[Sophie Greenewalt]

I have also found the instruction to take short breaks really helpful. If I had to describe my experience I’d say my sense of the nature of mind is more of a glimmer or a glimpse and trying to rest in that can sometimes result in an attempt to hold on, which can lead to a spaced-out or stale state of mind. It’s nice to know I can let it go and go back to shamatha. Taking breaks helps me have a lighter touch.

I’m wondering about the pacing of the practice though. Often the moment I ‘look’ is the moment nature of mind (or the closest I can get to that) is most clear, it’s almost instant. I’m not sure whether to ask another question at that point or just rest, and resting in that is usually brief. If I’m going at my own pace it’s really fast, in a way. Wondering if it makes sense to let the inquiry be brief and have longer periods of shamatha in between…

[Author]

Posts