Knowledge without practice is not enough for one to attain enlightenment. I realized that when I changed how I view things. Each situation became clearer in my mind. I could understand myself and everything around me better. Now, whenever an unfavourable situation comes my way, I accept it gladly, just as I do with a favourable situation. I look at these situations positively. Whenever I fall into delusions, I always remind myself to reflect inward, to look at my mind and find out where it’s coming from. It’s very important for me to always keep my awareness, to remind myself to accept my own mistakes instead of blaming others. I realized that there’s no one who could change me but myself.
To transcend any situation, we should use a compassionate heart instead of being judgemental. I learned that everything comes from our mind whether good or bad. Our actions are the manifestation of our thoughts. We need to use our mind for discernment. We have to think mindfully. With this practice of being mindful, we create good karma and prevent bad karma.
I see difficult situations as opportunities for me to practice what I’ve learned from the Buddha’s teachings taught by our Dharma Masters. When things come my way, I observe the principle of causality and follow the Eightfold Path.
My deepest gratitude to Ocean Sky Chan Monastery for giving us the lectures. I know everything has a purpose, nothing happens by accident. We can be the masters of our own minds.