On Facing Difficulties
The difficulties that we face right now, from a bodhisattva’s perspective, are what is known as ‘great teachers,’ like wish-fulfilling jewels, because they help us to grow and develop. They are ‘wish-fulfilling challenges,’ ‘wish-fulfilling teachers.’ All of the obstacles that we face, health-wise, mental development-wise, or concerning our earnings or livelihood; well, basically any difficulties, challenges, or obstacles concerning day-to-day life—all of it, if we can take it the right way, can really, really help us to grow.
On Compassion
Our compassion, our dedication is not only limited to a circle of close friends or family. We can go far further and reach out to any individual we come across, meaning eventually all sentient beings, not just humans or animals but beyond that, to all sentient beings of the six different realms and of the entire universe of samsara. No matter how many sentient beings there are, our mind and compassion has the capacity to reach to all equally, without discrimination, no matter how near or far.
On Causes and Conditions
If you plant a crop with a very simple intention, and you also nurture it in a simple way, then the crop that grows will also be simple, and its yield will also be according to it. However, if the intention, the care, and all the positive conditions are great, then so is its yield.
So what the Buddhist philosophy strongly suggests is that if we want to have a good harvest, the causes and conditions must be great. Otherwise, if they are not great, and if we expect too much of the result, then there is a problem.
On Karma
The karma that is created through harsh criticisms is only completed if we reciprocate. We have the power and choice to journey on the path of a bodhisattva. We cannot control all of the conflict in our world, but we can control our response to it. We can help ensure that we do not create more harm; we do not cause more commotion but instead prepare for peace by letting go of grasping, by keeping the mind calm, and tapping into the eternal pool of compassion and wisdom that lies within all of us. For it is within this pool, this inner wealth, that lies the source of peace.
On The Benefit Of Compassion
Simply generating compassion and wisdom towards others brings great peace to ourselves and, therefore, to all those around us. And this effect, of course, is timeless. The benefit of this teaching has been seen by the Buddha, and it has been seen by the bodhisattvas—those who follow the way to become buddhas. They have seen it, they have experienced it, they have realized it.
On Practice
The activity of buddha dharma must go on always. And so we should all pray that we may always have opportunities to practice. There is no way of saying that a certain amount of practice is enough because there is no limit or boundary or final stage. The activity must go on. And it is for this very reason that we continuously generate devotion, generate respect, generate bodhicitta. The purpose of bodhicitta is to generate a very kind and understanding intention or motivation for the benefit of all sentient beings.
On Buddhism and India (One Month Before India’s Independence Day)
India is a large nation, a great nation, and a wonderful example to others around the world. India gave birth to Buddhism, to all the timeless knowledge that we have been practicing throughout our lives. And from a Buddhist point of view, not only in this life but over many, many lifetimes. According to the prophecies of the buddhas, this nation has not only been the host for Buddhism in the past and the present but will continue to be in future eras as well.
On The Attack in Nice
I offer my deepest condolences to the people of France following the attack in Nice on Bastille Day. At least eighty-four people, including many children, have been killed.
At such times, it is natural for many emotions to arise: shock, sadness, even anger. As practitioners, it is very important that we guard against any thoughts, words or actions that are led by our emotions.
Let us utter words of peace, not anger. Let us act with loving kindness, not hatred. Let our minds be still, even though the disturbing reality of what has happened continues to unfold.
And let us pray, separately but together, for all of the victims in Nice and for all those who are affected by this tragedy.
On Finding Meaning in Our Lives
Finding meaning in our lives is not just about following and being watchful of cause and effect in this life, but using the means of causality to find happiness in future lives as well. With this kind of progression, we become more and more aware, more and more determined to accumulate merit, not just for this life, but for future lives as well. And in this manner, we become more and more noble as a person and eventually find meaning in our lives.
On Family
We can relate to a number of sentient beings in many ways and become extremely close to them only thanks to the connection we have developed with our parents, guardians and individuals that we have come to know in this life. Without this wonderful bridge we will never know how similar we are to the rest of the sentient beings. Therefore, to make use of this fertile ground of family is extremely important.
On Bodhicitta
We have fertile conditions to plant the seed of this wonderful organic plant, metaphorically speaking, which is bodhicitta, the “tree of enlightenment.” Therefore, we must make use of this time and not waste it. As it is said in a prayer: if the bodhicitta has not been generated, we must find a way to generate it. Once it is generated, we must find a way to ensure that it does not decrease but constantly make efforts to increase it. And not only increase it to an average level but to increase and develop it to its fullest limit, which is, of course, limitless. So we must make the best use of this opportunity and make the most of it.
On Keeping a Clear Mind
With a mind disturbed by emotion, we are at risk of thoughts, words and actions that may increase any suffering and damage already caused. With a clear mind, we are in a better position to serve and benefit those who are suffering, as well as others who are affected. This is one of the many reasons why prayer and meditation are so important.
On Compassion and Loving-Kindness
These two main aspects of the mind are essential—something that we cannot do without. Having said that, whenever compassion and loving-kindness are mentioned, it should be understood that it is implied that they are inseparable from wisdom: not just common pity nor sympathy, but a type of compassion, a type of loving-kindness, a type of caring that comes with understanding, with experience, with knowledge.
On Compassion and Wisdom
We are part of a lineage of compassion and wisdom: a lineage for the teachings of Lord Buddha, the teachings that have survived, the teachings that have developed for over 2,500 years and are developing as we speak. These teachings have been brought to the various regions of the world. Buddhist teachings have now reached everywhere across the globe and are benefiting countless beings through a message of compassion and wisdom. Countless beings are realizing the benefit of such timeless teachings, of such timeless practice, a practice that doesn’t require any effort at all.
On the Antidote to Afflictive Emotions
Buddhist teachings are extremely difficult to sustain, mainly, as Buddha said, because of our emotions. Of course, the karma factor comes into play. Karma is a very strong force, a very powerful force that drives us to various limits. But by trying to understand the challenges of karma and the afflictive emotions that we face every day, we actually come to understand how beneficial this practice of compassion and wisdom is. The practice of compassion and wisdom is the antidote to the karma and afflictive emotions we face.
