Practice.

 I’ve been hesitating about writing because we are going into realms beyond mere information. For information to become knowledge, we need to practise. When we experience knowledge, wisdom can dawn.

 If we do not practise, information could appear irritating, because we find ourselves wanting something more exciting, and our mind thinks, “Oh I’ve heard all this before!” when, in fact, we are talking of refinements.

 We have to be aware that we can mix sublime knowledge with conventional knowledge and become confused, and sometimes angry. This is why we need an open mind, together with an open heart.

 Good will equals an easy path.

 …and so to practice.

 The funny thing about practice is wanting to do something…when it’s merely matter of recognising!

We can get so bound up in the ritual, that recognising our true nature can be forgotten.

 We may want things to do, and if we want them, a teacher will give them to us, but in the end it is merely about recognising. And we have to see for ourselves what is of benefit and what to value.

 Going to teachings and reading books is not without merit, as they are translations of others’ experiences, which can be of benefit to us. However, we have to remember that they are a commentary and translation of the teachings, and they are not our experience…yet.

 We may learn text and phrases to repeat, and they are good reminders, but only a shadow of the actual experience. Recognition of our true nature may then be expressed as direct experience.

 I once related an experience to a lama. He said, “We do not express it like that.” He was Tibetan and his translator wasn’t English, and although they were both very learned, English was not their first language. I was thrown by this, and felt I had to fall in line and conform. Conforming as a foundation is excellent, but there comes a time when we have to express exactly in our own way, however unscholastic that may be.

 There is a naïve, vulnerable, magical beauty in being uncontrived. Of course, this is not without the dangers of self deception, but within empty essence, everything is allowed to arise and liberate itself. It’s like painting: one can be an excellent draughtsman, but have nothing to say.

 This brings us to the difference between clarity of mind and clarity of essence. They aren’t the same thing…to follow!