Mind is ever on-going, a continuum. This on-going
process cannot be adequately described with words. The mind moves
forward on "tracks" derived from habits. When we let our consciousness
drift away, we find ourselves following our habitual tendencies that
are nothing other than our egos at work. We have developed these
tendencies from past experiences. We need to realise that when we are
not vigilant, we tend to drift toward jealousy or pride or any of the
other emotions that are habitual. We can weaken these tendencies by
modifying our reactions in a more balanced way, and we can slowly
start to affect some changes in our habits. We can cultivate openness
and benevolence if we have first noticed our habitual
tendencies.
With practice, we will learn over time to see
ever more clearly how, because of ego grasping, the mind reacts with
pride, jealousy, greed, and so on. In our relationships with others,
we are always expecting something. This is extremely important to
realise, because our expectations cause conflicts when they are not
fulfilled. Within our familial and work surroundings, we usually have
a lot of expectations. We often pretend that we are acting for the
welfare of others while at the same time harboring expectations which
will then lead to frustrations. I expected from so and so... now, I am
frustrated. I thought I was right. They have let me down. Either I was
in the wrong, or, they did not come through!" We should be aware that
everyone everywhere is like this, including ourselves. It is common to
think like this, but nevertheless we need to be aware of
it.
To be able to see this attitude with some sense
of humor is helpful and necessary. Don't imagine that there is a
"quick fix" to modify it. The habitual reflex will change somewhat
after having first noticed it, but we cannot force a change to take
place. Ever since our childhood, we have been told: It is not good to
be proud, not good to be jealous, etc." What was not said is that
these emotions, anger, pride, jealousy, etc., are generally what our
minds are preoccupied with. The same mind experiences both greed and
generosity. In fact, there is really no "bad" versus "good;" rather it
is a mere mislabeling. This why it is so important to see and
understand. The key is not to reject these emotions but to recognize
them. What appears as pride can be changed into the energy of action.
Insofar as it is recognized, it becomes a quality. jealousy can be
transformed into the quality of perseverance, leading us to
bodhicitta, to enlightenment. Anger arises when something goes wrong.
The same anger could be a quality of lucidity able to help correct a
situation and thus could be very useful.
Recognising our emotions does not mean that we
should go against or get rid of them. There is nothing to reject,
there are only different energies to be used in potentially beneficial
ways. By being aware, it is possible to change the expression of the
energy from negative to positive.
Buddha said, I can give you the means to
liberation but I cannot set you free. I can give you the tools to
reach the goal." He also taught that it is not possible to free
oneself without the "others." Ultimate enlightenment is attained only
through bodhicitta. We cannot develop qualities when isolated because,
to overcome ego grasping our success depends on our contact with
others. We can seize the chance to take advantage of our emotions when
they arise in order to modify and change our habitual tendencies.
Bodhicitta, or loving-kindness, is the antidote to apply to bring
about the changes. There is no other way. We need to put ourselves in
the place of others, be aware that they are unhappy, and see for
ourselves that our own happiness depends on theirs. This also means
that our view encompasses all points of view, so that our vision of
any situation becomes more complete and thereby more precise. The
immediate result of the application of bodhicitta is that we stop
rejecting our responsibility for whatever is
happening.
How do we develop the
necessary vigilance and integrate it into our experience? The goal is
to perceive the true nature of our mind, the true nature of both
mental and outer phenomena. Slowly and gradually, we improve the way
we live our lives and elevate ourselves by following the guidelines
given in the teachings. Then we will arrive at a stage where we can
take control over our existence. We embark on a spiritual path taking
into account all the implications of the law of cause and effect. We
make an effort to be aware of what is positive and negative while on
the path to enlightenment. Unless we retreat into solitude, we will
continue to lean more toward negative acts. However, if we are
vigilant we can see through all the negativity. We will then have an
opportunity to work with our negative perceptions through our practice
and turn them into useful qualities. By being conscious, not only do
we live with less suffering, but we are striving toward enlightenment.
to
follow
L a m a . J i g m e . R i n p o c
h e
