http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/05/22/the-joys-of-buddist-practice/ My life as a father, Buddhist and Japanophile. Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:53:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/05/22/the-joys-of-buddist-practice/#comment-2867 sekishin Sat, 04 Jul 2009 03:28:48 +0000 http://nihonshukyo.wordpress.com/?p=3984#comment-2867 Wow - very well written. I think I started with Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind as the first (or second to a Thich Nhat Hanh) book before attending any formal instruction. I now set a timer, but only use that as a "reachable goal" and if I stop before that . . . oh, well . . . maybe next time I'll do better next time. Watching my thoughts as I sit - the key for me is to becoming aware that I am thinking a thought, once that occurs concentrate on my breath . . . then another thought slips in and becoming aware again . . . and again . . . and again . . . Wow – very well written. I think I started with Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind as the first (or second to a Thich Nhat Hanh) book before attending any formal instruction. I now set a timer, but only use that as a “reachable goal” and if I stop before that . . . oh, well . . . maybe next time I’ll do better next time. Watching my thoughts as I sit – the key for me is to becoming aware that I am thinking a thought, once that occurs concentrate on my breath . . . then another thought slips in and becoming aware again . . . and again . . . and again . . .

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