Why We Wander in Samsara

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé said,

“We don’t wander in samsara because we don’t know the Dharma; we deceive ourselves by not putting it into practice.”

This is so true and something we should keep in mind.

The one thing that stops us Buddhists in the Dharma from practising it properly is how we mix up the teachings and practices of the different vehicles. We feel we can practice any Dharma we encounter or choose. By not following the proper order, we never build a solid foundation in the basics, and our path becomes haphazard. Carrying what we’ve heard about the view of the Greater Vehicle and Secret Mantra, we disregard renunciation and compassion and feel we can pursue the path without needing to actively discard our afflictions.

Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé continues:

“Only wanting the high and profound Dharma, we don’t make an effort to pursue the Dharma we’ve received. This is a sure sign that our minds will remain ordinary.”

This is also so true. Nowadays, you see people showing off the profound Dharma they’ve received—whether it’s the Great Seal (Mahamudra), the Great Perfection (Dzogchen), or something else. And as taught here, the thoughts of those who do this remain worldly through and through, with no trace of the Dharma mentality.

Keep these pieces of advice in mind. It shows the importance of applying ourselves to the Dharma we have received and understand, such as the preliminary and mind training teachings. We already know a lot in terms of what’s alright to do and what’s not. Now, we need to take it to heart and put it into practice. If we fail to do so, not only are we fooling ourselves, over time we’ll become jaded.

Kongtrul Rinpoche’s words are a reminder to not constantly seek only the highest Dharma and Lama. Many people chase after lamas with high and exalted titles, but whoever our lama is, we must have the opportunity to receive regular teachings from them, otherwise we won’t come to know the Dharma deeply. Also, it is unlikely we will become a true practitioner ourselves if we do not stay close to a lama who is a true practitioner.

Excerpt from a teaching on the Nectar of Heart Advice by Jamgön Kongtrul Lodrö Tayé
3rd November 2024, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal