Likewise, when dealing with our flaws, we should be kind and humorous. In this way, we will also be kind and humorous towards others’ flaws. If we are too harsh on ourselves, we will also be harsh and narrow-minded towards others.
We shouldn’t indulge in our flaws and negative thoughts, but we should treat them with kindness and humor. It’s like treating a cute puppy – seeing it can instantly brighten our mood and trigger our compassion. Similarly, when dealing with our flaws in this way, we will become forgiving, kind, and humorous immediately. When you meditate, then, invite yourself to feel the dignity and strong humility of the Buddha that you are. The so-called dignity is to imitate the Buddha, and the humility is the Buddha’s equal great love. We will feel it. Of course, a method is only a method, not the meditation itself. As you continue to practice a method, then meditation slowly arises. Meditation is not something that you can “do” or contrive, but is integrated naturally. It is something that has to happen spontaneously, only when the practice has been perfected. Therefore, when you meditate, don’t be attached to when you will enter meditation, as it happens naturally. It’s like a seed planted in the soil, slowly it will grow and sprout. As it is said, “Meditation is not striving, but naturally becoming assimilated into it.” Just use the right method. When a meditative experience arises, don’t be too excited or attached to it, because as long as you use the right method, feelings and signs will naturally arise. When feelings and signs arise, ordinary beings often forget the method and become attached to these states. The curiosity, fear, or attachment to these experiences are all wrong. We shouldn’t forget the method of meditation, but should always use the right method. In this way, meditation will naturally arise. However, for meditation to happen, calm and auspicious conditions have to be created. Nowadays, beginners may not have the opportunity to live in the mountains, and the mountains are not quiet either. The most calm and auspicious environment is actually in our urban meditation centers. A pure monastic community is essential. We often say that we need to rely on the community. If you meditate at home, you won’t be able to concentrate when you see your beloved family members. When you see your grandchildren, husband, and children, how can you meditate? You cannot calm down. Once we have found a stability in our meditation, noises and disturbances of every kind will have far less impact. Through long-term practice, disturbances will have less impact. The masters say: “If you create an auspicious condition in your body and your environment, then meditation and realization will automatically arise.”