10/24/2024
"The mind does not end when we die. It will always be there. It has no beginning and no end. The point here is to see that, at the end of this life, the mind and physical aggregates separate. We always thought during our life that this coalition of mind and body are one and indivisible; that this is me, this is who I am. We have this very strong grasping towards this coalition. However, when we die, they separate. The mind goes its own way and the body just stays there and goes to waste. The problem is, what goes on is only our mind, which is the basis for carrying all the imprints and tendencies accumulated throughout our life. This is what goes on to the future life. So what really matters is, whether you've developed a kind mind or a negative mind.
This is a job, something one has to do oneself. One does not transform their mind into a kind mind simply by praying for it or surrendering to some divine intervention, thinking "Oh please make me kind, please may I become a very kind person". This doesn’t work. Remember, the foundation of a kind mind and a healthy way of life is wisdom, wisdom understanding the reality of things, how they exist and how they function. We can begin with a superficial understanding and gradually grow a more profound wisdom, ultimately reaching the greatest wisdom, which understands the true nature of existence. With this understanding, we will recognize how we depend on others. Based on this awareness, our love and compassion will grow naturally and firmly.
When we talk about the most precious mind of enlightenment or bodhicitta, it is based on understanding how we depend on others and the interaction between us. For example, even our food comes from many different sentient beings, highlighting our dependence on them. By cultivating this understanding, we can grow the mind of bodhicitta bigger and bigger. Recognizing the preciousness of all sentient beings allows us to develop true kindness. If we only think of ourselves, we become easily angered and our activities will be fraught with problems and obstacles. Even if we achieve external success, we will not be happy internally. We may look like a successful businessmen with lots of money but inside we will feel dissatisfied and unhappy, as if we are inside a prison. There is no real success to be achieved with this attitude of only thinking about oneself.
On the other hand, someone who thinks only of others and tries to benefit them as much as possible, can achieve true success. If they become successful externally, that becomes a good thing. They can reinvest their success for the benefit of others, creating a virtuous cycle of increasing benefits. If we practice like this, when death arrives, there will be no regrets and we will only be satisfied and happy with the positive way of life we lived. We can think, "I have accumulated many positive tendencies and seeds that will ripen in the future. I can achieve a precious human rebirth that will allow me to continue progressing on the path toward liberation and enlightenment".
Cultivating a kind mind is the best and most important thing we can ever do. It is the most precious endeavor we can dedicate ourselves to. It will always benefit both ourselves and others, it will benefit all sentient beings that come in contact with us at all times, no matter how near or far away they are. By putting effort into developing a kind mind and placing our hopes and trust in this practice, we will see results both in the short term and in the long term." - Khandro Kunga Bhuma Rinpoche
