Isolated Practice

Our farm is not particularly remote, but it is relatively isolated from a community interested in Buddhism.

It is also a major organisational exercise to get away from the farm for more than a day. Farming is not a regular job. There are no defined weekends or annual holidays. Sometimes it is seven days a week for weeks on end. Even when it is not, animals need to be checked for food and water every day. Unexpected happenings that require attention are the daily rule, not the exception.


To overcome isolation and travel constraints, I have used a number of approaches in my practice.

• Foremost has been my daily meditation, which I sit early every morning. 
• The exception is the one day a week where I try to spend a day concentrating on mindfulness (which, with children and a farm, I find a particular challenge). On that day I will usually  download a dharma talk, listen to the talk and then meditate at some suitable time.
• Reading is also important. At present I am reading the complete teachings of Ajahn Chah and A Path with Heart by Jack Cornfield (a book which up until now I have not been able to digest). Other important books that I have read include Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor. This book finally confirmed the possibility of faith without beliefs. Thich Nhat Hanh's writings formed a major turning point early in my Buddhist journey, They continue to enlighten. Other influential readings have included Walpula Rahula's What the Buddha Taught, Charlotte Joko Beck's Everyday Zen and Christopher Titmus' An Awakened Life. 
• I rely heavily on the internet as a resource, particularly on Dharma Seed for talks,  Access to Insight for a structured approach to practice and Tricycle for general interest.
• For self-reflection I often write - mainly in a diary but more recently in this blog. Writing helps me clarify my thoughts and strengthen my commitment to practice. The blog is an offering to others who find themselves in a similar situation to me.
• A circle of close family and friends also supports my practice in many ways. Some of them practice, some have their own paths. Some live close, but most are distant. Their help ranges from the practical to the esoteric. All of it is useful.
• I make regular dana offerings to those who have made teaching the Dharma their life. I am very thankful that people have made that choice.

At present my practice is concentrating on Generosity, Virtue (as expressed in the precepts of lay life), and coming to terms with the Eightfold Path.  I view The Four Truths as axiomatic. I am also slowly simplifying.