‘It’s Like This.’

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Difficult external situations are sometimes unavoidable. But the frustration that comes from not wanting to have to be faced with them is always self-created. One of the simplest ways to let go of that frustration is by inwardly reciting the mantra: ‘It’s like this.’ We can remind ourselves that we are practising Dhamma in order to learn the wisest way to deal with what is, not to struggle to make things how we would like them to be. If our practice cannot endure patiently through this degree of obstruction, we may enquire, then what hope is there for progress? If we are practising in order to gain and hold onto some permanent blissful state then surely we are practising for rebirth in heaven, not liberation. Most importantly, we should ask the question: ‘In what way can I look at this difficulty that will allow it to become part of my practice, rather than an enemy towards it?

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"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

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For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.