we must “hold” the mind, bring the mind along with each step, each breath, so that we are not pulled away by the ghosts of the past, the ghosts of the future, the ghosts of anger, or the ghosts of fear.
Every daily action—here are some examples—can become a practice of the Dharma if it is done with mindfulness and freedom:
- Walking meditation: you should either walk or talk, not do both halfway.
- Brushing your teeth (about 2–3 minutes): “brush your teeth with dignity” so you can be fully present, fresh, and peaceful.
- Washing dishes, arranging flowers, sweeping the yard, painting a room… all are Dharma when you invest your whole body and mind.
- Urinating, defecating: just one minute, but it must be complete, free, and happy.
The Sangha is like a mirror reflecting the solidity and ease of each person, and at the same time is the place where the initial bodhicitta is nourished. Especially during the retreat season, each elder brother, elder sister, and younger sibling must be interconnected, supporting one another to maintain freedom, to preserve faith and the energy of mindfulness, not letting negative energy sweep us away, so that we may have the capacity to help the world.