Oswin Hollenbeck, Rev. Master

Here I address training with depression from a point of view of pure meditation (serene reflection meditation). Depression can appear to be the supreme obstacle to meditation practice and Buddhist training. Serious depression distorts our perceptions, confuses our thinking, and impairs our memory and decision-making. Given the importance of mind in meditation, can we practice the Buddha’s teaching if we can’t see, think, remember, or act wisely?

Depression is usually the nadir in self-worth. If we have no confidence in ourselves, the teaching, or the practice, let alone faith in the possibility of Something greater, can we actually do this? Is it true that all beings, even those of us who are depressed, have the Buddha nature?

The answer to all these questions is yes, in large part because Buddhist practice is about more than the mind—it is about the Mind (Heart, Buddha nature).

Issue: only available as part of Journal, Summer 2018 pdf to download

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