Don’t Grasp Your Preference

One of the criticisms of Western Buddhism is that it’s a kind of ‘feel good’ philosophy.  There is a tendency sometimes with retreats and meditation situation where you get a kind of precious attitude.  You might think, ‘This silence is so precious.’  Then, if anyone comes into that silence, there’s a kind of annoyance, ‘You’re destroying my retreat.’  But, the practice is not about being precious, it’s about being free.