The Ultimate

Right View, essential to this process, delivers the mental clarity we need to understand the laws of karma: that skilful acts lead to wholesome results and unskillful acts to harm. Secondly, we perceive the impermanence, suffering, and impersonal nature of all conditioned existence. Once we recognize our ability to affect our karma, our insight into these truths moves us to live accordingly: we take care to avoid causing harm in any way.

By abandoning all that betrays what we hold dear, the sārāṇīya dhammā, begin to bear fruit. But that may require us to make changes in our life. Most of us have little time or interest in investigating our experience. Mesmerized by sense-pleasures and anxious about our commitments, we are perpetually busy chasing after the latest gadget or fun-packed event, a promotion at work or a more satisfying relationship. So how will we gain that clarity and perspective?

Take time to stop and inquire, “What’s troubling me?” Do you feel angry, broken, or distressed? The world is rife with these afflictions, but all our insurance policies and wealth, our comfortable homes, or rewarding jobs offer only passing relief – not the ultimate refuge that comes from knowing the nature of our stress and how to free ourselves from it.

This reflection by Ayyā Medhānandī Bhikkhunī is from the book, Gone Forth, Going Beyond, (pdf) p. 4.