Collecting

Vajrayana Buddhism seems overwhelming at the beginning—too many practices and principles. It is important to ease into the process and discover for yourself what piques your curiosity. Then follow that interest. All aspects of the tradition are contained within your own curiosity. It is simple as that.

Many long-term practitioners of Vajrayana have a difficult time because they have lost their original curiosity. They think collecting more practices makes them a good Buddhist. Others never really practice. They collect their resistance to practice. Both groups spend their time collecting and never experience realization because their mental habits are directing the show. 

Somewhere between collecting practice and non-practice is the middle path—and that is freedom. The paradox of spiritual practice is the idea about going somewhere to be where we are. The outward form of our path is worthless if we apply it to supporting our delusion about enlightenment being some kind of end point. We miss the simplicity of being where we are with deep abiding contentment.

So, if you are a collector, stop hoarding and go for a walk. Let nature reveal your path. Then return home—really return home. Practice from that point of view and you have already succeeded. All mantras and prayers are given away.