Be natural (Ajahn Chah)

Ajahn Chah (ajahnchah.org) via Ven. Sujato, Ellie Askew, Dhr. Seven (ed.), Wisdom Quarterly

It doesn't matter what others do. My action does.

We must examine ourselves. Know who we are. Know our body and mind by simply watching. In sitting, in sleeping, in eating, know our limits. Use wisdom.

The practice is not to try to achieve anything. Just be mindful of what is. Our whole meditation is looking directly at the mind. We will see suffering, its cause and its end. But we must have patience, much patience and endurance. Gradually we will learn.

The Buddha taught his disciples to stay with their teachers for at least five years. We must learn the values of giving, of patience, and of dedication.

I'm a Buddhist, and I still celebrate X-mas.

Don't practice too strictly. Don't get caught up in outward form. Watching others is bad practice.

Simply be natural and watch that. Our monastic discipline and monastic rules are very important. They create a simple and harmonious environment. Use them well. But remember, the essence of the discipline is watching intention, examining the mind.

We must have wisdom. Don't discriminate. Would anyone get upset at a small tree in the forest for not being tall and straight like some of the others? This would be silly.

Don't judge other people. There are all varieties. No need to carry the burden of wishing to change them all.