The Crucial Element

In Buddhism, the best and most important form of learning is introspection, to analyse ourselves. To look to see where our problems lie, and to make an effort to understand ourselves.

The first step is to recognise our problems and faults and then to see what we are actually like as a person. When we clearly recognise our faults and truly understand ourselves, we can say that we understand the Dharma.

Being blind to ourselves, in Dharma terms, is called ‘confusion’ or ‘delusion’. When we are in such a state, our thoughts become distorted, and genuine improvement becomes impossible.

Therefore, understanding ourselves is absolutely crucial in our study and practice of the Dharma.

31 December 2025, Thrangu Sekhar Retreat Centre, Nepal