Special Topics
Daily Practice Q & A: Q2: How does one choose a daily regular practice?
It is said that there are "84,000 dharma methods" to practice Buddhism, so how does one find a practice method that is suitable for oneself? Venerable Master Sheng Yen has advised those who are interested in cultivating the habit of self-study to incorporate a variety of dharma methods when starting to do daily practices, so that they won't feel monotonous and boring. For example, one can do sitting meditation before the morning practice, make prostrations to the Buddha after reciting sutras, and recite mantras or the Buddha's name while practicing walking meditation. After a period of adaptation and adjustment, you will be able to find the dharma method that suits you, as well as the most ideal time for your physical and mental conditions to do daily regular practice, at which point you must be persistent. Venerable Master Sheng Yen also reminded us that one should not set the goal too high at the beginning, as this will put too much pressure on oneself. One should not have the expectation that one must reach a certain level either; otherwise, one will end up giving up due to lack of confidence.In addition, there are so many sutras and scriptures: where should we start? Venerable Guo Goang, the Director-in-chief of the Dharma Drum Mountain Sangha, has experienced the benefits of the daily practice prior to becoming a nun. She suggests that the principle of choosing the daily practice for a lay person is: "the best one is the one that is most suited to you." The Venerable pointed out that the Buddha expounded his teachings according to the karmic capacities of those who came to hear the Dharma, so it was the best for those who came to learn from him at that time. However, we are not able to listen to the Buddha speak in person; instead, we must follow the teachings left behind by the Buddha. Therefore, if a certain Buddhist scripture clarifies some of your confusions or inspires you, then you can practice according to this scripture.
For beginners, Venerable Guo Goang suggests starting with something simple, such as chanting the "Heart Sutra", reciting the Buddha's name, reciting mantras, or meditating. Choose a practice that suits you, and do it for five or ten minutes everyday. Then, if you are able to do it well, you can add a little more content. You can also go to a monastery to participate in group practice and learn about different practice methods, and then choose the appropriate dharma method according to your own personal capacity and preferences.
Extended Reading:
Morning and Evening Chanting as a Regular Monastic Practice
Innovations in Morning and Evening Services in Modern Day Monasteries
Morning and Evening Recitation Helps Mental and Physical Adjustment
The Regular Daily Practice of Venerable Master Sheng Yen
Daily Practice Q & A: Q1: Is it necessary to have a daily practice after studying Buddhism ?
Daily Practice Q & A: Q2: How does one choose a daily regular practice?
Daily Practice Q & A: Q4: What is the difference between preliminary and daily practice?
Resource: Issue 326 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: Issue 326 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: Glen Sha
Editing: YKL, Keith Brown