How to Begin a Spiritual Practice

Phakchok Rinpoche responds to a question student during his recent teachings in Vietnam. The student asks if there are simple practices to add to the first three exercises if one is interested in following a spiritual path.

Rinpoche describes a very simple, but beneficial way to begin to develop a sense of belonging as a child of the buddhas. He suggests an easy visualization exercise where one feels the presence of whatever buddha we feel is interesting to us. We first feel the presence of that buddha. Then we can chant his name, or mantra, and then feel that the buddha blesses us with light rays. If we want to develop our spiritual side, Rinpoche adds, this visualization links back to the third exercise he teaches—it means seeing our nature as pure.