Always Some Possibility

If at any time one can’t cultivate goodness through introspective sitting, this doesn’t mean that there’s no hope; it means that you should practise other skilful kamma. So there’s always some possibility.

There is always some act of generosity that you can do, some act of calming, some act of service; and the result of that will be that it will increase the sense of confidence and trust in oneself. Knowing that there is something one can do for others’ well-being diminishes the sense of isolation and self-importance; it tends to open rather than constrict the mind’s perspectives.

Understanding this truth of kamma can give rise to a strong sense of saddhā or confidence. This faith is paramount because then such issues as ‘how long’ or ‘when will I get enlightened?’ are swept away: you know there is only one thing you can do — which is to continue to cultivate.

It doesn’t matter if it’s going to take you one year, ten years, a life-time, ten life-times. Such ideas aren’t anything you can use skilfully; they’re purely indirect notions. They do not in themselves foster good states; they tend to foster either arrogance, or impatience, or doubt, or worry.

This reflection by Ajahn Sucitto is from the book Kalyana, (pdf) p. 23.