Spiritual Techniques —
If we agree that we routinely see the world through habitual filters and preconceptions — then what do we do about it? How do we change that?
It’s not enough to understand something intellectually. Knowing is an important first step. But that’s all it is. A really good new idea can’t by itself defeat an old bad habit. Even true thoughts are still just thoughts.
To start getting rid of blockages to being in the world directly and clearly, to see, hear, taste, touch, and smell through fewer filters, to sense the spiraling dream-like layers and complexities of everything more directly, to deeply breathe them in and out, to interact from a deeper place within — how do we do that?
We need a practice or practices, a Spiritual Technique or Techniques to help clear our already perfect minds — yes, perfect — of obstacles.
So which Spiritual Technique or Techniques to choose? That’s a whole big question, worth a deep look. Use intelligent doubt and skepticism to choose a Technique you trust, a Teacher you are certain is benevolent and knows what she/he is talking about, and a Community of supportive fellow students. In Buddhism, these are called the three gems. I chose Tibetan Buddhism because in 1968 I had the good luck to be in the right place at the right time to meet and recognize my teacher, Trungpa Rinpoche.
So you pick a Spiritual Technique, perhaps Sitting Meditation itself, a traditional path, or any of several modern variations. “How will I know it’s working?” an intelligent provocative friend asked me lately.
Well, you won’t for a while. You’ll have to abandon quantifying mind — stop counting, adding up, being an emotional accountant. You’ve chosen a path, a spiritual technique. Now trust it. That used to be called “faith.” Have faith. The time for intelligent doubt was earlier, when you were choosing a path.
When you are on your way, your doubting mind is just another obstacle. If you are sitting in meditation, paying attention to your breathing, then that’s what you are doing. The rest, including evaluations of progress, are just thoughts. The goal is not to “think” anything but simply to be aware. Obviously, if you are aware that the room is on fire, put out the fire or get out of there. Don’t take leave of your senses.
