LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

We're going to look at one of the perfection practices known as thepa- ramis (see below). It's the practice of nekkhamma, which we translate as "renunciation" or "relinquishing." It means letting go: letting go of mate- rial things as well as views, concepts, ideas to which we may have been clinging for years, things that cause us stress, suffering, dukkha.
A simple action that can be helpful in terms of relinquishing is this: on a regular basis—perhaps once or twice a year— choose something to give away. Not some old relic you don't care about any more, but some- thing you do care about, that has value to you. There's no need to go overboard by giving away something that will change your lifestyle or will make the kids resent you for the next twenty years. Give away some- thing you like yet are willing to relinquish. During the entire process of selecting and relinquishing, be mindful of your feelings. This can be more challenging than it may at first appear, but it can help us prepare for the day when we must relinquish all that we hold dear.
Now, what about views and concepts? Relinquishing is the ground for practicing "beginner's mind." It helps us see things anew, as they re- ally are; to be willing to listen to the thoughts and ideas of others with an open mind. So the relinquishing of thoughts and ideas about which we have been adamant can give us a sense of freedom, joy, and spaciousness.

Xin mời các bạn click vào đây để được đọc sách: