When we deny others the Benefit-of-the-Doubt, the pain we cause them pales before the damage we do to ourselves.
Why is that?
Why is giving the benefit of the doubt important to our spiritual growth?
Why is it mentioned, or at least inferred, by almost every spiritual path?
Of course we are familiar with our conventional manifestations of flesh, blood and bone as well as sorrow, fear, anger and pride; but what about our ultimate natures of Love, Devotion, Peace, Happiness and Bliss?
Tuning in to our ultimate nature: tuning in to our Buddha nature; isn’t that really what the spiritual path is all about?
I have never had a new car. But I enjoy the expectation of receiving one, in the most wonderful way… it’s fun.
I desire a Toyota, Camry, Hybred. And here is the really cool thing… the more I desire that make and model, the more I tend to notice them as I ride the bus around town.
And isn’t that also true with our spiritual journey?
The more we choose Contrived: love, peace and happiness; the more we experience Spontaneous: love, peace and happiness!
And likewise, the more we experience our Own spontaneous: love, peace and happiness the more we tend to notice Others’ spontaneous: love, peace and happiness as well!
Spontaneously giving others the benefit of the doubt is a wonderful spiritual barometer.
Do you have a spiritual teacher?
Have they given you specific, {idiot-proof} instructions?
Have you consistently put those instructions into practice?
How are those practices working out for you?
How can you know?
Simply check your barometer!
How frequently do you spontaneously give others the benefit of the doubt?
Om Mani Padme Hum,
Lama Jigme Gyatso: Rime Manipa Tantrika
P.S.
Whether you invoke: Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin, Quan Yin,
Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig or the Great Compassionate One using the Six syllable mantra pronounced as “ Om Mani Padme Hum “ or “ Om Mani Peme Hung “ ; the Buddha of Compassion is always there for you.
P.P.S.
If your need is real and your desire is earnest you may write me at to arrange a private, Over-the-Telephone:
Teachings, Counseling’s or Healing Treatments.
Today I was asked:
“how do you feel about the Chinese government telling
Buddhist monks that they need government approval
to reincarnate”
Dear JAZ,
At the risk of sounding smarmy, my intention is just to relax, and let such foolishness wash over me, like the beautiful rocks at San Diego’s “Sunset Cliffs.” This body and it’s emotions are ever changing. One time this story is brought to my attention I might feel amused, another time it is brought to my attention I might feel pity, yet another time it is brought to my attention I might feel cynical. Understanding Why I feel, does not interest me even half as much as playing with What I feel in the moment. May I elaborate?
Many years ago I used to think that it was my duty as a Buddhist was to never feel an unpleasant emotion and to walk about in perpetual rapture. My kind teachers explained how that was the equivalent of an emotion lobotomy… and no one wants that! They further explained that the Buddhist quest is not to try to feel some things or try not to feel other things but rather be aware of what one feels in the moment, explore the non-graspable nature of that emotion, and use that realization to lovingly bless all others to accomplish that same freedom.
Instead of being constricting and controlling the energies of Awareness, Insight and Love are vast and expansive, embracing all circumstance, emotions and individuals.
I have found there is a great similarity between my emotions, government policies and the weather here in San Diego… if you don’t like it just wait fifteen minuets, it’ll change!
