selfless practice

“the best way to practice is according to the spirit of nonpractice, not clinging to forms. suppose you practice sitting meditation very well. people look at you and see that you are a diligent practitioner. you sit perfectly, and you begin to feel a little proud. while others sleep late and do not come to the meditation hall on time, you are there sitting beautifully.

with that kind of feeling in you, the happiness that results from your practice will be limited. but if you realize that you are practicing for everyone, even if the whole community is sleeping and you are the only one sitting, your sitting will benefit everyone and your happiness will be boundless. we should practice meditation this way - without form, in the spirit of nonpractice.”— thich nhat hanh

if you’ve practised with me, you’ve probably heard me invite you to dedicate your practice to someone or something else as your intention. now more than ever, i feel how relevant this is.

on a macro scale, there are, sadly, many causes you can practise for and send your energy and support to. on a micro scale, think about your family, your peers, your colleagues, even people you don’t know personally, who could do with a little more love, strength, energy, or healing — whatever they may be dealing with. these may be the people who don’t have the time, resources, or capacity to practise, and you can practise for them. it’s such a beautiful way to share this practice, and also to take responsibility for the greater good, to think of something or someone beyond ourselves.

in the bhagavad gita, verse 2.47, it says, “you have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”

if you know of someone who is going through something, consider dedicating your practice to them next time you get on your mat. give it up. then remember to let go of the fruits of your own actions.