Form, Appearance, and Spiritual Essence

Welcome to the Deer Park Dharmacast -- Dharma Flowing from the Ocean of Peace.

 

This week we are lucky to share a talk given by Brother Phap Hoi and translated by Sister Khanh Nghiem.  Our brother poses an important question to us, "What is the essence of your spiritual practice?"  He gives examples of Vietnamese traditions that, over the course of time, have lost the beauty and essence of their original intent.  If we are not mindful, we can get caught up in the form and appearance of our spiritual practice and forget the essence that lies beneath.  Brother Phap Hoi reminds us that just because we are there at the monastery does not mean that we have ever truly set foot in a monastery.  Let us let go of our ideas about our practice, and just practice.

 

Remember, you can always find the Deer Park Dharmacast at dpcast.net, on Facebook, iTunes, and Twitter.  Now, enjoy this moment to stop and look deeply.