by Tim McKibben
When the going gets tough in life, such as facing serious illness, being made redundant or relationship problems, it’s easy for the mind to crash and for us to seek distractions or refuse to come out from under the doona!
Fortunately, our marvelous founder and spiritual guide, Geshe Acharya Thubten Loden gave us a wealth of succinct and extraordinarily useful methods to mediate on, so that we can face difficult times without fear and transform adversity.
Listed below are some of these gems. The comments in italics are my attempt to understand why these meditations are so effective.
Patiently accept
- Meditate on the breath then think to yourself: calm down, settle down, relax – everything is ok. This settles the mind and prevents catastrophising.
- Though I didn’t wish for this problem – illness, injury, relationship breakup, or job loss etc., – through the force of conditions it occurred. Therefore, I can patiently accept it. This acknowledges our current feelings, reduces unhelpful self-blame, and promotes acceptance of the current situation.
- Just as adversity naturally arose so it will naturally disappear – as all things are impermanent. This overcomes the feeling it will last forever.
- Through experiencing this bad situation, the negative karma from which it arose will be finished. Therefore, rejoice that this is a cause of removing the karma. To better understand karma, read here.
- It is not only me experiencing this. So many other beings in the world have the same problem. This diminishes excessive self-focus.
Shantideva’s advice
- Shantideva’s advice: “If it can be remedied then what is the use of worrying about it? And if it can’t be remedied what is the use in worrying about it?” Therefore, I will disregard this suffering. This view cuts through worry and allows you to accept the situation and deal with it more objectively.
- Shantideva said: “Just as fire has the nature of being hot, I don’t get upset with fire for having this nature.” Samsaric beings have the nature of being deluded – just like me. Therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised or upset if others cause us harm. Therefore, if I can’t change the situation, then we can try to patiently accept it. This method helps allay anger.
- Shantideva said: “I will conquer everything, and nothing will conquer me. I, a son or daughter of the lion-like conqueror, should develop self confidence in this way.” This statement boosts self-confidence.
Develop compassion
- Crying is not necessary, anger is not necessary, sad is not necessary, becoming depressed is not necessary. Suffering is the nature of samsara. Therefore, if I can’t change the situation, I will disregard it. This approach helps us avoid feeling down and strengthens our outlook.
- Experiencing suffering is essential for developing compassion – think, may I take on the suffering of all beings with this sickness. This method develops compassion.
- With patience, anything is possible. Without patience, nothing is possible. Without patience, enlightenment is not possible and without difficulties we can’t develop patience. Therefore, we can think this is a good opportunity to develop the courageous mind of patience. This approach subdues our anger.
Renunciation and patience are essential
- Without renunciation, enlightenment is like sky painting, it’s not possible. Without suffering, renunciation is not possible. So, this suffering can be a cause of my future enlightenment. This reflection helps is see the silver lining.
- If we spend time contemplating these points in our time of need, then they will definitely transform our difficulties into our own path to enlightenment. Our courage and resolve will be strengthened, and we will be happier and easier to be around as well. 😊
For further contemplative reading see Delusions! by Rosie McKew.