The Principles of Practice and the Practice of Principles

Reflections on meditation

1. Change happens in the present experience.

If we want to transform, we must first honor that which we intend to transform. We must know what we are dealing with. We must listen very carefully with our attention to what is presenting in our awareness.

2. The known is remembered, and the unknown is relative to the known.

Familiar territory is acknowledged and identified as past edges of awareness. Room for new material of contemplation is made alongside the established territory. The new experience presents as difference.

3. The will focuses the attention.

The focus of attention is directed by agency. The will is strengthened through use. Attention is strengthened through willpower.

4. The will is orientated by priority.

Options are available for awareness. Choosing a priority for the will prioritizes choice. Choice is the action of willpower. The surrender of choice is a peaceful choice. The known and the unknown are options to prioritize.

5. The priority is peace. 

Acceptance is the practice of peace. The peaceful relationship with the subject of the attention is the chosen priority. The choice is made to practice peaceful awareness. The willpower is peaceful. The goal is peace. The process is peace.

6. Peace is known.

Peace is known. The unknown presents to the awareness, and is accepted peacefully. Peace grows in accordance with the prioritization of peace. Peace begets pleasure, but must begin with acceptance of the unknown that is not yet at peace.

7. The way is remembered.

The way of peace is remembered and becomes effortless. The surrender of choice is the choice to follow the way that has become familiar. Peace is the way. Peace unfolds before the practitioner.

8. The way is shown.

Teaching the way of peace is knowing peace. Therefore, teaching is practice. The process is peaceful. Practice is being. Practicing peace is being peace. The teacher becomes the way. The student becomes the way.



The teacher and the student share the way of peace.



Michael Ellis