Whatever the situation, 

adverse or favorable, 

remain balanced and determined 

in your buddha-name chanting. 

Lurching first in one direction and then another, our mind, jolted from its clear and natural state, becomes distracted and troubled. This lamentable state is where we spend much, if not all, of our time. 

Rather, the mental state we should seek is for us to remain steadfast and undisturbed. When praised, we do not become proud of ourselves or disdainful of others. When we hear others criticizing us, we do not feel offended or defensive. Finding things working out as hoped for, we do not attach or feel arrogant. Encountering situations not planned for, we do not worry or doubt the teachings. 

How can we attain such balance? Every time we notice a distraction—good or bad—we return to the buddha-name. This returning is our practice. As in sports or music, in fact, all things, practice makes perfect. Including chanting the Buddha’s name.

Lost opportunities have the power to haunt.

Before teaching others, 

we should first cultivate ourselves.

Having some success with cultivation,

our behavior will precede our words. 

Having discovered something new and intriguing, we usually can’t wait to tell others about it. Take, for example, newly hearing about Buddhism. Wanting to share what we just learned is understandable. But if we cannot yet do something, how can we explain it? 

Take anger. If we have not yet found a lessening of our anger and a sense of calm through our practice, how can we teach an irritated person to be more patient? 

Or take worries. If we speak of letting go of worry and fear but are often anxious ourselves, how can we convince others that Buddhist practice will help them? When we try to teach something before we can do it, others will resist us. Understandably so. 

When we progress in our cultivation, our behavior will reflect our growth. When others view us as experienced and trustworthy, we will then be qualified to teach.

Transform enemies into friends.