Before correcting someone . . . (Click image for video)

Studying Buddhism without practicing 

is like studying how to play the piano, 

and never touching the keyboard. 

Theory is one thing, application another. Application invariably benefits significantly from study. But study devoid of application usually results in merely obtaining technical knowledge. Not in accomplishment. A student who fails to apply what he learns is merely repeating the words of others. Without putting words into action, there is simply no “music.”

Even worse, without practice, we will miss the whole point of the learning—to master the skill, or at least attain some degree of proficiency in it.

Studying Buddhism works the same way. By failing to apply the teachings on meditation, we remain distracted and unfocused in our thinking.

Failing to apply the principles behind cultivation, we remain stuck in our bad habits and self-absorption.

Like the person who never touches the keyboard, we too will miss any wonderful outcome. In our case, the unsurpassed joy of awakening.

Don’t get lost in regrets for not having done something . . . (Click image for video)

Forget about jealousy. 

Instead, rejoice at other’s meritorious deeds. 

One of Samantabhadra’s ten great vows is to rejoice at others’ meritorious deeds. While these vows are a high-level practice undertaken by bodhisattvas, we can still begin to incorporate them into our practice.

This vow of being happy at others’ good actions helps us counter jealousy. Upon seeing others accomplishing something we dream about, we often succumb to jealousy.

We mutter to ourselves “Why them?” Because they have planted the right seeds and the right conditions have matured.

“Why not me?” Because either we didn’t plant the seeds, or our conditions haven’t matured yet.

“Okay. But do I have to feel happy for them?”

Yes, because they did something good. (That’s the “meritorious” bit.) Accomplishing something good is rarely easy. The right seeds and conditions need to mature—at the same time. So let’s get over our lethargy and our pouting. Celebrate those who manage to shine for they deserve our heartfelt delight and applause.