A lay Buddhist is one who fully embodies his or her entire life of work, family, and relationships without spiritually prioritizing any activity. From this perspective all moments are equally precious, and whether we are practicing formal meditation on retreat or showing up for ordinary moments of our lay life, freedom is never diminished. The unequivocal resolve not to move away from where we are is essential. Once we abandon the belief that there is a more spiritually useful moment than the one we are in, we have embraced our life and infused it with the energy for awakening.
Rodney Smith, Stepping out of Self-Deception
This does not mean practice, application of skillful means, and developing deep intimacy with the mind are not important. However changing our perspective from one of doing and achieving to one of releasing our centrality in the universe transforms every moment.
At the same time doing and achieving are not outside this realm of awakening. We might ask ourselves as we go about our walk on the planet: How can I, this person, perform skillfully without participation in ancient human struggles for control and manipulation based in fear and desire? How can this life be lived freshly in every moment? Can there be awakening to the experience of truth unfolding right now? Can I stay with current experience? What intentions are the foundation of this life?
Life can flow out of spontaneity and good will rather than conditioning and defensiveness. Like playing music we hold an image of the whole piece or the primary threads, then just play our part in harmony with others. What arises is more likely to be wholesome, includes shared experience of whatever is, and results in the best possible unfolding. Contentment and satisfaction can be present even in (or perhaps especially in) the most challenging moments.
