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LEAD ARTICLE | EASTERN HORIZON 5

known from the beginning! When we understand that anyone natural flow of water downhill
Material simplicity is important for can let go in the heart, we can to the ocean. In numerous cases,
supporting a life of deep practice, begin to read the texts addressed to the image of a river that “slants,
but is not in itself liberating. It is monastics as also addressed to us. slopes, and inclines” toward the
letting go in the mental realm that ocean is likened to the wholesome
frees us from suffering. We must see Consider the opening lines of the mind inclining toward Nibbāna,
through the layers of conditioning Karaniya Mettā Sutta (Sn 1.8). suggesting that practice unfolds like
that create the bonds of grasping Here is the Amaravati translation: a natural law.
and identity. The path to this kind
of seeing involves simplifying the We also see the Buddha pointing
This is what should be done
mind, which can be done by any out that our ignorance drives us to
By one who is skilled in goodness
practitioner. work against natural laws. If we try
And who knows the path of
peace: to squeeze sesame oil from gravel,
Did the Buddha give specific get milk by twisting a cow’s horn, or
instructions to his lay disciples dig at the bank of a river to change
on how to live a simple life? Let them be able and upright, its direction of flow, we will only
Straightforward and gentle in
speech. reap “weariness and vexation.” This
In ancient India, people did not is analogized to our futile efforts to
Humble and not conceited,
design their lifestyle in the way we secure safety and happiness from
can today, in having some choice conditions that cannot provide that,
Contented and easily satisfied.
about our work and place to live. such as our bodily health, career,
Unburdened with duties and
Rather than instruct laypeople in and even family.
frugal in their ways.
altering their lifestyle, the Buddha
Peaceful and calm, and wise and
encouraged cultivating certain Ajahn Chah said we could learn
skillful,
qualities. A common set was faith, all of the Dharma from observing
Not proud and demanding in
virtue, learning (or hearing) Dharma nature. If we slow down, simplify,
nature.
teachings, generosity, and wisdom, and do that mindfully, we can see
which he said were both protections the cycles of day and night, seasons,
and forms of “inner wealth.” birth and death, illness and health.
Feel how these verses invoke We see that things can only happen
To develop these five requires a sense of deep simplicity and when the right conditions are there,
simplification. Finding the time to contentment in body, speech, and such as rain requiring moist clouds
attend and learn teachings would mind. Centering our simplicity and certain atmospheric conditions.
likely have to take the place of practice on these few lines from the We will understand that grasping
other activities. Practicing virtue Mettā Sutta could go very far. This is is fruitless, nature operates
and generosity involves letting go a good approach for aligning our life impersonally, and yet the heart is
of various kinds of grasping and more fully with the Dharma. sensitive and aware.
reactivity. And the heart with faith
and wisdom can only come about Is simplicity linked to being Liberative practice taps into a
through an inner dedication that aware, appreciative, or mindful of natural capability of the heart; it’s
centers on higher values. nature? not something our will can direct
or create. Learning to appreciate
But just because we are laypeople Definitely. We need only look at how the nature around us works
does not mean that we can only how often the Buddha uses nature can open the mind to tap into this
learn from instances where the images and similes to explain his natural liberative process, if we are
Buddha was teaching laypeople. teachings. A common one is the practicing.