The Art Of Samprajanya
It seems that there are all these natural boundaries between the time to be spiritual and the time to be ordinary; or the time to be closer to the sacred and the time to be in the mundane. This notion is reinforced by forgetting the continuous awareness that flows from the meditation cushion to the kitchen.
Sojong Reminder from Anam Thubten for the month of Sept 2019
Dear Dharma friends,
It seems that there are all these natural boundaries between the time to be spiritual and the time to be ordinary; or the time to be closer to the sacred and the time to be in the mundane. This notion is reinforced by forgetting the continuous awareness that flows from the meditation cushion to the kitchen. Such remembrance is taught by Buddha again and again in the sutras as a chief factor for one’s inner awakening. This is what is called samprajanya in Sanskrit. It’s more than just being mindful at special activities, such as prayer, reflection, meditation, or recitation, but to be present all the time, if one can, during activities that are not considered as spiritual.
There are many activities we engage in on a daily basis. Some of them are adventurous and others are quite menial. Working in the garden, chopping vegetables, cleaning the dishes; these are things many of us engage in everyday, yet they’re considered worldly tasks, as if they are periods when spiritual practice cannot be performed. Then there are specific sacred practices, which require special costumes, setting, and observance. These can be done in the time periods when many of our daily chores are suspended. But samprajanya can be cultivated in all situations. The very definition of the word is to be mindful all the time.
The opposite is forgetfulness, which is regarded as the most powerful hurdle on the path. It has even been portrayed in the traditional teachings as some kind of mighty force that is much more cunning and thunderous than our strength. It’s not that difficult to overcome this seemingly powerful obstacle. The first thing that is required is the commitment to bring samprajanya into everyday life. Then there are simple techniques that enable us to get on track.
Sometime ago, a friend of mine gave me a ride to the airport. While chatting about the usual ordinary topics, a sound rang from his smart phone. He said something like “This is to remind myself to practice awareness.” This is just one example of how remembrance can be cultivated in the middle of all things.
During this upcoming Sojong, let me invite all of us to review the way we have been living in regards to our interior world, the mind. Just recognize what arises from the reflection. No need to judge. After that, once again take the vow to practice remembrance, which will help us not to drift into the sea of kleshas, but to stay grounded in the inner sanctuary where the light is always shining.
With palms joined, Anam Thubten