Starting Spiritual Practice
Why should I not demand that I overcome avoidance in a single attempt?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Facing something we do not want to face requires practice. Between knowing we should change and actually responding differently when a situation arises, there is still a learning process. One unsuccessful attempt does not mean you can never change.
Miao Yuan discussed how life’s lessons may still bring setbacks after one or two attempts. We can change perspective and notice how many times we have already tried, giving ourselves more opportunities instead of staying with ‘Why did I fail again?’ This encourages continued practice. It does not promise success on a particular attempt.
When you encounter something you cannot yet do, make an effort to learn and experience it. I also agree that we can ask Buddhas and Bodhisattvas for wisdom and support. But the practice of facing situations remains ours to undertake. Willingness to try again and learn gives us options beyond simply escaping whenever difficulty arises.