Quotes about Practice

Memorizing the work of others definitely made me a better writer.

Implementation beats oration.

It is so important to balance orthodoxy with orthopraxy.

You will also find authors who do not know the difference between theory and practice, just as there are novelists who do not know the difference between fiction and sociology.

Knowing the rules of an art is not the same as having the habit.

The sum and substance of the teachings and the achievements of Christ, which may have been interpreted as miracles, were nothing more nor less than FAITH. If there are any such phenomena as miracles they are produced only through the state of mind known as FAITH! Some teachers of religion, and many who call themselves Christians, neither understand nor practice FAITH.

Part of acknowledging suffering is acknowledging we need help. It is much easier to practice compassion if you have the energy and support of a community.

If the human species has been able to make any progress, it is because of our heart of love and compassion. We need to learn from compassionate beings how to develop the practice of deep observation for the sake of others. Then others will be able to learn from us the way to live in the present and see the impermanent and selfless nature of all that is. This insight will lighten suffering.

To me, the relationship between a teacher and a student is based on on the trust that the teacher has practiced and continues ti practice what he teachers

WE BELIEVE THAT happiness is possible only in the future. That is why the practice "I have arrived" is very important. The realization that we have already arrived, that we don't have to travel any further, that we are already here, can give us peace and joy. The conditions for our happiness are already sufficient. We only need to allow ourselves to be in the present moment, and we will be able to touch them.

When we're first learning sitting meditation, it can be useful to count our breaths. Count one for the first in- and out-breath. Count two for the second, and so on. If your mind wanders and you lose count, go back to one and begin again. This exercise helps develop concentration. You may think counting to ten is easy, but counting to ten while breathing mindfully takes a lot of focus.

When we practice in a community, there are more people to support us but also more opportunities for frustration and anger. Loving speech and deep listening are key to community building.