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.