The Way of Changing the Fate of Self and Others
In order to change the lives of ourselves and others, we need the spirit of Mahayana Buddhism. Together with Khenpo Sodargy Rinpoche at Amitofo Care Center in Namibia, let’s witness the blossoming of loving compassion in the desert of Africa.
How Should We Follow a Spiritual Teacher?
Excerpt 1: How Should We Follow a Spiritual Teacher?
I wish that many of you can follow your master for a longer time. This will enable your masters to understand your personality, credibility and capability better. During this journey, we are sure to experience joy when things go smoothly, and experience frustration when encountering unexpected situations. However, regardless of the situation we are in, as long as we keep following the master, we are actually carrying out the authentic practice of relying on the guru.
Excerpt 2: The Essence of Following a Guru
From my personal experience, following the guru does not simply mean to offer him or her delicious food and luxury clothing while he or she is alive, but rather, we should undertake the guru’s life career to spread the Dharma and help sentient beings, especially after he or she left this world. This is how I understand the meaning of “be with the guru”.
Excerpt 3: A Real Test on Bodhichitta
As a Mahayana Buddhist, it is necessary to steel yourself by coming to places like here. It is very easy for us to say that we should generate the supreme bodhichitta and liberate countless sentient beings. But when we are presented with sentient beings who are suffering right in front of us, how much do we really care about them? This is a chance to test how well our practice really is.
Excerpt 4: Stick to Goodness, Break Through Darkness
Just like there is always darkness before sunrise, we will embrace the light as long as we keep going in the dark. Nothing can be achieved without hindrance. It is particularly difficult to do good in situations like this. But if we keep holding on to a kind heart and a strong determination, many wishes will eventually come true. The power of a good heart is beyond imagination.
Excerpt 5: The Stronger the Will, The Greater the Power
We should have the same intention to actually bring benefit to living beings and do as much as we can. We always say “the stronger the will, the bigger the power it brings”. Accompanied by a selfless mind, we will have the power to finally realize our aspirations. The Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha said, “I swear to not become a Buddha unless there is no being left in hell to be saved.” Though we may not benefit a large number of beings, even in a long time, but if the life of one single person here can be changed for the better, it would be worthwhile for us to stay and try.
How Should We Follow a Spiritual Teacher?
I wish that many of you can follow your master for a longer time. This will enable your masters to understand your personality, credibility and capability better. During this journey, we are sure to experience joy when things go smoothly, and experience frustration when encountering unexpected situations. However, regardless of the situation we are in, as long as we keep following the master, we are actually carrying out the authentic practice of relying on the guru.
The Essence of Following a Guru
From my personal experience, following the guru does not simply mean to offer him or her delicious food and luxury clothing while he or she is alive, but rather, we should undertake the guru’s life career to spread the Dharma and help sentient beings, especially after he or she left this world. This is how I understand the meaning of “be with the guru”.
“We always say ‘the stronger the will, the bigger the power it brings’. Though we may not benefit a large number of beings, even in a long time, but if the life of just one single person here can be changed for the better, it would be a worthwhile endeavor for us to stay and help.”
