Very interesting and challenging. I suppose the obvious interpretation of this slogan would be to connect it to the previous one about the three causes: a qualified teacher, a mind that turns toward awakening, and supportive circumstances (I quote Pema Chödrön here). How could these causes wane? Maybe one could become disappointed in a teacher (think of all the venerated teachers who abused their position), one could lose interest in the teachings, or circumstances could change (too much work, too little time or money to keep the practice up).
Maybe circumstances is the part we have least influence over. The instruction might then be: use whatever opportunity you have to practice and to integrate the practice into your life, even if it is just five minutes while you brush your teeth.
Our mind we can always work with, but we do need to keep going. The work is never done. If we're disappointed with the practice because it didn't provide instant gratification (like when meditation doesn't bring bliss) then we need to reassess our motivation, go back to the teachings and see what we have missed.
And when we are disillusioned with a teacher we have to separate their conduct from their teachings. Sogyal Rinpoche for example abused the trust people had in him but his teachings are still valid. Thankfully we don't have to rely on one person. There are many who could become our teachers.
So I guess it is all about keeping our interest alive and to continue on our path. And maybe a setback will turn out to be beneficial.
Very interesting and challenging. I suppose the obvious interpretation of this slogan would be to connect it to the previous one about the three causes: a qualified teacher, a mind that turns toward awakening, and supportive circumstances (I quote Pema Chödrön here). How could these causes wane? Maybe one could become disappointed in a teacher (think of all the venerated teachers who abused their position), one could lose interest in the teachings, or circumstances could change (too much work, too little time or money to keep the practice up).
Maybe circumstances is the part we have least influence over. The instruction might then be: use whatever opportunity you have to practice and to integrate the practice into your life, even if it is just five minutes while you brush your teeth.
Our mind we can always work with, but we do need to keep going. The work is never done. If we're disappointed with the practice because it didn't provide instant gratification (like when meditation doesn't bring bliss) then we need to reassess our motivation, go back to the teachings and see what we have missed.
And when we are disillusioned with a teacher we have to separate their conduct from their teachings. Sogyal Rinpoche for example abused the trust people had in him but his teachings are still valid. Thankfully we don't have to rely on one person. There are many who could become our teachers.
So I guess it is all about keeping our interest alive and to continue on our path. And maybe a setback will turn out to be beneficial.