Question asked by Eli Levine
Good (morning) Pastors.
Lately I've been feeling that I do not deserve everything I have and could have. What kind of karma brings on these feelings? How does one correct for that negative karma which produces a lack of confidence and feelings of doubt?
Thank you for your help. It was very helpful last time.
Dear Eli Levine,
All the suffering we experience in this life is the result of our past negative karma. Doubt is one of the six root delusions. It is also one of the “fetters” that keep us in samsara. Doubt prevents one from engaging in virtuous actions. It is said that the antidote to doubt is wisdom. One has to study the scriptures to acquire knowledge and spiritual understanding. One also needs to meditate to attain calm abiding and special insight. When you achieve the stage of stream enterer, doubt is permanently eliminated.
Do not worry about your feelings as they are impermanent. As H.E. Tsem Rinpoche says, “When we travel down a road, doubt will always arise, just go all the way.”