Generally I advise them that sickness is a result of our Karma and so when we experience this, it means that we are in the process of purifying that Karma. Just like we try to practice Dharma and do many good deeds to purify our Karma; similarly, when we face sickness, it is also a kind of purification we are having. So with such an understanding, our sickness is not just a form of pain but we are eliminating the cause of negative Karma which might lead to more serious consequences if not manifested in this way. It is difficult for us to think positively when we are actually having sickness but if we reflect now and regularly establish such a thought, it may not be difficult to think positively when we are in actual pain. So it is said in Kadampa teachings, the pain of sickness plays the role of a spiritual teacher. Which means we learn the suffering nature of Samsara by experiencing it in real life and therefore know exactly how it is. With that, we will also start to realize what happiness is as well.
The difference in handling the situation of sickness and pain between that of an ordinary person and that of a practitioner are as great as that of heaven and earth. For practitioners, they understand that the purification of Karma is in progress when there is such an experience of pain. So it becomes meaningful for them because this pain is the replacement of the cause to be reborn in lower realms and more sufferings that are supposed to happen.
I have seen some people who are sick but do not have mental depression. They look normal even though the sickness is serious. For some other people, when they encounter just a little minor pain, it seems like the whole world is upside down to them. One of the Lamas in my monastery passed away a few years ago. When he was in hospital, he kept on telling us that he was feeling comfortable. He also told us so much jokes until we all could not help but laugh. He knew his sickness could not be cured and that he only had just a few days to live, but his worry was not about his pain and death. He only worried that this news would make us feel very upset and uncomfortable. He therefore tried to hide all his physical pain and make us laugh and feel comfortable. I told him it was time to reflect on his practice and feel comfortable with whatever is happening. He responded that he was well prepared and in a perfect state of mind, reflecting on his gurus' instructions of taking sickness and death as the path of practice. I was so happy to hear this from him and I totally did not need to worry about him.
So basically, to a practitioner who can make use of every situation to develop the qualities for the enlightened path, there seems no difference in good and bad, both bring good results. Therefore Kadampa masters say if we suffer it is good because it is a direct purification of all the forthcoming results of bad Karma at this time in this way. With this, we can be free from such bad Karma. This is great happiness to me. If I am feeling happy or comfortable, that is also good because health and prosperity can be favorable conditions for me to to develop Bodhichitta, so it is perfectly fine.
If I do not have any wealth, that is also good because I do not need to experience the suffering during the process of accumulating wealth, protecting the wealth and the fear of losing it. I will be contented with whatever is available and make my life simple and free from worrying.
If I do have wealth, it is also good because it is due to the ripening of my good Karma. I can use this wealth as an instrument for developing Bodhichitta. I can develop generosity and help others and sustain myself while practicing.
In general, people think that happiness can only be achieved through wealth so they accumulate more and more but do not achieve such happiness. They then think that there is still not enough wealth to produce great happiness. They do not gain the happiness which they want but their whole life was spent in acquiring wealth. They finally leave all this behind and have to go alone to an unknown destination without being prepared. So what is the use of having so much wealth when it does not help to give happiness in this life-time and the next but the pain of losing it is always there.
To me, the experience of happiness for a person who lives at the roadside and enjoys food left over by others and a person prospering like a king is actually the same, not different. Who suffers more and who enjoys more? There is not much of a difference but most likely the person living at the roadside and has nothing might be happier more often as this person does not need to think of how to get wealth and protect wealth. He gets easily available food and enjoys the present moment. They experience suffering and happiness in different ways but the experience to the mind is equal. So it is okay to have wealth but do not seek happiness from it. Otherwise you will never achieve the true happiness you seek.
In reality there isn’t any happiness in this world as long as we have strong attachment to self. When we develop lesser attachment to the self, greater happiness can be experienced. Less attachment is like being released from bondage and starting to feel more space where one can move about freely. So with such, we generate loving kindness and compassion impartially towards every sentient being, without attachment to the result of self benefit. We then experience the fulfillment of the real meaning of life and every single movement and motivation of ours can become the cause of the liberation of countless sentient beings from suffering. It is an immense joy to one and we can rejoice in the fact that every single being's happiness was contributed by you in a greater or lesser way. Even the slightest and most temporary happiness of some person is also partially or fully contributed by you. This is because you have made an aspiration for the happiness of all sentient beings and for that purpose, you accumulate merits and purify Karma. This definitely will produce a result, whether directly or indirectly in connection to the happiness of others.
Therefore, we should not think I am super and I do not need to depend on anyone’s help. This is actually not the right attitude. As practitioners, we are all connected and every small development we have is not solely from oneself but actually contributed by others intentionally or unintentionally. We should therefore always be thankful to everyone even to our enemy. In today’s modern society, people have great pride so much so that they become very competitive. Self confidence becomes very important but when there is too much of it, there are lots of side effect like jealousy and anger as well as mental depression. This becomes more damaging rather than beneficial.
I am just sitting comfortably in the flight now because the whole row of seats is occupied by me alone, I can move or sleep without anybody disturbing. I can therefore also write this article without any disturbance. These are just my thoughts based on my simple knowledge of Dharma. Maybe this can be a bit of help to some people.
Now, I am going to take a little bit rest before I reach Kathmandu and I will write while I am there. I know there are some of you waiting for my next blog although I can’t write wonderful things. Whenever I write, I never feel that it may impress you people but feel that you might be bored reading what I write. Anyway I hope that my writings help some of you to develop positive thoughts when reading and contemplating them.
4 comments:
Dear Rinpoche,
Your words are so inspiring. I am actually a young with a weak body, not an unhealthy one but use to feel some little pains often, and your words remain me how my karma manifested that way, and how I need to develope bodhichitta using that pain as a step on my path. REally thank you, once more, for your words and please, do keep on teaching us. Please!
All the best, and wishing you can help many sentient beings to reach ultimate happiness,
only love,
Dani (Coruña / Spain)
Dear Rinpoche
Happy Sakadawa in advance.
Yes, for lay people sickness is painful and to know that one is dying is frightening. The fear is the passing into the unknown. After reading Rinpoche's posting, it brings comfort. Suffering the pain here is going thru 'Hell' and everything falls into place after passing into the unknown.
Thanks for the teaching which I always look forwaard too. It is both enlightening and beneficial for me. Thank you.
Have a blissful journey, my dear Rinpoche.
Dear Rinpochela,
Thanks for sharing this Dharma, as sometimes we are really caught up in daily activities and our defilements that we forget about the cause for real happiness.
Wish you a good stay in Nepal and hope to hear more from you. See you back in 2 weeks.
With respect
Tsering Dolkar
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