Life as a Tantrik vs Renunciation
Tantriks,
beware of ideas of renunciation because they will create unnecessary
confusion. People absorb these influences often without realizing it,
thus getting confused about the fact that tantrik way and view is the
exact opposite to renouncing whatever things in life that monastics
and recluses see as problematic or as distraction to attaining
whatever it is they seek to attain. Tantrics don't turn away from
anything. We don't run away from conflicts nor from enjoyments but
meet them. All the things in lay lifestyle are perfectly OK and not
obstacles to realizing buddhanature. After that is clear, you go
about living your life.
However to be honest I have not found
a perfectly happy and meaningful life myself. Sure, I teach the
dharma for living, have a wonderful relationship and so on but at the
same time I am isolated from my students, am quite lonely and not
happy with the way things are in my sangha, which I've often
discussed. I have much to be grateful for but also fundamental
problems. Like everyone else I also try to better my life but because
everything is not up to me and my efforts, and involve and are
affected by a number of other factors, people and even the
surrounding tantric culture; I feel that too often I am forced to
accept compromise that obviously I am not perfectly happy about. The
buddhanature of mine might be blooming like Himalayan flower valley
but I've had to accept that whatever plans, hopes, dreams and
intentions I've had, and the immense effort I've put into my work, is
met with a cold shower by the samsaric world and its countless karmic
factors right at my door step. That's just the way it is. So, long
story short, this has definitely changed the way I look at the world,
people, my students, my work and my future. Myself no longer being
young like you, I've had to change my plans that hopefully will solve
the problems and make my life more fulfilling.
It is a
tremendous question: How do I lead a meaningful and happy life while
trying to benefit others?
All I can tell you is to jump into
it and see for yourself.
Kim Rinpoche, 30.6.2022
