Right Understanding

I have been neglecting my blog a bit lately. I had such a fun and busy spring and summer with amazing experiences to write about and now I am settling in to fall, getting ready for the long Minnesota winter coming soon. The last several months were very busy and extroverted for me and now I am turning back inward. I am due.

My spiritual practice has been very informal and private for awhile now. I still feel well connected to the Buddhist path. It is the right path for me. But I have been taking a bit of a break from the sangha, the spiritual community. I have been feeling the need to reflect on my own true, personal understanding of the path and the practice.

I've been following this path steadily for the last 8 years. I have learned so much and experienced many moments of deep, true happiness. I feel like I should be cautious and not rest on my laurels too much, but at the same time, it is a good idea to stop and smell the roses once in awhile. My practice has truly made me a better person. It has made me a happier person.

There are so many important aspects of the practice. Generosity and morality being two key values. But even more important is the right understanding of these values. Personal understanding of the teachings that the Buddha gave us. Personal experience of the teachings.

For me, every life experience helps me better understand the teachings which help me better understand life experiences. I feel the pain of craving and I understand it. I feel the happiness of letting go and I understand it. I have a keen awareness of cause and effect.

It is this understanding that relieves suffering.