An admonition is one thing.

An aspiration, quite different. 

Fully aware of our weaknesses, bad habits, and unfavorable conditions, the Buddha enumerated many sets of teaching guidelines. The most fundamental is do nothing evil, do good, and purify the mind.

The Buddha elaborated on these three qualities in the ten virtuous karmas of no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, enticing speech, greed, anger, or ignorance. We want to cease committing harmful actions. With greater understanding and appreciation of the guidelines, we will be able to apply them more thoroughly, broadly, and, thus, more effectively. But we can do even more.

How? By viewing each one not as a prohibition but as an aspiration—as personal resolutions—to refrain from unvirtuous thoughts and behavior in order to benefit all involved.

By beginning each of the ten virtuous karmas with “I resolve not to,” we will gradually reach the level at which we benefit all beings. 

Don’t agitate the water . . . (Click image for video)

How to know if your practice is bearing results? 

Here’s an example.

Writing an email, I noticed that my name had been changed. I didn’t want my name changed, thank you. So I located a place to re-enter it. After a glance at the message that read something like “Seriously?” I blithely clicked “Yes.” A few seconds later, something told me to hit “Cancel!” After I did that, I started work on a file stored on my desktop.

But it was gone.

What happened?

Then reality dawned. I quickly checked my other files. Gone! I looked in Finder. Here too, everything was gone.

Okay, this is when you determine whether your practice is bearing fruit. I didn’t panic. I was, however, extraordinarily focused. I wondered what on earth I had been thinking when I clicked “Yes.” Then I examined my options in order not to similarly zap my other computer, chose one, murmured “Amituofo,” and hit “Okay”. Slowly my folders repopulated my laptop. This is how you too can see if your practice is bearing fruit.

But only if you have a strong heart. And the “cloud.”