The Way of Dhamma Practitioner
Crying is a sentimental dimension that represents humanity.
Even so, those who cannot cry are not wrong. But they should observe themselves whether there is something that blocks their hearts from the feeling of tenderness and makes them think that they have a strong mind.
Rapture, gentleness and sympathy do not have to happen every time, but they happen naturally
In the Dhamma aspect, it is sometimes difficult to explain the difference of dimensions. Saying “let go” could be misunderstood and turned into “neglect”. Or saying “be equanimous” could have a misconception as “having to be so steady that you cannot show feelings or having to suppress the feeling of joy”.
So, when you practice Dhamma, do not be shy to cry. If someone asks you “When you practice Dhamma, why are you so sensitive and cry?”, tell this explanation to them.
“Practice Dhamma” is a magical phrase that comes with suspicion. There are people watching out for your faults such as “You have practiced Dhamma, then why aren’t you being like that? Why are you still doing this?”. You should tell them “I practice Dhamma to become a better human being because I am not perfect right now. If I am all good for everything, then I don’t have to practice Dhamma. So, if there’s anything I don’t do well or doesn’t meet your expectations, please know that I’m practicing.”.
One thing we can obviously see is, when practicing Dhamma, our old friends often disappear. Because their minds begin to distinguish the difference and it makes them feel uncomfortable and not compatible. It is normal for anyone to feel that way and it takes time for adaptation to each other. Do not cut yourself off from your friends. You should keep your friendship so that they can have you as a good friend. You may show the difference step by step, but do not blame their way of life as bad, it is only not suitable for yourself. Anything that you and your friends can do together, just go on doing. If you practice Dhamma and then all your friends are gone, it shows that you have not yet understood the path of Dhamma.
The path of Dhamma is the path of the torchbearers in the dark, not carrying torches to shine the light among themselves in the bright place.
Get along and embed them with your understanding to them and to yourself.
When practicing Dhamma, finally, the moral spectrum will attract us to want to be together. This is because it is the feeling of being surrounded by pure love, with the current of the Buddha emitting at the beginning of the journey, making us feel safe and warm. We speak the same language, and have the same master. However, while you are among good friends in the same Dhamma approach, do not expect too much. Remember that everyone who comes to practice meditation inevitably have impurities along with themselves. There will always be some things that you dislike or may not be right. A good friend is to admonish each other. Speak the truth in order to correct, not to condemn. If someone does something bad and you condemn them, it means you are worse than them. This is because it shows that you are not a good friend and you do not accept other people’s shortcomings and cannot forgive others.
We practice Dhamma for living, not for escaping from the truth.
– Master Acharavadee Wongsakon
Source: Selected from Master’s teachings entitled “In the Circle of Love” May 1, 2022
Translated by Mathuros Saengvijit
