STUDENT:

But how do the others know that they are saying or doing the right thing? They may be harming rather than helping the person with the problem.

SHIH-FU:

If they have a question, and you answer them, that is helping. It is better that there be at least one experienced member in the group.

STUDENT:

Is the best policy to tell them to ignore what they have experienced?

SHIH-FU:

Not always. If they experience a typical physiological or psychological sensation, it is okay to tell them to ignore it; but if they have a question about the method or the Dharma, then someone with more experience should try to answer them. If you do not know the answer, then tell them so. If you think you do know the answer, then answer the question. You may qualify the answer to reflect your level of experience. Furthermore, if a person is tired or frustrated, or is suffering from a headache or other body pains, then you must give them a method to help them deal with their problem. Sometimes the best answer is to tell them to relax or rest a while.

Group practice is also better than solo practice because the schedule is more regular. On your own, it is easy to get lazy and miss a sitting here or there; but in a group, you will feel obligated to attend sittings and practice well. Seeing other people practicing usually sparks your own desire to practice.