Question asked by Amira
Hello, thank you for all you do and answering our questions. I have deeper emotional issues, I'm aware. But I feel incredibly guilty everytime I pray to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for emotional support during hard times. I feel as if I'm bothering them and that my mundane problems are not worth their time. Can you offer a different perspective? Thanks
Dear Amira,
Thank you for your question. You should not feel bad when you pray to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in times of need. They manifested their practices, mantras, etc for all sentient beings, and that includes you and me. They are here to help everyone, you and me.
You are correct that ultimately, they help us to achieve the state of enlightenment. However, they help us in whatever way we need help. They can already see and know what you are going through. But in order for them to help us, we need to make the effort to make a connection with them. So when you are going through tough times and you call upon them, don’t feel as if you are bothering them.
Their very being is to help us, so when you call out to them, they will help. They are the epitome of compassion and love, so they would never feel like you are bothering them, etc, when you call upon them.
If from your side, you feel bad relying on them in times of need, then you should create a strong connection with them on a daily basis, by doing a daily sadhana, making offerings on your altar, etc. As you do this on daily basis when everything is going on, they will help you in the long term. As you purify your negative karma through daily practice and generate merit, you will find that the tough times will become less and less.
The stronger our connection with them, the more that they can help us. I hope this helps to answer your question.