It's Up to You
The Practice of Self-Reflection on the Buddhist Path
Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism
| Author: | Dzigar Kongtrul, Helen Berliner | ISBN: | 9780834824539 |
| Publisher: | Shambhala | Publication: | October 10, 2006 |
| Imprint: | Shambhala | Language: | English |
| Author: | Dzigar Kongtrul, Helen Berliner |
| ISBN: | 9780834824539 |
| Publisher: | Shambhala |
| Publication: | October 10, 2006 |
| Imprint: | Shambhala |
| Language: | English |
On the spiritual path we speak of enlightenment. But how do we reconcile the idea of enlightenment with what we see when we look in the mirror—when insecurities, doubts, and self-centered tendencies arise in our minds? Dzigar Kongtrül suggests that we need not feel "doomed" when these experiences surface. In fact, such experiences are not a problem if we are able to simply let them arise without judging them or investing them with so much meaning. This approach to experience is what Kongtrül calls self-reflection.
Self-reflection is a practice, a path, and an attitude. It is the spirit of taking an interest in that which we usually try to push away. When we practice self-reflection we take liberation into our own hands and accept the challenge and personal empowerment in Kongtrül’s title: it’s up to you.
On the spiritual path we speak of enlightenment. But how do we reconcile the idea of enlightenment with what we see when we look in the mirror—when insecurities, doubts, and self-centered tendencies arise in our minds? Dzigar Kongtrül suggests that we need not feel "doomed" when these experiences surface. In fact, such experiences are not a problem if we are able to simply let them arise without judging them or investing them with so much meaning. This approach to experience is what Kongtrül calls self-reflection.
Self-reflection is a practice, a path, and an attitude. It is the spirit of taking an interest in that which we usually try to push away. When we practice self-reflection we take liberation into our own hands and accept the challenge and personal empowerment in Kongtrül’s title: it’s up to you.
