No Way to "Jimmy the Machine"

One of the joys in my life is to hear people express clearly a deep understanding of the Dharma. The following was written by someone who is experiencing two painfully difficult events. Although his causes and conditions led him to be where he is today, the two—his father's sudden illness and now a trusted advisor’s all-too-human weaknesses—are not the direct result of his personal actions and neither occurrence could have been foreseen. It is not unusual for sudden shocks to cause a practitioner to have serious doubts as to his own capabilities.

The individual I am speaking of has written that if such a lack of judgment can be committed by a person who has reached a higher level in his practice and then experienced such a fall…

…what does that augur for me, an "ordinary" joe? The answer must be to keep practicing. Since both pleasing & unpleasant occurrences are guaranteed in life, one's job must be to learn to endure it all with wisdom, compassion & equanimity. There is simply no alternative. Positive & negative karmas will generate the future. The only choice is to progressively court positive growth through right thought, speech & action. There is no way to "jimmy the machine" and obtain a free lunch, or "jump the turnstile" and get a free ride.

The best refuge for these dharma-declining times is Pure Land Buddha remembrance. But even Great Cosmic Amituofo cannot do it for us. One must always walk the path oneself. Though assisted by other-power and sangha support, one is alone in practice.

That's quite a pill to swallow. So, despite the trials and tribulations of my life, I alone am responsible for my progress. And, no one owes me anything. In fact, I owe gratitude to all people and circumstances for acting as dharma instructors, wittingly or unwittingly. This will require serious commitment and maturity on my part. As I think on these things, the Bodhisattva vows echo in my mind.

So, no, there is no way to “jimmy the machine.” We have to do the hard work. But we can gain comfort knowing that if we plant the good seed, we will—without doubt—gain our reward, and be able to help all beings.