Dharma practice is the actual way to bring about happiness in ourselves and others. It takes real consistent effort to practise the Dharma when you consider that we have had afflictions in our minds since beginningless time and we are well habituated with them. We see that it is going to take a while to cleanse our minds, so we must have a long-term attitude that is willing to engage in a way to create the causes for happiness and to remove the causes of suffering.

Patience in practising the path as well as joyous effort that keeps us going a long time are very important qualities. To keep the effort joyous, it is important to think about the benefits of attaining awakening and the disadvantages of remaining in samsara. When the benefits become clear, then we see that it is the only way to go, and we put our energy into it. It does not matter how long it takes because we know we are doing something wonderful and valuable for ourselves and others in the long term.

“365 Gems of Wisdom” e-book is out now!