Unexpected Freedom

Prayer and Devotionwhom they know they owe so much. This is so normal, soclose to them that they just take it for granted. Addhithan,making determinations, generating these conscious wishesfrom a deep place within is thoroughly natural, and this, Ifeel, is one of the essential nourishments of thecontemplative life. Many followers of vipassana teachings inthe West that I have met report a lack of warmth, joy, wellbeingand wholeness in their life. Perhaps their spiritual dietlacks some important nutrients.Silent PrayerSo I think prayer does have an important place in TheravadaBuddhism. This Way is about getting to know the nature ofour own being, so that we’re at one with our hearts andattentive to its truest longings. The heart longs to return toits original condition of purity. To become more consciousof that dimension of our heart is an important point ofpractice. The reflections and ritual verses of contemplationsthat we all recite together in the monastery are a safe place tostart to pray. Then, if we feel inclined, we can begin to sayour own words. What does your heart want to say?When we kneel before the shrine – that which symbolisesperfect wisdom, perfect compassion and perfect freedom forus – and we express our good wishes for all beings – thebronze statue, beautiful and serene as it is, is not listening tous. We are not asking the Buddha to grant us any favours.Rather, beholding an image of the Buddha helps configure the‘divine principle’ in our minds and creates the appropriateinner space – a sacred place – in which we feel totally free tospeak and in which we can feel perfectly received.Another question this evening asked: “Being here onretreat I’ve remembered what I had forgotten about being139