Adversity Is Not an Obstacle

When attempting to help others, we will face various difficulties and troubles. We might be falsely accused of wrongdoing, or criticised by others in various other ways. We may become frustrated and discouraged by such experiences, which become major obstacles to our practice.

This is because to exert ourselves in benefiting others, earnestly while taking full responsibility, is the practice of a Greater Vehicle (Mahayana) practitioner. So it is not something we can allow ourselves to become disheartened with; we must remain willing to benefit others, despite the hardships we encounter.

When we experience adversity in these situations we can think, “This is a valuable experience. Now I have a better idea of how to avoid and deal with such issues in the future, and should be more capable of helping others.” By thinking like that, we can move forward. Each difficulty we encounter can strengthen our resolve to continue helping others.

So the main point here is that for a Greater Vehicle practitioner, adversity is not an obstacle – the real obstacle is becoming discouraged and reluctant to help others.

Mar 3, 2023