The Power of Practicing Dhamma, Even from Time to Time
Introduction
In our modern, fast-paced world, most people are naturally drawn toward sensual pleasures food, entertainment, relationships, wealth, and comfort. While these things may bring temporary satisfaction, they cannot give us true and lasting peace. A small number of people turn towards the Dhamma, the timeless teachings of the Buddha, seeking liberation from suffering. However, for many, practicing Dhamma consistently is difficult.
At the beginning, the mind resists change. Old habits, past behaviors, and worldly desires pull us back to our previous way of living. It’s common to feel discouraged when we cannot maintain continuous practice. Some people even give up entirely, thinking short or irregular practice is useless. But the Buddha’s wisdom tells us otherwise.
Even if you practice only from time to time, it still holds immense value. The Dutiya Aghatapativinaya Sutta explains that we should not look down on or despise someone who practices the Dhamma occasionally. Why? Because even a small act of mindfulness, a short moment of meditation, or a single wholesome thought can have a profound impact on our future.
Let us explore this deeply, understanding why occasional practice is still worthwhile, how it affects our journey in samsara, and why we should never underestimate even a few seconds of mindful living.
The Struggle to Maintain Continuous Dhamma Practice
Why the Mind Resists Change
When we start practicing Dhamma whether it’s meditation, generosity, ethical living, or developing wisdom our mind is being trained to go against its long-standing habits. For countless lives in samsara, we have been chasing sense pleasures. This tendency is deeply rooted, and so the mind will try to return to its comfort zone.
It’s like trying to push a heavy cart uphill. At first, every push feels exhausting. Without strong momentum, the cart may roll back. In the same way, our old habits can resurface, pulling us away from the path.
Why Many Give Up Too Early
Many practitioners expect instant progress. The moment they skip meditation for a few days or fall into old patterns, they think they have failed. They lose motivation and abandon the effort altogether. This is one of the biggest mistakes in the spiritual journey. The Buddha never said you must be perfect from the beginning only that you should keep trying.
The Buddha’s Advice in the Dutiya Aghatapativinaya Sutta
In this discourse, the Buddha emphasized not to harbor ill will or look down upon someone who practices Dhamma occasionally. Even if someone practices after a long gap, the fact that they return to it is something to be respected. This teaching reminds us that the value of Dhamma is not limited to those who practice 24/7—it is accessible to everyone, regardless of their starting point or frequency.
A Story That Proves the Power of a Single Moment’s Practice
There is a remarkable account from the Buddha’s dispensation about an Arahant monk whose awakening journey began with a single moment of mindfulness in a distant past life.
Long, long ago countless lifetimes before meeting the Buddha this individual saw the impermanent nature of all things for just a brief moment, perhaps a single breath. He thought, “These things are all impermanent.” That was it no deep retreat, no hours of meditation just a flash of insight into impermanence.
The result? From that moment onward in samsara, he was never again born in lower realms such as hell, the animal world, or the realm of hungry ghosts. Instead, he was reborn only in heavenly realms and fortunate human births. Finally, during the time of Gautama Buddha, he used the remaining merit from that tiny act of wisdom, practiced further, and attained Arahantship.
This story tells us something extraordinary: even the smallest sincere Dhamma practice has an immeasurable effect on our future.
Why Occasional Practice Still Matters
1. It Plants Seeds for the Future
Every time we meditate, refrain from wrongdoing, or reflect on Dhamma, we are planting seeds of wholesome karma. These seeds may not grow instantly, but they remain within our mental continuum, waiting for the right conditions to bloom.
2. It Builds Spiritual Momentum
Think of it like charging a battery. Even if you charge it for only a few minutes each day, over time, the power accumulates. Occasional practice is like giving your mind small but regular boosts toward enlightenment.
3. It Keeps the Connection Alive
Without any practice, we risk drifting far away from the path. But occasional practice acts like a spiritual lifeline it keeps our connection to the Dhamma alive so we can return more easily when we’re ready for deeper commitment.
Practical Ways to Practice Dhamma Time to Time
If you find it hard to practice continuously, here are simple yet powerful ways to integrate Dhamma into your daily life:
Short Meditation Sessions
Even a 5-minute breathing meditation can reset your mind and plant wholesome seeds.
Daily Reflection
Pause during the day to reflect: “This is impermanent. This will not last.” This small thought aligns your mind with reality.
Acts of Generosity
Offer something to someone in need a meal, a kind word, or your time. Generosity purifies the heart.
Observing Ethical Conduct
Even if you can’t formally observe precepts daily, make an effort to avoid harming others in speech and action.
Mindful Moments
When eating, walking, or working, be fully present. Even one mindful breath can be a Dhamma practice.
The Danger of Waiting for the ‘Perfect Time’
Some people think they will practice Dhamma later when they are older, when work is less busy, when life is calmer. But life is unpredictable. Waiting for the “perfect” time is like waiting for a river to stop flowing before you try to cross it will never happen.
Start now, even if it’s just a little.
From Occasional to Continuous Practice
While occasional practice is valuable, continuous practice brings the deepest transformation. The more we immerse ourselves in Dhamma, the quicker we burn away defilements. Think of occasional practice as drops of water filling a jar continuous practice is like a steady stream.
The goal is to gradually shorten the gaps between practices until Dhamma becomes a natural part of every moment.
Your Effort Is Never Wasted
The Buddha assured us that no wholesome action, no matter how small, is ever wasted. If even one moment of mindfulness in a past life could keep someone away from lower realms for countless eons, imagine what regular, intentional practice could do for you.
Conclusion
Practicing Dhamma continuously is ideal, but if you can only do it from time to time, do it wholeheartedly. Never underestimate the value of a single mindful breath, a short reflection, or a small act of kindness. These moments are like drops of pure water slowly cleansing the mind.
Our ultimate goal is to end the endless cycle of birth and death samsara. Every moment spent in Dhamma brings us closer to Nibbana. Whether your steps are small or great, keep moving forward.
Don’t let gaps in your practice make you give up. Stay connected. Keep coming back. One day, these drops will overflow into liberation.
FAQs
Namo Buddhaya!
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