In the journey of life, quite often each person goes through stages of diligent practice. At some stages, we commit to vigorous dharma practice. At some stages, we commit to vigorous dharma practice and practice asceticism with the aim to thoroughly master something and to upgrade ourselves. Each person of the monastic order undergoes these stages and I have experienced such at least a few times. The fact is that in our entire life of many decades, we cannot be so hardworking and diligent and practice asceticism every day. If we do so, the body will not be able to withstand. Therefore, we live in monastery and pursue a kind of “ordinary mind”, make long term commitments and learn to engage in practice throughout our life – this is what we pursue. Therefore, dharma practice need not be vigorous, neither does it need to be a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Committing to vigorous practice in stages I fine; constant long term commitment to vigorous practice is unrealistic. (From Shaolin Temple in My Heart)