Teacher David Roylance,
I’ve been changing for the worse. I used to be a nicer person but people around me stole from me, tried to kill me, manipulated me even though all I did was help.
How can I keep being realistic about people without changing into a worse person?
Teacher David:
Hello Gabriel…sure, I will help you.
This is all unfortunate.
> I’ve been changing for the worse. I used to be a nicer person but people around me stole from me, tried to kill me, manipulated me even though all I did was help.
There are certain decisions you are making that have led to these situations occurring in your life.
In terms of “changing to worse”, I do not suspect that you are actively learning these Teachings, reflecting on them (i.e. independently verifying), nor practicing them. Due to that, there is a lack of wisdom, moral conduct, and mental discipline that is leading to unwise decision making that produces unwholesome results (i.e. unwholesome Kamma). You are describing some of that unwholesome Kamma in this post, and I am sure there are other things that are occurring in your life as well.
It's no fun to be unEnlightened….
As long as the mind is unawakened (i.e. lacking wisdom) to The Natural Laws of Existence, an individual will struggle and have difficulties in the world. It is not until they cultivate wisdom, through training of the mind, that one will experience peace and joy.
When you lack the wisdom of The Natural Laws of Existence, you will struggle and have difficulties. It is extremely difficult to live in a world that you do not understand, thus, you are not making decisions based on the natural laws.
> How can I keep being realistic about people without changing into a worse person?
You need to train the mind using The Eight Fold Path.
I recommend, as I have done in the past, that you deeply learn, reflect on (i.e. independently verify), and practice The Teachings of The Buddha through the learning opportunities and resources that I share.
Without determined, dedicated, and diligent development on The Path to Enlightenment, you and anyone else will continue to struggle and have difficulties in the world.
It is only when the mind is awakened to Enlightenment that one’s life will be completely at ease.
As The Buddha shares…..
Meditate, Monks, do not be complacent, lest you regret it later. This is my instruction to you.
(Gotama Buddha)
(Reference: SN 43.1)
—————
…..you will regret having not learned and practiced The Teachings of The Buddha as the mind will continue to experience constant discontentedness, broken relationships, and countless struggles in the world.
Because the mind is living in a world that it does not understand…the mind is lacking wisdom of The Natural Laws of Existence, therefore, it will experience countless struggles.
You can change all of this through learning, reflecting on (i.e. independently verifying), and practicing The Teachings of The Buddha using the resources that are shared with you….they are all available at no cost.
I suggest you do the following….
1.) Acquire Book: You are welcome to download or acquire a printed book of "Developing a Life Practice: The Path That Leads to Enlightenment" (Volume 1) to start learning and practicing The Teachings of The Buddha. You can access these options using this link.
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/freebuddhabooks
2.) Online Community: You can make posts into the Facebook group “Daily Wisdom - Walking The Path with The Buddha” to seek guidance on The Teachings of The Buddha where I will help you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DailyWisdom999/
3.) Seeking Guidance: To seek guidance you can post questions into the Facebook group, ask questions during our online/in-person classes, send a private message, and/or schedule personal discussions using this link.
Schedule a Personal Guidance Session
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/teachers-buddhist-meditation-in-chi
(These sessions are offered openly and freely to all.)
4.) Online Resources: You are invited to use the resources at the end of each chapter to deepen your learning. There are web links to access the audiobook, videos, podcasts, quizzes, etc. at the end of each chapter to help deepen your learning and practice of these Teachings.
Through learning and practicing The Teachings of The Buddha while seeking guidance for clarification, the mind will gradually start to understand The Teachings and awaken to the wisdom of The Path towards the attainment of Enlightenment.
As you start learning, the book and resources will not only guide you in learning The Teachings of The Buddha but also in developing a meditation practice which is part of The Path to Enlightenment and will provide much needed benefit to progress forward.
5.) Online Classes: If you are able to join the live classes on Sunday and Wednesday @ 9:00AM or 9:00PM (Thailand Time) you can….and those are also recorded in FB, YouTube, and on the Podcast so that if you cannot attend live, you can learn at your own pace. You can gain access to the “Group Learning Program” using this link.
Group Learning Program
http://bit.ly/GroupLearningProgram
6.) In-Person Classes: You are welcome to join the classes, courses, and retreats hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand and other locations around the world. You will find the details on these learning opportunities using this link. These same classes are also available online as you can participate using Zoom and/or live stream.
Classes, Courses, and Retreats
https://www.buddhadailywisdom.com/courses-retreats-in-chiang-mai-thai
As you have questions, I am here to help…supporting you through providing guidance as you choose to seek guidance.
Keep in mind, this is an independent journey with your Teacher being available as you seek guidance for understanding and clarification. It is through your own determination, dedication, and diligence that you will be able to make progress on The Path to Enlightenment through applying effort to grow and evolve in your own personal development and growth.
In order for a Practitioner to progress to Enlightenment, they will need to do the work to investigate The Teachings of The Buddha with determination, dedication, and diligence and do the work to train their own mind.
I am here to help you as you decide to progress along The Path to Enlightenment but, you will need to provide the determination, dedication, and diligence.
Use these resources to learn and progress in "Developing Your Life Practice" and seek guidance as you need help to understand and practice more deeply.
To Progress Forward:
- Establish contact with a Teacher - (You are doing this now…)
- Gain access to the needed resources - (You are doing this now…)
- Read about 10-20 minutes per day
- Meditate each day
- Attend classes/courses/retreats
- Seek guidance through asking questions
- Apply The Teachings of The Buddha into your daily life