Q & A
Question 1
Q: How could one composedly confront problems instead of dodging it?
A: Buddhism indicates to us the authentic elements of life: law of causality, emptiness, along with the Buddha nature within. As we thoroughly ruminating these precious words above, we shall be able to discard previous delusions and to confront adversity with correct perspectives, so as to carry out our life with such adjustments. Thus, we shall conquer all sorts of trials. Eventually, we shall find ourselves smoothly overcome those obstructions. In a word, correct perceptions are integral to a stable and secure life.
How do we define "problems"?
We tend to be dismayed by numerous pessimistic emotions: distress, despairs, or depression, etc. Such passive emotional status are natural, yet could be detrimental to our inner strength, failing to battle through our problems, further offset our willpower. The points here are: Use our innate wisdom and to combat with dignity and decency, summon up the deep blissful confidence and joyful inspiration within us.
Life can be an arduous tournament. We are hindered inevitably by dozens of dilemmas or obstacles en route. Yet, it is these obstacles that prompt us leap to higher and further beyond our limits. Throughout each attempt of adjustment, we will eventually acquire perpetual wisdom, confidence, perseverance, and more importantly, inner strength. Surely not every experience comes to a happy end: however, not everyone should be weighed on the notion for not achieving identical goal.
Some pass over the obstacles, others simply choose to flee. Problems will always exist, agonizing us constantly in every form of implication.
To sum up, we must realize that "problems" are merely an external status, which does not necessarily conflict our intellectual mind. The sixth patriarch of Chan Buddhism Hui-Neng had a verse saying, “Wisdom is no tree. Nor standing mirror bright. There is nothing to begin with. Where can the dust alight?” Referring to this superb saying above, we may find that the most prominent problem stems from low self-understanding, while having excessive imaginations toward unpredictable future. In one word, we are the ones who halt ourselves from moving on.
To respond to your query, how may one composedly confront problems? May we encourage you to begin with both learning your true self and to establish correct perspectives. Please regard each problem an opportunity towards inner growth. Doing the dodge never truly relieves a problem, but positive thinking and attitude do. We genuinely wish you successfully discover your enormous potentials inwards, perhaps, you may just be pleasantly surprised to find yourself much more capable than you imagined.