09/17/2021
The quote at the end of this post is very true..
I have been in many social situations where I listen to practioners "brag" or announce how long they have been doing meditation and other spiritual practices. The number of years is thier badge of honor. It's as if longevity gives you enlightenment.
They really appear to think they are above the beginners, even though they are still very prideful and irritated by life. Or they claim it be long time Dzogchen practioners and therefore don't need to practice meditation etc...
This is far from the truth. It's the quality, not the quantity of your practice that makes the difference. If someone has been doing meditations, accumulating mantra recitations, and doing healing practices, and they are still judgmental, angry and unhappy, then something is wrong and their long time practice needs to be examined.
On the other hand I know beginners, some of which are my students and clients, that have just started a spiritual practice, and they have changed their lives dramatically. They show signs of progress already.
I myself have been called a newbie many times. And I am fine with that. I don't think I will ever consider myself a experienced old-timer, even when my age is older. I will always be the newbie trying to practice like my hair is on fire, trying my best to benefit all sentient beings as well as myself. You can't give to others what doesn't exist within yourself and in your own personal life.
~Lisa Rising Berry
"Until you perfect the view, do not count your practice in years or months. But instead decide to dedicate the whole remainder of your life to Dharma practice. This is the approach of the very best practitioners."
~ Yangthang Rinpoche