Since the past is too far gone and the present offers him the opportunity to have a happier future, each day of his life becomes very precious because the wrong-doings of the past can be undone through right practice. Right practice helps him to generate merit and wisdom with which to experience life and to renounce it.
Spiritual practice does not consist of deep devotion to Divinities or praying to Them at all times of the day alone. It is the understanding of how to live and then to live it accordingly each day. It involves a proper attitude toward relating with others and to live ethically. Spiritual devotion is but part of the practice and no one should hope that life’s conditions will be always good because of his spiritual interest and involvement. The happiness and miseries of life are dependent upon the good and bad karmas accumulated in past lives. So it is but the maturation of the series of such karmas which makes life pleasant or dreary. So there is a need to understand that evil deeds should be refrained from because they are the very seeds of misery; also, the accumulation of good merits only tie oneself to get other lifetimes which provide happier conditions for oneself to enjoy. But life is life – always filled with problems and pains. Therefore it is best to learn to transfer merits to others or, better still, to dedicate such merits towards one’s own Enlightenment. With this intention, then the maturing karma will be directed to causing favourable conditions to practice spirituality in the future and in better environments.
Since life offers the opportunity for one to attain limitless merits and to confess one’s faults, spend all days well and purposefully. Apart from devotional practices which benefit oneself, go out in the world and lend your hand to the unfortunate. Social services will always be appreciated and charity will never be turned away.
How has your life been? Even though you are certain that you have caused no harm to anyone that you can remember, think deeper, have your actions really been selfless or have they been selfish? Most important of all, consider carefully, has this been a really spiritual life at all?
Monday, 11th April 1988 (2nd Moon 25th Day)