Starting Spiritual Practice
Can I settle my busy mind before a meeting even away from the temple?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Yes. Even away from the temple, you can find a moment when you are able to pause and settle yourself. A fellow practitioner shared that, while busy preparing for the next meeting, they would hold prayer beads or a token ordinarily connected with their faith, take a little time to become quiet and pray to the Bodhisattva.
This practitioner visualised the Bodhisattva’s light shining on the body, with negative energy gradually leaving and positive energy entering. Before leaving for a meeting, they first became quiet and recited scriptures. Once ready, they took a deep breath and went out. This was the person’s usual preparation, and the token already had an established faith connection.
These exercises should be done when you can safely pause. Do not divide your attention to practise while driving or riding. At first, there is no need to rush after spiritual perceptions. Begin by attending to inhaling and exhaling. If your thoughts keep racing after sitting down, you can rest first instead of insisting that you must meditate.