As part of our #MeditationHacks series, an isolated practitioner asks dharma teacher Mitchell Ratner where to look for community.
Photo by Noah Silliman.
I live in an area where Buddhist centers are few and far between, and the ones I can get to aren’t really my cup of tea. That means it’s hard for me to have a relationship with a teacher or community, which are supposed to be essential. Is it OK to practice on my own, and how do I do it without support?
Mitchell Ratner: Learning to follow the eightfold path of mindfulness practice is similar to becoming adept at stage magic or tai chi or anything else. There is a lot one can learn from books and online videos. But it is also a great help to be around and learn from those who are proficient, especially those who are really good at it.
I suggest you first look for a Buddhist tradition that feels right to you. Many traditions now have online communities and live discussion groups that use internet audio and video. Then, if you can, attend an event in that tradition, such as a weekend retreat, even if it requires some travel. If you feel the tradition speaks to your heart, stay in touch and attend when you can. Two weekend retreats a year can help a lot.
Communities and good teachers can offer wonderful nourishment, and, also they are human and imperfect. The present moment is our true home, our true teacher. It is the teacher that will never let us down.
Some practice communities, such as the Plum Village tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, which I am a member of, encourage even new practitioners to start their own local face-to-face communities if none exists nearby. We all do the best we can given the context of our lives.
It may also be helpful to remember a teaching Thich Nhat Hanh gave me several decades ago when I was having some doubts. He told me, communities and good teachers can offer wonderful nourishment, and, also they are human and imperfect. The present moment is our true home, our true teacher. It is the teacher that will never let us down.
Read more from our #MeditationHacks series…
Your Partner Disapproves?
A new meditator’s spouse disapproves of their newfound practice. Susan Piver, founder of The Open Heart Project, answers.
Other Ways to Practice?
Vipassana teacher Konda Mason answers the question: “Is it OK if I find other ways to be meditative besides sitting on a cushion following my breath?”
Not Enlightened Yet?
Author and musician Miguel Chen comforts a practitioner who doesn’t seem to be getting any closer to enlightenment.
Buddhist Traditions: Which Way to Go?
Rev. angel Kyodo williams, founder of the Center for Transformative Change, advises on what to do when confronted with too many choices.
Feeling Unworthy?
Author and psychoanalyst, Pilar Jennings, offers advice to a practitioner who continues to feel unworthy and unloved.
Sleepy Mind, Monkey Mind?
Anita Feng, teacher for the Blue Heron Zen Community in Seattle, helps a practitioner navigate the path between drowsiness and daydreaming.
Is Meditation Painful?
Buddhist teacher Mushim Patricia Ikeda suggest alternatives when meditation becomes too painful.
Don’t Like Meditating?
Lila Kate Wheeler, author and trainer at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, answers what to do if you don’t like to meditate.
Practicing for Myself?
A Mahayana Buddhist who is encouraged to practice for the benefit of all sentient being feels like they are only practicing for their own benefit. Venerable Thubten Chodron answers.
Meditation Leading to an Unstable Mind?
Josh Bartok, a Zen teacher, suggest what to do if meditating leads to an unstable mind.
Still a Schmuck?
A reader asks Sylvia Boorstein: “What’s the point of practice if it’s not making me a better person?”
Overwhelmed by Emotions?
Author and lay Zen teacher Susan Moon is asked: “Should I stop meditating when emotions begin to overwhelm me?”
Practicing on Your Own?
An isolated practitioner asks dharma teacher Mitchell Ratner where to look for community.
