Hey folks, my apologies for the block of text that follows:
I've come to intellectually understand the teaching of Śūnyatā and can see how developing the wisdom to penetrate ignorance can lead to the goal-less goal of liberation. From seeing through this ignorance, one can then help others do the same. Because of this, I wish to bring Buddhist practice into my daily life as a lay-person. I've been reading about Buddhism for just about 5 years now with many attempts to bring it into day-to-day life, but so far I've yet to make it a steady practice, often becoming distracted by work, friends, entertainment and other passions. It seems that every time I try to walk the path, it's only so long until my mind is back on auto-pilot mode. My consciousness clouded in ignorance, my actions based on greed.
I know it doesn't have to be like this, so I'm willing to take any advice this community of wise-men and wise-women can give. I must be honest that my most potent hindrances are slothfulness and procrastination. I'm the kind of guy who wakes up at the last minute, skips breakfast and speeds to work because he doesn't want to be late, endangering him self and others using the road. And while in the process of this mad rush, my mind is somewhere off in the clouds. This of course is the result of staying up too late surfing the Internet, playing guitar or hanging out with friends. For what ever reason, I have the hardest time getting up earlier than what is demanded for daily survival. I would think it best to get out of this routine and instead rise earlier to perhaps practice some Zazen, read the Prajñāpāramitā and develop loving-kindness. It seems to me that morning practice is ever-so important in building the foundation and motivation to keep the practice alive throughout the day.
And besides the mentioned change, I'd also like to become less wasteful. This planet gives us limited resources that are necessary for life to exist here. Instead of being a glutton, constantly snacking and eating more than necessary, leaving lights on and using large amounts of water, I should cut down on such activities and think about other people who don't have access to such luxuries.
I don't expect all this to happen overnight, though sometimes I feel like part of me becomes discouraged when I'm not seeing any 'results' from the practice. The selfish feeling of 'I' becoming improved by practice is something I very often experience. I suppose all I can do in such a situation is to let it arise, don't push or pull and let it fall.. Though when it comes down to it, I cannot help but say, "easier, said than done."
Anyways, the above is a description of what I wish to accomplish and the hindrances which prevent them. I could go on and on all eternity, but to sum all this up into a single question: How should one deal with such hindrances?
I'm hoping that some of you may have advice or perhaps share how you overcome issues which prevent a full and loving practice from developing.
I'd appreciate any words you can share. Thanks!
