WHEN ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULTIES IN CULTIVATION, ONE SHOULD STAY CLOSE TO DILIGENT FELLOW BUDDHIST PRACTITIONERS
Question: We are so hard-pressed for time in this Age of Dharma Decline. Those who are not spiritual cultivators will be led by the nose through life by their destiny and the force of karma. Having said this, Buddhist practitioners will still be affected by their fate and collective karma.
For example, many fellow practitioners will, around the same time, lose momentum in their cultivation or enter a phase where they are confronted with various impediments in their Buddhist practice or dharma propagation drive. As Buddhist practitioners, how can we come together as a team to mutually support each other so that we can collectively quell our collective karma and overcome any stumbling blocks that may come our way?
Answer: Spiritual cultivation is never a walk in the park. Just like it is common for us to trip over something when we walk, how can we expect to encounter no obstacles on the path of spiritual cultivation? You need to make it a point to consistently study Buddhism in Plain Terms and always contemplate, “What are your reasons for living?” Whenever a problem arises or when conflict between Buddhist practitioners crops up, always think, “I am a Buddha or I want to become a Bodhisattva in the future. How can I scold others, be jealous of others or worse-still, harm others?” This is a mindset and state of mind.
Think of ways to keep close contact with positive people. Look for a Practice Centre or groups within a Practice Centre to check out the true cultivators. Find those who are diligent, those who are not into seeking illicit gains or creating troubles. Establish a friendship with these people and follow in their footsteps. When I’m in town to deliver dharma talks, you should join in. All of these are positive conditions. They are the contributing factors to your vigour in spiritual cultivation to ensure that you will never backslide.
Source: Master Jun Hong Lu’s World Buddhist Fellowship Meeting, Hong Kong, China, 20 June 2015
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