QUESTION
Dear Venerable Robina Courtin,
I deeply appreciate your direct and pragmatic way of teaching. That is precisely why I chose to write to you, even though some might think you are not the person to contact for this kind of question. But for me, it might actually be relevant.
Several years ago, without any knowledge of Buddhist teachings or even the Dharma, I had intense experiences that have had consequences over the past several years and continue to this day.
The problem is that whenever I try to discuss this with teachers, they listen, but I am not taken seriously. Yet, I am extremely serious.
I need help and guidance. I chose to write to you because I have great respect for your straightforward and rigorous approach. Perhaps this request is unusual, but I wanted to try.
I sincerely thank you in advance for the attention you will give to this message and assure you once again of my seriousness and rigor regarding subjects I consider to be of great substance.
I remain, of course, available for any further information you may request in order to potentially receive guidance.
Respectful greetings,
E
ANSWER
Dear E,
Happy to hear from you. I understand what you’re telling me.
So, how may I help?
All the best,
Robina
QUESTION
Dear Robina,
Thank you for your response, I sincerely appreciate it.
I am seeking to understand and accurately situate my experience, and I am looking for guidance accordingly. After many years of trying to make sense of it on my own, I have partially found some keys in the teachings and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. However, my discernment alone is no longer enough, and I need the insight of a qualified master.
If you have any advice or direction to offer, I am ready to go wherever necessary and to devote the time and energy required.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I am happy to provide any further details if needed.
Best regards,
E
ANSWER
Dear E,
Yes, it is important you find yourself a teacher.
The Buddhist approach is that our consciousness goes back and back into countless past lives; and, crucially is driven by the natural law of karma such that every millisecond of what we think and do and say is stored in our mind.
It goes without saying that if in this life we have an attraction to a spiritual path, or indeed have spiritual experiences, it’s because we’ve practiced before.
But this goes also for negativity or any other inclination or tendency: why a child can play music effortlessly, or show negative tendencies, is simply because they have a strong tendency from the past.
If we have various spiritual experiences but can’t explain them, then it’s because we’ve haven’t perfected them yet. They seem to come out of nowhere. So, just like the child who can play the music, we need to go back to the beginning and learn the system, the theories, the entire path, and then practice and practice until eventually we do perfect it.
Then it will be effortless and we won’t lose it.
The long-term goal of Mahayana Buddhism is buddhahood: our consciousness, our mind, would be utterly free of all limitation and ego and utterly full of all goodness and wisdom.
This buddhahood, this enlightenment, has three essential qualities: omniscience, such that the mind, which pervades the universe, cognizes that which exists, including the minds of all beings; infinite compassion for all beings and the wish to benefit them; and the infinite power to manifest in countless bodies throughout countless universes for countless eons for the sake of countless sentient beings.
In Tibetan Buddhism the lineages are all alive; there are living masters.
Yes, it’s important you find your path, and then to practice it to perfection. Then it will no longer be a puzzle.
All the best,
Robina
QUESTION
Dear Robina,
Thank you for your thoughtful response—it truly warms my heart to read your words.
Before this experience, I had no interest in or knowledge of spirituality. It took me completely by surprise, and at first, my only concern was trying to understand what had happened to me. At that time, I knew nothing about Buddhism, and I was completely unaware that a structured spiritual discipline existed or that one could seek out a teacher. I was entirely unfamiliar with these concepts.
I do not think I have any ultimate realizations—far from it. In reality, I do not even fully understand what I have experienced.
I wish to focus exclusively on Tibetan Buddhist traditions for the reasons I have previously mentioned; I also believe that it is essential not to get scattered, but to choose a path and commit to it fully.
I have understood that having an ear for music is perhaps one thing, but now, I must learn music, and I believe I need a teacher.
Best regards,
E
ANSWER
Good to hear your words, E.
I recommend you request a meeting with Khandro Tsering Kunga Bum-ma, who has a place in Kathmandu. She is certainly qualified to guide you in the right direction.
May you, indeed, choose your path and commit to it fully! Success will come, no doubt!
Robina
QUESTION
Dear Robina,
I can never thank you enough for your invaluable help. It is an immense privilege to have access to such guidance, and I fully appreciate the opportunity you have given me.
I am fully aware of the person you are directing me to. I remain speechless and I will follow this path with the utmost seriousness and commitment.
I also hope that one day, in one way or another, I will have the opportunity to meet you in person.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
With all my respect,
E
ANSWER
Good, E.
Keep in your heart, as His Holiness the Dalai Lama advises, the aspiration to “Always do what is most beneficial — and, if possible, long term better than short term.”
Robina