From procrastination to practice

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The Lam Rim Chen Mo, composed by Lama Tsong Khapa, is considered to be the definitive guide to the Stages on the Path to Enlightenment as taught by the Buddha. The life-long study of the Lam Rim is a central aspect of Tibetan Buddhism.  With each new dive into this precious text I appreciate the exquisitely difficult simplicity of its wisdom. A worn copy is always present on my bedside table, and I continue to read it from front to back as the years roll by.

To be clear from the start, I am writing this blog for myself.

I am a procrastinator. Over the years I’ve made one resolution after another to journal about my spiritual pursuits. I’m good for a week or so, then I postpone writing an entry, one day turning into two, then a week. Then it’s months—maybe even years—before I make yet another resolution to write daily.

A few days ago I began a three-month-long Vajrasattva and Guru Yoga “retreat from afar” guided/mentored by Ven. Thubten Chodron and the wonderful Sravasti Abbey community of Spokane, Washington. In only a few days I’ve come to appreciate this precious human rebirth more deeply, appreciate the Dharma teachings I’ve received, appreciate the kindness of my precious root guru Lama Zopa Rinpoche, and have gratitude that I took refuge in the Guru, Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha those many years ago, embarking on the Bodhisattva path.  

I thought I’d been practicing Tibetan Buddhism these past 16 years! I suppose I have been at the level suited to me at the time. This week I got an inkling, a taste of something deeper, greater. I can appreciate all the time I’ve spent up until now picking away at the scab of my faulty perceptions.

I am so grateful!  That I can remember where I was 16, 15, 10, 5 years ago, even two weeks ago and know with certainty that persistent applied effort created the cause to affect a change in my mindstream. I have renewed hope that I can and will progress along the path to enlightenment’s shore for the sake of all sentient beings.