Time To Try Something Else

From childhood until now, how have we been working? Our motivation and aim has been to block suffering, and gain happiness and pleasure. This has been our main driving force, and we have been working continuously on that basis. Yet still, we haven't managed to gain the happiness we seek, and neither have we been able to avoid suffering.

So, a different approach is needed, it’s time to try something else; and that means changing our motivation and way of thinking to; ‘I don't care if I’m happy or not, I don't care is I suffer or not. Whatever.’ And if we can work in that way, then we will gain a different result. Now, there’s a chance, there’s some hope with this approach.

You need to understand that how you set your initial aim or motive is especially important for you as beginners in Dharma practice. So do not be hoping to become peaceful, or find happiness through your practice. Foster a motivation that is free of these aims and wishes.

Drupon Khen Rinpoche, Calm Abiding Retreat, Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery, Scotland, UK. 15 October 2016