Why do people come to practice meditation?

Most people come because something is wrong or there is some sort of problem that keeps coming up in their life. Maybe something like anger, fear, sadness or disappointment, and they want to resolve it. So they start to look around at what possibilities are out there.

What is the main point of the teachings?

After we admit there is a problem and we want to end that problem, then we can start to practice in order to end the problem. How do we do that? Begin to know oneself. Instead of looking outside for the answers, we need to look inside. We have to get to know ourselves in order to find out the cause and root of the problem. We do this by watching all the movements and reactions of the mind and body, moment to moment, until we realize the root, the nature of the problem.

What are the common problems that students have when they come to practice?

Many people have family issues, as well as personal problems like stress, depression, mood swings, and health challenges. There are also many other kinds of problems, such as general anxiety, unresolved conflicts, wanting to escape from some situations, not wanting to deal with something at home, or reactivity when others do not follow one’s advice or opinion. Often there are situations where a person just cannot get along with someone they love; they really care about that person but somehow it always ends up in conflict.

How do I know this practice will help me?

After you begin to apply the practice and recognize the symptoms of the problems right when they happen, you will see a difference in your life. But the only way to really know is to step in, apply, and find out for yourself.

How soon do I see the result when I start to apply this practice?

The results depend on your intention and your practice. The more clear you are about your intention and the more you apply, the more you will see.

When is the best time to start to practice?

Usually people wait to practice because they don’t think they have any big problems. But then usually when people have big problems already, it is too overwhelming for them to start practice. It is much easier to step in when we can see that there are some problems, but before they have developed beyond our capacity to cope with them.

Is it really possible to end the problem?

Yes. But it depends on your intention. What do you want? If you want to find the root of it and end the problem, you will.

Is there such a thing as too old, too young or too many problems to practice?

From whatever situation that a person starts with, if they admit there is a problem and they want to end it, they can practice.

There is someone close to me who has a lot of problems and is really having a hard time. I want to help but whatever I do and say doesn’t seem to help. This situation has been very hard on me. What can I do?

Do you see any problems or suffering in yourself when you try to help others but the result is not what you want? If you see those problems and want to end them for yourself, begin to practice. After practice, then, from your own experience, we will know how to help others without creating more problems.

What advice do you have for someone who is new to this practice?

Do you have any problems? Do you want to end them? If so, step in, apply and continue!

This teaching seems to focus on oneself and I have responsibilities like family and work that make me busy enough. How can I have time to practice? And I feel so selfish to focus on myself.

After we admit our problem, and are clear about our intention and the way to apply the teaching, we can apply the practice in every situation throughout normal everyday life. Knowing oneself brings many benefits like more happiness and deeper understanding to one’s work and family life. We will know how to make the best of each situation.

I noticed on your website that there seems to be a focus on problems and suffering … knowing them, admitting them, and ending them. Isn’t that one-sided, missing the positive things in life?

We all want to have happiness for ourselves, our families and others. However, because of conflict within ourselves, the result is often not happiness. Sometimes we mis-understand that the source of the conflict is something outside ourselves, but truly it comes from the inside. When we resolve the conflict inside, automatically the result is happiness outside. That is why the intention is to know ourselves, to admit the problems and practice to end the problems. The rest will take care of itself.