On the Path

As we proceed on the path of Dharma, we encounter various challenges along the way.

The first challenge is not knowing what we are doing or what we should be doing.

Then we recognise that we have to study. It is then that we encounter our second challenge. We too heavily tied up in the words—examining definitions of terms, reading commentaries, memorising, etc. While all of this is valuable, we fail to connect the teachings to ourselves. In summary, we study the texts but forget that the words are explaining ourselves and our own experience.

The third challenge is putting what we have learnt into practice. In fact, sometimes we don't even recognise that what we have studied is to be applied and practiced.

Whatever stage on the path we are at, it is good to know the challenges we can expect to encounter.

20th November 2024, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal