"Dog days" refers to the hottest time of summer, usually July and August. I understand the Romans associated hot weather with the star Sirius, which in turn is associated with the constellation Canis Major, or "great dog." The phrase also can refer to any time marked by listlessness, dullness, laziness. That sounds a lot like thina-middha -- roughly, "sloth" --which is one of the five hindrances to practice.
I suspect most of us who have practiced for a few year have gone through times in which practice seemed less of a sharp lancet to pierce delusion and more of a dull slog. This can be discouraging. If the "dog days" drag on very long, some may begin to doubt themselves and the practice (which is another of the hindrances).
Most teachers advise practicing mindfulness to counter the hindrances. Sitting with the bodhisattva vows, and chanting them daily, has helped pull me out of some slumps. The vows are more than a personal commitment. Through the vows, we support all practice and are supported by all practice, everywhere, throughout time.
How do you recharge your dharma batteries?
The Dog Days of Practice originally appeared on About.com Buddhism on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 at 21:29:00.
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