A bit about practice...

I am going to post today or tomorrow more on the Lankavatara sutra, but for today, I'll write a bit about practice.

Keeping practice throughout the day was regarded by Hakuin as more important than what's done on the cushion, although I think one informs the other.

But it's true: if nasty stuff can be stilled prior to meditation, the meditation goes better. Furthermore, sometimes the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune have taken a toll on the body, and one can only sit in a position for so long before excruciating pain kicks in. At that time, it's vitally important to keep going off the cushion.