Just Believe!

A young Master Xuanzang set out a long journey from Chang’an, travelling through endless tortuous terrains and came face-to-face with death on numerous accounts. Once, on passing through the desert, he was on the brink of death after prolonged exposure to the scorching sun. The moment right before Master Xuanzang lost consciousness, he still had the inner conviction that he would not die, that he would certainly make it to the Nalanda Buddhist University and complete his pilgrimage. His unwavering faith and perseverance moved Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara whose blessings brought him back to life. 

“Faith” and “conviction” are the hidden powerhouses with which every human is born. According to self-suggestion theories, self-conviction is the most important key in activating and unleashing an ineffable and inexhaustible force within a person. 

As the saying goes, “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” Therefore, the key when undertaking any task is to keep reaffirming deep in your subconscious that "you can do it." A self-assured person will be the first to reach their goal; someone with 100% resolution will certainly complete the home stretch in life’s journey to reach their final destination. 

“Oklahoma” was adapted from a real-life love story in the 40’s about a couple whose tenacity and faith saw them through and earned everyone’s blessings. Even though we should be wary of being undermined by expectations, we should hope to accomplish all our goals much like praying under life’s wish-fulfilling tree. An unmotivated person will dodge and run even when no one is chasing. On the other hand, a confident person is much like the lion king whose roar can bring life to the woods making the vegetation lush and green. So, stop hesitating, believe in yourself, shake off all anxiety and fear, stop procrastinating, lock in the target and take action immediately. Waiting and hesitating are the stumbling blocks to the road of success. These words do not exist in the handbook of a successful person: “take it slow”, “in the future”, “wait and see”, “let me have a think”, or “maybe in the future”. Their vitality stems from their conviction that if they can take immediate action, success will be guaranteed.

form Shang Longrik Gyatso Rinpoche