Starting lamrim

2025-11-08

I haven't written anything here for a while. I noticed that it would not be sustainable to write everyday so I didn't try. Now there's a gap and I can't remember all the stuff I have done since last log.

One thing I have done is purchase a book on lamrim. I havedbeen wanting ot get back into daily meditations and this seemed like a good way to do that. It's worked the past couple days, at least. The book is How to Meditate on the Stages of the Path: A guide to the Lamrim by Kathleen McDonald, who wrote a previous more introductory How To Meditate book I've read. It is nice having a Western persepctive to teach me this in plain English, as opposed to Tsongkhapa's rather studious version. So far I have only done a few of the first mediations, which are on the four thoughts that turn the mind. Actually we're not even through that, still only on the first one.

I have also been thinking about finally having a 1 on 1 talk with Rinpoche. I wonder what will finally get me to pull the trigger on that.

What else, what else. I'm not sure if my frustration is getting through more or if I am just noticing it better, but I did have a shameful experience at games with making others feel like I was having a terrible time when I was losing. It was just bad sportsmanship on my part, during a game of Spartacus. I will try to do better. I would like to spend less money though. On the bright side of the board game front, Tigris and Euphrates is finally getting a reprint. I feel my collection growing to a close. I will try to give away a copy of Parks soon, as that failed to get my Dad interested in the slightest.

Speaking of Spartacus, I have been rewatching that in prepration for the new series. I have also been watching the Bear so I can relate to my friend a little better. And also Kingdom, since the new season of that is out.

Writing this right after a meditaiton and shower, I feel really nice. I think I'll end it here.