Teaching on Skillful Pride

A significant part of training here is dharma discussion, in which students build momentum in contemplative practices. It usually occurs during the evening sit period, where up to four students at a time go to the interview room. One by one, they talk with the teacher about how their practice is going, and how they keep going.

In this dharma discussion, after conveying that I was able to stay with the focus space, Soryu said with a smile, “Good. Are you proud of it?”

I was reluctant to answer. Confused, I thought, Isn’t pride bad?

He asked instead, “Are you glad about it?”

“Yes.”

He then asked, “Are you confident that you can do it again?”

“Yes.”

“Then you are proud of it.”

Feeling relieved, I smiled a little too, and said, “Okay.”