A traditional way of training oneself is to treat the Buddha-image as one would treat the Buddha himself. Although modern western sceptics in particular may view this form of preparatory training with suspicion, maintaining a negative attitude is neither an advantage for one’s own meditation nor in agreement with the traditions of early Buddhism…
Faith is an important aspect of the Buddhist Path to liberation. I am not talking about blind faith in personalities or fickle attachment to dogmas, I am talking about a discerning yet unwavering trust or confidence that one deliberately cultivates in order to dispel doubt and all other obstacles to spiritual progress…
“If you compare your mind to a tree, you want to have deep roots, widespread roots, healthy roots, the kinds of roots that will keep the tree from getting blown over and killed.” — Thanissaro Bhikkhu, 2003.
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