How to replace the five hindrances with the seven factors of Awakening. Good food for the heart.

The traditional five abstentions are very, very good. However, with some deep reflection, it is possible to make the precepts distinctive for our own path.

Aligning body, speech, and mind is important work. It begins with the many levels of intention, from this moment to the overarching aim of our life.

Intention matters. But it's more subtle than you think.

We certainly must make effort on the path. Sometimes a lot, sometimes a little, and sometimes none at all. How does this work?

Is it OK to want liberation? Isn't wanting the cause of suffering? There are skillful desires. In fact, liberation likely requires that you want it.​ 

Repetition in practice is vital to fully develop certain fruits. We don't know in advance how a certain practice will bear fruit. Part of faith is to just let practice unfold (could be cross-listed with Faith below).

View, intention, and effort inform how things unfold. What did the Buddha say about beginnings?

Sometimes we can design our own practices. Sometimes it's better to just follow traditional ones. The key is whether we are releasing our preferences and ego, or reinforcing them.