Question asked by Rafael Ruiz
Beloved Rinpoche,
How to keep on practicing and being positive when the external obstacles seem endless? I know it could just be a manifestation of my karma, but then I feel helpless to do anything. I want to overcome my Karma and become a Buddha to help others, but don't know what to do anymore. Can you recommend a practice for me?
Your student from afar
Rafael
Dear Rafael,
It is hard to face the results of our karma daily. It is sometimes hard to accept all of it is our karma especially if we come from a culture that is use to blaming everything outside of us as the cause of our unhappiness. You have your cultural upbringing and personal ignorance working against you in your dharma practice…I sympathize as I have the same problems….as do with many pioneer Buddhists. It’s just part of the path.
Do not expect quick results…a few drops in the ocean with red dye daily will not change the color of the ocean to red in short while, but eventually.
Reading, studying and contemplating on the dharma will definitely give you more strength over time. Be easy on yourself, don’t try to be enlightened quickly although the aspiration should be so.
Practices such as 100,000 Vajrasattvas, 35 Confessional Buddhas, Prostrations, mandala offerings and Samaya Vajra mantras will be extremely helpful in regards to your question.
Do charity works, focus on the less fortunate, listen to other ppl’s problems, take up a cause such as for the homeless or animals welfare and go all the way with it. Focus out. Focus out continuously not denying the inner but to bring perspective to what we have is good…to appreciate what we have more and use it fully for spiritual advancements.
Be happy, be well, pursue your spirituality with wisdom, patience and knowledge. I offer my prayers for you.