Weekend Dhamma

Since the time of the Buddha, Dhamma training has always been available for those who commit to its practice.

It is an essentially simple training that only demands submission to that which needs to be done.

However in these modern times true training is rare as so much of spiritual world has become a business, and like all businesses it needs to give customers what they want rather than what they need.

Comfortable rooms with showers and wifi available, delicious meals prepared and ready to consume, and talking, lots of self indulgent talking.

This is not our way to train in Dhamma and the differences, once understood, are important.

Dhamma training proposes a simplicity to life, and an acceptance of ‘doing what needs to be done’ by putting down of the demands of what you will accept or not for your own convenience and comfort.

A letting go of the superficial resistance to the training and the excuses that follow, such as, 'a weekend retreat is not enough for me and it's too far to travel for such a short time!'

This may seem reasonable to the lazy part of the mind, but it's always an excuse to the heart.

We may forget that the teacher often has travelled from another country to share this Dhamma with you - even for a weekend course.

They will spend all day in airports and on aeroplanes and even a hotel to finally arrive at the meditation centre just to share this beautiful teaching of Love and Awareness with you, and then, after the retreat, the return journey.

What will you have missed by your resistance to a little travel and a possible small discomfort? Who can say how much longer this, or any teacher will be able to make this strong commitment to share the Dhamma they carry in their heart?

For my own training, which I value more than anything else in the world, the travel to my teachers monastery involved a four hour boat journey, two trains and taxi to arrive at my destination, a total of eleven hours each way. It was not always so easy, and certainly not convenient, but to sit at the feet of this beautiful being and hear Dhamma from his lips was invaluable.

In the end, what is the value we place on our own Dhamma Path?

So with love and humility I offer this reminder of the value of our authentic training and the need to apply ourselves so that ultimately we will be happy and then share that happiness with all beings.

In other words, don't miss the moment.

To be respectful, humble, contented and grateful;
and to listen to the Dhamma when possible -
this is the greatest blessing.

(Mangala Sutta vs. 7)

May all beings be happy.