An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called How Buddhists Think
Certain aspects of the Buddha’s teachings are foundational to the way Buddhists think. My purpose here is not to render any teachings in a complete form but rather to discuss why Buddhists think the way they do. My hope is that you will take the responsibility of keeping these ideas in your minds and that they will have the effect of shaping the way you think. The best way you can use these teachings is to allow them to permeate your thoughts, reminding yourself of them continually. This will take some effort on your part. The result will be changes in your view of things––and in the decisions you make.
You must understand that any problems you have in being able to embrace your practice are caused by the karma of your mindstream. The obstacles to your practice are really a reflection of very old habitual tendencies. You have developed them, and you carry them with you. There is no one to blame––not society, not anyone who keeps you from your practice, not your non-Buddhist parents, not your jobs that take too much time. What we’re really looking at is an externalization of the content of the mindstream.
We must understand that we are looking into a mirror. If we’re too busy to practice, if we’re too materialistic to see the big picture, if repeatedly we stumble over these problems, we need to understand them as reflections of the content of our mindstream.
So what should you do? You should apply the antidote. For some people, this would be jumping onto the Path hog wild, really going for it––even though they may need to slow down a little later. Some people need time to adjust to the pace that is naturally best for them. Others can only take one tiny bite at a time.
You start where you are, and that has to be okay. Therefore I suggest three cardinal rules: 1) Do the best you can. 2) Give yourself a break. 3) Don’t let yourself get away with murder.
These rules are not the Buddha’s teaching; I made them up and take full responsibility for them. They actually work very well. You are where you are. Do what you can do. And watch yourself––because you will try to get away with murder. This is the way you should approach the Path.
© Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
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