Busy layperson's way

Decided to share this topic as I see the urgency in doing so!

Urgency not as time is running out, not as being requested or plainly wanting to. But in relevance of time management issues faced by buddhist layperson? Maybe not just in the context of time spent but how should Buddhism stay relevant in our life.

Monk was commonly known as someone that has went from home to the homeless, to practise the path full heartedly and being mindulful of their practise in all single moments of the day. Still remember a Venerable once said, time of a layperson should be divided into personal, family as well as time for their spiritual practise. Not on the exact dividing into 3 equal parts but more like degree of emphasis to carry them out. Venerable ended by a humorous note saying she was rather worried to see children nowadays spend all their time helping out in temple activities and if we had wanted to delegate 24hrs to Buddhism, she welcomes us to join her career :)

It is definitely meritorous to help out in dharma activities and indeed was a blessing to have the chance to contribute. And through some events, I get to know more like-minders and the spirit of voluntarism is indeed very fulfilling.

Buddhism practice focus alot on being mindful of our actions and thoughts. And a meditator will find it easy to notice how easy thoughts arise spontaneously through actions and even in-actions. It is thus very important to be mindful of the arising of our thoughts and simply getting to know more about ourselves. Without some training in grasping of the mind, right intentions may lead to not so wholesome outcomes.

Noble 8 fold path says that we should exercise "Right Effort". Buddha never mention total effort or how much is right effort. But as from above, I suppose right effort for layperson will not be just right effort on the spiritual path but also right effort in carrying out our different roles.

Without proper introducing of spiritual practice to personal life, practices proves no meaning into our life. I once heard a Venerable said," mediation should be done when you are drinking water, brushing teeth and going to the toilet." To be able to be in constant mindfulness even in small and trival task, I do not think one has to do any particular task or organising any large events to walk the path. The path should also be a journey of self discovery. Not just on what we can or can not do, but what goes on in our mind.

For someone that has the ability to hold large dharma events but lacks mindfulness in daily practise, that person I feel gains important useful life skilsl but blinded to the spiritual path. Once condition arises, mundane life skills do little to support that person spiritually and emotionally.

Volunteering in dharma services are a great way to cultivate the mind and builds up one's character. It also allows chance to establish blissful affinity with alot of people. But it is after all a brick in the whole pyramid. Strong foundation has to be build and enormous effort needs to be rendered to build a pyramid that withstands the stormy weathers. And only a strong pyramid inspires others.

Having said that, at least realising and starting to walk the path is much better than not knowing any directions at all. A journey that is praised by the wise are blameless and seeks to gradually lessens our greed, hatred and delusion. And a journey that are coloured by dharma friends are definitely less lonely. Buddha mentioned that spiritual friendship is the whole of the spirtual life.

As the popular Buddhist saying goes, "May all be well and happy."