A Practice Journal Helps Us See the Mind Honestly
NBEF Dhamma teachers review the daily practice journals submitted by practitioners, respond to questions, carefully guide the direction of practice, and provide adjustments as necessary.
This method requires steady effort and sincerity from both the teacher and the practitioner. It is a relatively intensive form of training. However, for those who aspire to liberation and Nibbฤna, it offers deep, practical benefits.
I began applying and refining this method in the winter of 2022 while guiding practitioners. After confirming its effectiveness, I now recommend it to all practitioners except the Dhamma teachers.
From 2017 to 2023, I also kept a daily practice journal myself. These days, when I feel certain journal entries could benefit others, I share them after removing personal information. In this way, practitioners can learn from one another.
Writing a practice journal helps you face your own mind honestly. Record what you actually observed: what happened, what arose in your mind and body, how you responded, and what changed. There is no need to make your practice sound better or worse than it was.
The practice journal is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Although I encourage consistent journal writing, it sometimes becomes a source of stress. When that happens, I may ask a practitioner to take a break from writing.
An ordinary moment of impatience, craving, or kindness can reveal something useful. Writing it down gives you an opportunity to look again and helps your teacher understand where guidance is needed.