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The Path Is Always Beneath Our Feet: Transforming Life Into Practice
Inspired by the teachings of Bokar Rinpoche
The following is inspired by Bokar Rinpoche’s teaching style — accessible, direct, and deeply transformative. Bokar Rinpoche was the “heart son” (main disciple) of my teacher, Kalu Rinpoche, whom I hold in high esteem as a genuine teacher.
Introduction
The Buddha’s path is not separate from life. Every experience — joy, pain, walking, resting — can become a moment of awakening. In this simple guide, we explore how to transform everyday life into the path to liberation, not through complex rituals or philosophies, but through sincere presence and intention.
Let us walk through ten everyday moments and how each can be used for awakening.
1. Walking – Each Step on the Path
When we walk, we are not just moving our body. We are moving toward awakening. Each step can be offered with mindfulness and dedication.
Practice: With each step, say silently, “May all beings move toward liberation. May my steps carry the whole world toward peace.”
Even walking to the market or to the bathroom becomes holy ground.
2. Eating – Nourishing All Beings
Food sustains life, but it also sustains practice. Eating is a time to cultivate gratitude and generosity.
Practice: Before eating, think, “May this food nourish all those who are hungry. May the energy I gain serve the awakening of all beings.”
Eat slowly, with awareness, and your meal becomes a sacred offering.
3. Illness – Transforming Pain Into Compassion
When we fall ill, we can become discouraged. But pain is also the teacher of compassion.
Practice: While sick, think, “May I take on the sickness of all beings. May their suffering ripen in me and be dissolved.”
This is not a burden, but a great act of love. In your weakness, you become strong for the world.
4. Joy – Expanding Happiness to the World
When joy comes, do not cling. Instead, multiply it.
Practice: Think, “May this happiness spread to all beings. May all beings feel this joy.”
Joy that is shared becomes limitless.
5. Loss – Letting Go Into Freedom
Loss is inevitable — people, moments, abilities. When something leaves, we learn the truth of impermanence.
Practice: Say, “As this passes, may all beings release their attachments. May we all be free.”
Loss becomes a gateto inner freedom
6. Work – Offering Energy for the Benefit of All
No matter your task — cooking, farming, typing — work can be a gift.
Practice: Before starting, think, “May this effort serve all beings. May what I do today bring light to someone.”
Even cleaning a floor becomes sacred.
7. Sleep – Resting in the Nature of Mind
Sleep is a return to stillness. It is a rehearsal for death and a return to the source.
Practice: Before sleeping, think, “May I and all beings rest in the peace of the true nature. May this night be used for inner awakening.”
Fall asleep like a meditator dissolving into the sky.
8. Speech – Words That Heal
Every word can build or destroy. Speech is powerful karma.
Practice: Before speaking, reflect, “May my words heal, uplift, and awaken.”
Even silence, when done with love, becomes a powerful offering.
9. Anger – The Fire of Transformation
When anger arises, we don’t need to suppress it. We learn to ride its fire with awareness.
Practice: Think, “This energy can burn delusion. May I use it to protect, not to harm.”
You become a wrathful protector of compassion.
10. Death – The Final Letting Go
Our life ends, but the path doesn’t. Death is the final teacher.
Practice: As you remember death, say, “May all beings die free from fear. May this body return to the earth with gratitude.”
Every moment becomes precious when we remember that it may be the last.
Conclusion: No Moment Is Wasted
In this way, life itself becomes a mandala of awakening. Nothing is wasted — not sorrow, not joy, not boredom, not even confusion. Bokar Rinpoche taught that “The path is beneath our feet.”
To walk this path is not to seek enlightenment elsewhere, but to become fully present here, in the temple of this moment, where love and liberation already reside