These are some of the factors I found to be helpful in developing the Noble Eightfold Path as a lay person .
1) Slowing down - Our usual pace of washing the dishes, putting on clothes and shoes etc, if slowed down to gentle movements can possibly be efficient in increasing mindfulness.
2) Contemplation of cessation- Mindfulness is difficult to sustain in ordinary life and instead of looking at it as a difficulty, one can turn in to an opportunity for insight. For instance, if we are not able to mindful in a flowing and smooth manner whilst carrying out daily activities, noting the moments of distraction and mindfulness as uncontrollable is easier than trying really hard to be mindful every moment.
3) Seclusion- This is probably the most important factor but if one cannot live alone, allotting a specific time to be away from the crowd is optimal.
4) Anapanasati- Doing a retreat and trying to meditate after a busy day at work is quite the opposite. While in a retreat, samatha practice is not needed per se to establish mindfulness and have clear-headedness. Doing walking meditation and Anapanasati before Vipassana is beneficial as a lay practitioner having limited time for formal meditation.
5) Fortune favors the brave- As a lay person, it is easy to drift into a mode of contentment with little meditation and other distractions of the world. So whenever a couple of off-days are available, doing meditation all night with a few hours of sleep (4 max) is a great way in staying in touch with the teachings of the Buddha.
There might be other positive things to do as a lay meditator as things work differently for different people. Best to remain mindful, eating the right amount and cultivate the bojjhanga as best as possible.
May all beings be free from suffering.
1) Slowing down - Our usual pace of washing the dishes, putting on clothes and shoes etc, if slowed down to gentle movements can possibly be efficient in increasing mindfulness.
2) Contemplation of cessation- Mindfulness is difficult to sustain in ordinary life and instead of looking at it as a difficulty, one can turn in to an opportunity for insight. For instance, if we are not able to mindful in a flowing and smooth manner whilst carrying out daily activities, noting the moments of distraction and mindfulness as uncontrollable is easier than trying really hard to be mindful every moment.
3) Seclusion- This is probably the most important factor but if one cannot live alone, allotting a specific time to be away from the crowd is optimal.
4) Anapanasati- Doing a retreat and trying to meditate after a busy day at work is quite the opposite. While in a retreat, samatha practice is not needed per se to establish mindfulness and have clear-headedness. Doing walking meditation and Anapanasati before Vipassana is beneficial as a lay practitioner having limited time for formal meditation.
5) Fortune favors the brave- As a lay person, it is easy to drift into a mode of contentment with little meditation and other distractions of the world. So whenever a couple of off-days are available, doing meditation all night with a few hours of sleep (4 max) is a great way in staying in touch with the teachings of the Buddha.
There might be other positive things to do as a lay meditator as things work differently for different people. Best to remain mindful, eating the right amount and cultivate the bojjhanga as best as possible.
May all beings be free from suffering.
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