Long-Term Perspective

We fail to recognise our afflictions (negative emotions) due to our inability to consider the long term—we only think about our immediate and temporary circumstances.

When we see only what is right in front of us, we may feel that committing negative actions driven by greed or anger has no immediate consequence. In fact, we may even find it quite comfortable and enjoyable in the moment.

Our inability to recognise or eliminate our afflictions stems precisely from this short-sightedness. If we were able to see that our afflictive thoughts place us in tremendous peril, things would be very different.

We cannot see the consequences of our afflictions in the present moment—such as those described in the texts: how anger leads to rebirth in hell, how stinginess causes rebirth as a hungry ghost, or how ignorance results in rebirth as an animal. These consequences are not visible to us here and now.

However, if we can adopt a long-term perspective and reflect carefully, we can begin to understand this. We come to see that when afflictions arise and karma is created, corresponding habitual tendencies are formed. If strong habitual tendencies take root, then, when the right conditions arise, they will produce suffering and problems. This is something we can contemplate and come to understand.

By thinking long-term like this, we will see the importance of recognising our afflictions and will gradually learn to do so. Subsequently, we will refrain from giving rise to them; or at least we will avoid doing so lightly.

Thus, by adopting a long-term perspective, we not only benefit ourselves in the short-term, but will also achieve our long-term goals, and eventually will attain true and lasting happiness.

Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal