Child, listen closely to these words. Throughout the course of a human life, there are many burdens that one must face and complete entirely on one's own. While it is true that parents, elders, and mentors may offer their assistance, and at times even act on our behalf, the ultimate responsibility for our existence always returns to us. We are the ones who must walk our own path.
The Solitary Path of the Soul
Consider the fundamental aspects of your daily life. No one can eat, dress, or move through the world for you. These are personal experiences that you must undertake yourself. Furthermore, when we look at the deeper realities of our existence, we see that the following experiences are also solitary journeys:
Diligent practice:
The effort to purify the heart is a personal commitment that cannot be outsourced.Purification:
Clearing away the defilements of the heart requires your own focused intention.Birth, aging, sickness, and death: These are the inevitable cycles of life that every individual must face and endure alone.
No one can stand in your place to experience these things. You must bear them yourself, for there is no substitute for your own direct experience of reality.
The Compassionate Map of the Wise
On the path of spiritual practice, the Buddhas and Practitioner Su can only watch over you with . They can provide the map and tell you how to proceed, but they cannot walk the path for you. You must be the one to do the work, to face the obstacles, and to complete the journey toward becoming an awakened being.
If you lack the perseverance to continue, or if you find yourself unable to face and break through your own limitations, you will inevitably fall into the trap of regression. You will find yourself moving backward rather than forward. However, if you rely on your own strength, maintain your perseverance, and face your challenges with courage, you will create the necessary conditions for progress. Every breakthrough is an opportunity to move closer to your true nature.
The Unstable Anchor of External Dependence
The process of practice is filled with tests. You will encounter both success and failure, and you will experience moments of advancement, regression, and stagnation. At the most critical junctures, you must rely on yourself rather than looking to others for salvation. Before one reaches the state of an awakened being, the heart is often swayed by external circumstances. When you allow your inner state to fluctuate based on the world around you, you lose the ability to govern your own heart.
If you rely on others for your stability, you will find that whenever they change, you are pulled along with them. This kind of practice is fragile and unstable. It causes great harm to your own spiritual growth because it leaves you vulnerable to the shifting tides of the world. It is far better to rely on your own inner strength and the stability of your own heart.
The Humble Journey Toward the Truth
When you encounter favourable situations, do not fall into the trap of complacency or stop your efforts. Instead, you must remain humble and modest, moving straight ahead on the path. This is the only way to ensure that you are not swallowed by arrogance or self-satisfaction, which would prevent your progress and lead to a decline in your practice.
Conversely, when you encounter difficult situations, you must rely on yourself to face them and break through. No one can replace you in this struggle. You must recognise the facts of your situation, take responsibility for your own heart, and rely on yourself to overcome the obstacles. By doing so, you will find the strength to leave suffering behind and find true happiness. .
