If we are honest with ourselves and we look at the spiritual work that is in front of us, it is easy to become consumed with despair because of the sheer amount of work that needs to be done and we don’t seem to have time to practice meditation. Our spiritual goals appear to be in conflict with our worldly ones.
This perception is due to a lack of clarity about the interaction between the mind and the results we experience in life. Although our karmic results are primarily dependent on our states of mind, rarely are we willing to devote resources to strengthen this fundamental precursor.
However, If we can find a way to put development of insight first, our worldly objectives become much more attainable. The simple fact that we have clarity about what we are striving to achieve, i.e., satisfaction not dependent on external conditions, will allow us to see the most efficient way to secure only those external conditions that are necessary.
In order to act in the most efficient way, we first need to know and be certain of our prime objective. This certainty can be attained through the systematic development of an internally reflective mind. The Buddha developed a method consisting of various exercises designed to do just that. When you join us for a meditation retreat, we help to set you on the path to developing the mind in this way.