I was kind of deeply impressed and humbled by people in this world who have full dedication, determination and diligence to their crafts. We can find in this world some rare individuals like concert pianists, artists, athletes, singers, actors, scientists, businessmen, authors, etc etc who have that kind of rare quality to bring their entire being into whatever they are interested in and doing.
From the Dharma point of view, although these people are often pursuing self-centered pursuits and their goals are frequently of the worldly mundane sort however, I can feel some kind of ‘devotion’ to these people because of the enormity of sacrifice and total full-heartedness and completeness of their dedication to their work.
In the past, our lineage masters have exhibited similar qualities, for example, Milarepa and Longchen Rabjam, etc, who have given up everything to pursue enlightenment and benefit for sentient beings. Although the goals and significance is greatly different, but the kind of qualities they bring to their chosen work is similar.
In present days, in the dearth of examples like Milarepa to follow, we can look at these worldly people who are not very different from us, how, for example, a pianist has to spend up to 6-9 hours daily practising, or swimmers/ athletes who have to train very hard for their competitions with great focus, discipline on their training and diet etc, just to slice off that few seconds in their performance on the competition day. All so much effort for worldly purposes. And here we are the ‘Dharma practitioners’ who wish to attain the ultimate goal of all – Buddhahood – and who wish to benefit all beings, are we bringing the same qualities to our life?
I feel that my admiration for such people will have a great impact on my own attitude to life. I see that in these people, they do not know what is the meaning of ‘impossible’, they do not know how to say ‘no’ or ‘I can’t’ to themselves. They challenge their own limits, and thus they live their life to their fullest, using time in its best way by harnessing those qualities of full dedication, focus, discipline.
The best way to live our life is to challenge our own limits and want to use time to its fullest. In Dharma practice, this is also true. We do not want to pass life passively, sloppily, wishing for time to pass, just waiting out for tomorrow to come, always waiting for the next distraction, excitement or entertainment. Even Dharma practitioners can become like that, it is like having lost a sense of direction or living-force in life.
Instead, we should cultivate the qualities of discipline, mindfulness, focus, perseverance.
We usually see in those people who have these qualities, a kind of vibrance and happiness on their countenance. Although the going is tough, the goal may be small and they may lack the realisations of non-self or emptiness that puts a complete end to all suffering, but these people have the satisfaction of knowing that they have given their fullest, best and everything to what they believe in. To me, it almost seems like Zen.
Today I was discussing this with a friend and I thought that I would make some notes on my thoughts and share it with all of you. We can read about such people and learn from their qualities. Please carpe diem and please make the fullest of your precious human life, cherish your time and always challenge yourself to do better. You may not know it, but you have a jewel in your hands already. Do not let stagnancy or pessimism control you. Don’t shift the blame to others or the situation. There is no need to compete with others. The main point is always to outdo ourselves. And remember, the fullest potential in every moment and in your whole life always always always lies in your hands.
