Q & A with Robina

QUESTION

Namaste, Venerable Robina. 

I’m writing you about a thing that has been in my mind since I attended the Kopan November course in which I met the teachings for the first time, but of which I became conscious not long ago. 

Since then, I understood that the only way to make the best out of this perfect human rebirth is by practicing the Dharma. Nevertheless, since I came back home, I started little by little involving in regular mundane activities. Nothing crazy, I just live a regular guy’s life: I have a job, I study, I have a partner, I go out for dinner, etc. 

The point is that I have the idea that I “should” become a monk, or I “should” create the right conditions to dedicate my life to fully practicing the Dharma, that if I don’t do that I’m “wasting” a precious opportunity. This idea not only prevents me from enjoying whatever I am doing, because I should be doing something else, but it also prevents me from fully engaging in the worldly things I do. 

Am I idealizing the monastic life? The trouble is, I wouldn’t even know where to start or what steps to take. Right now it is really more like a fantasy in my mind than a concrete idea. 

I don’t really have a concrete question to ask. I wanted to share this with you because you are my reference when it comes to the Dharma, and you obviously have got much more experience than I, and I know any thoughts of yours on this topic will bring me clarity. 

Thank you very much for your valuable teachings and for guiding us on the path. You are in my heart.

Much love, 

O

ANSWER

Dearest O,

If it’s the right thing for you to do, then when the time is right, you will become a monk.

Don’t idealize it, as you are suggesting. So relax about it. Keep it as an aspiration: “If it is most beneficial, may I become a monk.” That aspiration every day will allow to unfold whatever is most beneficial.

This is not just wishful thinking: every thought counts. So aspiring consciously, sincerely, to always do what is most beneficial creates the cause for you to do exactly that when the time is right. Try to trust the logic of this.

What do you think?

Much love,

Robina

QUESTION

Thank you very much for your answer, Venerable Robina. I admire your ability to narrow things down into simple words.

I just think, as the scriptures say: if it’s true that this human life is really difficult to find again, that it could end at any moment, and that the only thing I’ll take with me when I die is my Dharma practice...

Aren’t those three facts enough for becoming a monk to be the only reasonable way of living one’s life? I feel really puzzled by that thought.

Am I missing or misunderstanding something?

O

ANSWER

You’re not wrong, O. But if you don’t have the merit — meaning, all the appropriate internal and external conditions in place — then you won’t be able to do it.

If you do have the conditions together, it’ll happen easily!

So aspire to do what is most beneficial. As I said, this is part of the process of creating the right conditions.

And the other, crucial, thing is this. No matter what you do, what lifestyle you choose, the motivation that underlies it makes all the difference.

So whether it’s sleeping, eating, going to the toilet, enjoying your partner’s company, add bodhichitta into the mix. Remember: “Why am I eating, sleeping, working? So that I can continue to develop my potential and be of benefit to the world.” 

What else?

Then those very actions become causes for your future happiness, ultimate and conventional.

Robina xxx

QUESTION

Thank you very much, Venerable Robina.

Your guidance is utterly helpful.

Much love,

O