Posted 04/08/2010 10:06am
by Rev. Alicia
Seven new people came to the introductory evening yesterday. I always enjoyed seeing people arrive for introductory retreats at Throssel and I enjoy teaching the introductory evenings here. When I see people coming to the temple for the first time, experiencing meditation and hearing the Dharma for the first time I am reminded of how I felt when I went to my first class at a Buddhist centre in London in the mid-1980's. I knew by the end of the evening that I had found something infinitely precious, that the practice of the Buddha's teachings would henceforth be at the centre of my life.
Not everyone feels that way on their first contact with Buddhism, but for all of us who have practised for any length of time I think there is a knowledge of a heart-felt connection with the Dharma and it is good to be reminded of that, especially at times when our inspiration seems to be wearing a bit thin for whatever reasons. However far we may feel we have gone astray from our practice we can come back in an instant. The past has gone, what matters is what you do in this moment. If you have let your meditation practice go, all you have to do is go sit today, it is as simple as that.
On Saturday I am visiting the Chichester Serene Reflection Meditation Group to lead a day retreat. Next Wednesday (11th) there will be a day retreat here at the Priory.
