Every Moment is "Back to Practice"

 I find that the easiest way to cope with life's difficulties is to see each experience as the opportunity to practice. But what does "practice" mean, at least from the Buddhist perspective? I think it refers to seeing things non-dualistically-- not seeing the self as separate from the rest of the world. However, more than that, it also means cultivating a good and positive attitude that is affirming of one's life. 

   If a person is only practicing insight into emptiness, this can lead to nihilism, or even wondering why to continue living. That is why it's important to look at things affirmatively even when all kinds of mistakes are made. Master Sheng Yen referred to the bodhisattva practice as like a baby having to learn to walk. Of course, babies naturally stumble, but this is part of what it means to walk! To extend the analogy further: I might not necessarily be good at certain things, and might be less capable than others. However, if I take some small steps and measure my own progress, this can be the base through which I can expand my observational awareness and figure out better ways to approach things.

  If a person looks at things too judgmentally, they might tend to create very harsh criticism that looks at things in a binary way. How do we approach judgmental situations? It's important not to feel helpless in the face of judgments, but to constructively learn from them. Does this criticism or judgment truly apply to me? Why would the other person tend to see me this way? What conditions would make them think this way? If I am looking at the judgments in this way rather than seeing them as "final", then I can be a bit of a scientist and think of those judgments as adding to my store of knowledge. In this way, I refuse to see judgments as final, but instead, see them as stepping stones in my own growth and development.

  Are there any true polarities after all? This is the real question that one must grapple with. There is no absolute, and so we can always learn from mistakes and improve ourselves through reflection. I think this is the essence of practice of any kind, spiritual or otherwise.