Question asked by Jen
Dear Pastor,
I have an issue. I pray to a deity like Kuan Yin for example. I ask for her help to manifest something like attracting therapy. But when it does not happen, I lose faith. I am now aware that I have to do it myself to get that therapy but I struggle to pray again because I feel like it will bring no result because of my "disappointment" before. How can I get rid of this mindset? That the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are not wish granters and I will have to achieve it myself.
Dear Jen,
Thank you for your question and very sorry to read that you have been going through this.
Usually when we pray, we have very specific things in mind that we want to happen, and actually we are very fixed in the way that we want it to happen. Chances are however, we will never actually get things the way we want, because our thinking is actually based on our attachments and also because we simply don’t have the karma or merits to get that thing in that very specific way. We don’t have the karma to get the results that we are looking for in that manner, or the conditions around us are not right for us to get it, even if we do actually have the karma. So, when we pray and things don’t go our way, we get disheartened or disappointed.
The Buddhas are the embodiment of compassion, so every time you invoke and pray to them, they are trying to help you for sure, 100%. However, it’s due to our karma and our frame of mind that we cannot receive their help.
There are some key aspects that we need to remember:
1. The Buddhas can definitely help us however if we just pray and nothing else, nothing will happen. We ourselves need to put some effort in to achieving a goal and the Buddhas will be able to help us achieve that goal quicker and easier. For example, if you want to do well in business, if you only pray but don’t actually actively work, you won’t get good business. But if you actively engage at improving your business in a productive and beneficial manner, no matter how small and pray at the same time, for example to Gyenze, then your business will do very well.
2. When we are facing issues we should not have a very specific way that we want the help. The Buddhas will definitely help with the issue, but most times it’s not the way in which we wish for, due to the previously mentioned reasons. So, simply be open to however they help, which is usually in unexpected but we have the karma for them to help us in that way. So, you can pray to the Buddhas to help overcome your issues, but don’t be too fixed on which ways you are expected that help to come. The Buddhas will help according to your karma and merits, and the causes and conditions around you to help solve those issues. They way to develop this openness is by learning about the Three Jewels, their qualities and deepening your refuge in you them. All of this is taught in detail within the Lamrim teachings.
I really hope this helps you. Thank you.