Bodhicharyavatara Chapter 7, Stanzas 20-26

Ringu Tulku Rinpoche
Teachings on Bodhicharyavatara
Chapter 7: Diligence
Session 14
Stanzas 20-26

In the following verses we are looking at the natural tendency to shy away from a training that seems to be too difficult, even when it is prescribed as helpful. But as Rinpoche points out, according to Shantideva this is misguided, it need not be too alarming if we approach working with difficulty in a gradual way. If we practise giving away a cup of curry to a hungry person this can lead to a more difficult antidote later on, which we will easily take in our stride. We could also look upon the process somewhat like medicine, a doctor provides the surgery and treatment in the short term, bringing much discomfort. However our engagement with that painful process is short-lived compared to the relief gained once we are through the initial intervention.

We have probably, in our countless lifetimes encountered far more unimaginable suffering many times, and because we endured it with no guidance so we have gained nothing in terms of our progress along the path to Buddhahood, we simply land back at square one. So in the longer term, a brief encounter with suffering, using the instruction given by the Buddha, a Supreme Healer, for developing generosity and overcoming laziness with Discipline, will gradually bring great benefit and be very easy to do.

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