OM MANI PADME HUM

Do you ever hold the idea that those who pray to Me fervently will be relieved of their problems in life? Do you ever expect immediate results of your prayers for others? Do you ever get deeply disappointed that your prayers have not been answered? Do you continue to make all kinds of wishes without applying Wisdom?

It must be accepted that each being in the universe is born with a life which is the result of his past causes and therefore must be subject to the Universal Law of Justice! To see someone in a pitiful state will of course stir your heart, move you to pray for his well-being and so bring grief to yourself as well.

The Bodhisattvas do hear the pleas of those who cry for help. I am always moved by even a single sigh. That is why I am addressed as The Cry Regarder. Yet sufferings cannot and may not be removed just as one wishes them to be because the maturing of past causes and effects takes place at any moment of life. So it must be allowed that the natural Law should not be reverted or altered and the being who has set those bad causes in the past must suffer what is in store for them. So too must those who have planted good causes be allowed to enjoy the resultant happiness.

Not knowing this Law will of course cause ignorant minds to wander whether it is worth their while to worship the Bodhisattvas who are supposed to exist for the sake of relieving the pains of sentient beings. IF ONLY:

• they have the wisdom to practise patience and perseverance and also to realise that the moment the mind is directed towards worship whether for one’s own well-being or that of others, the period of belief and worship already set him on the course of cultivation so that the tendency to create bad karma is reduced.
• one understands that by walking the spiritual path, one begins to purify one’s own mind and cleanses one’s own heart and that by such actions, good seeds have been planted to ensure that there be rewards instead of punishment in later part of life or in later lifetimes.
• one realises that with faith and conviction, whatever suffering will become more bearable and so the Bodhisattva has already helped him immeasurably.
• one accepts the result of one’s past causes, there will be lesser suffering because the mind is motivated towards suffering for the sake of releasing oneself from past karma and then one is able to suffer nobly for the sake of others as well.

Suffering is, therefore,

• the effect arising from the maturing of past causes rooted in greed, anger and delusion / ignorance
• a necessity to open up the mind to spirituality
• a method by which many may gain some wisdom and strength
• part and parcel of life

which cannot be removed by mere wishing or some prayers.

But such good acts and intentions of those who pray for others will not be put to waste as they are like the planting of good seeds which will mature into fine trees in future times. Just accept each situation with a noble heart and leave the effect of your prayers and good wishes to become beneficial and ripen according to their merits.

Do not put doubt in your own heart with all kinds of expectation of timing or result, if you do that you are only suffering from your own ego. Do not ask why people must suffer so, why you yourself too must suffer. Reflect deeply and understand that sufferings do not arise without a cause. Therefore practise only good to ensure a happy future!

Monday, 17th January 1983 (12th Moon 4th Day)