Taking Refuge in DHARMA, the Second of the Three Jewels.
1. Are you willing to draw upon the teachings that arise within the specific experiences of your life?
Absolutely! Is there any other way?
2. What is the difference between beliefs and inquiry?
Beliefs are fixed viewpoints that often do not change despite the context. Beliefs can act as filters in perception. We can become attached to our beliefs and overlay them onto any experience, clouding our perception of what is truly going on. Inquiry is an openness and willingness to investigate life experience. Inquiry is not confined to specific viewpoints or attachments. Inquiry is shedding attachments and delving into experience with eyes and heart wide open.
3. What do you regard as the most important teaching you have had in your life?
Impermanence. No really...
In my early twenties, I worked as GM for a charitable organization. I had been working there for years (six in total) and had taken on every responsibility that would fit onto my shoulders. The charity had had a difficult business history and it was my job to manage the employees, increase their morale, and generally clean up the mess. From this position, I began to develop severe anxiety. So much so that my heart rate would increase every time the phone rang and I stopped answering phone calls. After the initial honeymoon period of creativity and challenge, I began to dislike the job. I was suffering and felt that the situation was forever. I felt stuck and continued to trudge along for a whole two more years! Fast forward through yoga teacher training, practice, reading, reflecting, more working... I stumbled upon Noah Levine's book "Dharma Punx" and was inspired by his "Year-to-Live" practice. I picked up Stephen Levine's book outlining the practice and began my own. I reflected on what I wanted in life, where I wanted to be, and realized that everything is impermanent (including me) which means I need to live life RIGHT NOW. Shortly thereafter, I was giving my notice at my job, planning my move to Taiwan, saying goodbye to friends and family, giving away my stuff, and generally preparing to "die". The practice included soft-belly, forgiveness and gratitude meditation, visualizing death, and more. It was dirty, difficult, and liberating. The most important teaching I've had in my life (to date).
4. "Dependent Arising" is an essential feature of Dharma teaching. How do you understand this term?
Dependent arising, or dependent origination, is the teaching that no thing, person or situation is separate, independent, or free from causes or conditions. All phenomena exists only because of the existence of other phenomena. All things, people, and situations are interdependent and created through an infinite web of causes and conditions.
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