Words of My Perfect Teacher

Some people asked what's my priority in life. I guess there's no such one things as a permanent, absolute priority. For example, if you say health is your priority, then what becomes of family, work and others? Everyone says, you need work-life balance, I really think that's passe. Why? Why do you allow others to formulate an equation of variables to define your life - and how to measure if it's balanced or not?

I'm for the notion to life-integration - not work-life balance. There is no such thing as work-life balance, on a superficial level, I would tell people, "Yes, I have work-life balance." That's because I don't know how to define work anymore, if you are in a job, career or work that is what you believe in and pursue it so whole-heartedly, then, would it be work?

Isn't that part of you? Doesn't that become you? Then, are you still working? So, it goes back down to your motivation behind things you do; are you working for money? If you are, then it's work. If not, if you are 'working' for other reasons, then, you may not be working afterall. It becomes your lifestyle.

It took me 2 decades to understand this, this one simple rule that perhaps many have discovered, there is no perfect job or work. There is only your motivation behind everything you do, include the pursuit, investigation and development of spiritual understanding. I realise that only when I understand my motivation behind things I do, I truly understand the value of my pursuit, learning and development.

So, below is an excerpt from Words of My Perfect Teacher by Patrul Rinpoche.

I. THE PROPER WAY TO LISTEN TO SPIRITUAL TEACHING

The proper way to listen to the teachings has two aspects: the right attitude and the right conduct.

1. Attitude

The right attitude combines the vast attitude of the bodhicitta, the mind of enlightenment, and the vast skill in means of the Secret Mantrayana... But even more important is the motivation with which you listen to it. What makes an action good Or bad? Not how it looks, nor whether it is big or small,But the good or evil motivation behind it. No matter how many teachings you have heard, to be motivated by ordinary concerns—such as a desire for greatness, fame or whatever—is not the way of the true Dharma. So, first of all, it is most important to turn inwards and change your motivation. If you can correct your attitude, skilful means will permeate your positive actions, and you will have set out on the path of great beings.

#livelife #spirituality #inspiration