Not for Happiness: A Guide to the So-Called Preliminary Practices

Here, “benefit” includes aspiring to be instrumental in the enlightenment of all sentient beings; without such an aspiration, it is easy for dharma practice to become self-serving.

practice of nonduality.

Difficulties are therefore a sign that your practice is working and should make you happy.

Therefore, when your practice requires you to visualise your guru, imagine him in the sky before you in the form of Guru Rinpoche or Vajradhara.

Practitioners sometimes endure long periods when their practice appears to have no effect on what seem to be particularly stubborn obstacles, and as a result assume their practice is not working. But they are wrong. With hindsight, they come to realise that the “obstacle” they so desperately wanted to eradicate was actually the best thing that ever

By dedicating our merit towards the ultimate happiness and enlightenment of all sentient beings, we not only keep that merit safe, we ensure that it will continue to accumulate—

To sit by running water is said to develop a sense of urgency about practice that encourages renunciation and a revulsion for samsara,

you should be wary and cautious about any feeling that suggests you have a little more compassion than usual, or a little more devotion, or anything else that might cause you to relax your discipline of study and practice.

Therefore do not constantly aim to finish the practice. Instead, try to accept that your spiritual journey will never end. Your