How can we observe our own subtle arrogance? If we serve the Master, listen to her teachings, and follow her instructions, do we acquire sufficient humility? We’re born as humans in order to become Buddhas and noble beings, but we often lack enough determination, faith, and power. We’re lured by the world and pulled by society. We’re influenced by our friends and polluted by meat and wine. Thus, it's extremely difficult for us to practice spiritually. In his lifetime, Bodhidharma practiced with diligence and perseverance, meditating in solitude for nine years. Without the help of the great Inner Power, who could achieve such a feat?
We’ve read many scriptures and seen many examples of people doing spiritual practice, but we don't learn from them because we’re not serious. We fail to practice what we learn and turn the scriptures into everyday actions, thus remaining unchanged. Practicing spiritually means following the teachings and manifesting them in our behavior. Only when we practice what we’ve learned will we become Masters.
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