Let the Dharma Resonate: Be Decisive!

Let the Dharma resonate fully by accumulating merit. This is the best method, Rinpoche advises. But we do this without lots of expectations and thoughts that there is some sort of magical Pandora's box that will transform us. That is not how it works. The journey of the path needs to bring changes.

Buddhist Philosophy

Let the Dharma resonate fully. What does this mean? In this audio teaching from 2016, Phakchok Rinpoche explains what it means to let the Dharma resonate. The word “resonate” contains so many different meanings. It can mean to produce a deep, rich sound that reverberates. It can also mean to bring forth memories, feelings, and emotions. Resonate also has the sense of bringing agreement and of being accepted.

In order to let the Dharma resonate, we first receive teachings. We listen attentively, contemplate, and practice the teachings we are given. Letting the Dharma resonate means allowing the teachings to do their work and to make changes. If we do that, we are really doing the right practice.

Rinpoche observes that it is essential for us to put the instructions into practice so that we can experience the changes. That way we don’t wake up in a few years and think that nothing has changed and that there has been no benefit. We implement the instructions we receive rather than remaining passive.

Accumulating Merit

Let the Dharma resonate fully by accumulating merit. This is the best method, Rinpoche advises. But we do this without lots of expectations and thoughts that there is some sort of magical Pandora’s box that will transform us. That is not how it works. The journey of the path needs to bring changes. For example, going to Drubchens (Great Accumulations) brings changes.

When we begin such practices, we often don’t understand why or how, but something is happening within us. That is called blessings. Rinpoche says that we cannot have a spiritual practice without blessings and spirit! That is why a good teacher is important. When we have a good teacher we learn more than words and meaning. In addition, we can observe how the person behaves and practices.

Trust

We gradually develop trust in the teacher, in ourselves, and, most importantly in Buddha-nature. If we allow that spirit to resonate, then we don’t have a lot of doubts. Questions are endless. But it helps to consider why we are asking the questions. Why don’t we trust? We need to develop the strength of determination based on trust.

Rinpoche suggests we decide to do something first, then supplicate, and in that way, the trust will start blooming! Trust will bloom if we are decisive. It will become a habit, and we will automatically develop more spirit, more life. We will bloom like a flower! Make the decision to supplicate regardless of what happens. Don’t worry about whether we feel up or down, happy or sad. Instead, follow if we supplicate despite our emotions, we will see results.

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About the Author

Phakchok Rinpoche

Phakchok Rinpoche was born in 1981 to Kyapjé Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche and Sangyum Dechen Paldrön, within the family lineage of the great treasure revealer (terchen) Chokgyur Dechen Zhikpo Lingpa. Rinpoche was recognized as the reincarnation of the 6th Kyapgön Phakchok Rinpoche, one of the three throne holders (kyapgöns) of the Taklung Kagyü seat (densa) at Marthang Kham Riwoche monastery. Among Rinpoche’s previous incarnations, the 4th Kyapgön Phakchok Rinpoche was a devoted disciple and patron of Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa. During that period, it was the unwavering support of the upholders of Riwoche Monastery that created the auspicious circumstances for Chokgyur Lingpa’s awakened activity to spread and flourish. Under the guidance of his root gurus—Kyapjé Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Kyapjé Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Kyapchok Soktse Rinpoche—Phakchok Rinpoche has received and practiced the profound Dharma teachings handed down in an unbroken lineage from Mahaguru Padmasambhava. Inspired by the life and legacy of Guru Padmasambhava, Terchen Chokgyur Lingpa and the upholders of Riwoche Monastery, Rinpoche has devoted his own life to spreading the teachings of Guru Rinpoche, particularly the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa (Chokling Tersar). Mahaguru Padmasambhava is renowned for his role in guiding the establishment of Samye Monastery, thereby creating the auspicious causes and conditions (tendrel) for more than a thousand years of authentic practice to unfold in the land of Tibet in an incredible lineage of accomplishment that continues to this present day. Reflecting upon these auspicious beginnings, Phakchok Rinpoche has given his organization the same name, Samye, which means inconceivable. Just as this ancient Tibetan institution lived up to its name, becoming a truly inconceivable source of the Buddhadharma, Rinpoche’s aspiration is for today’s Samye mandala to do likewise and become an inconceivable beacon of wisdom, compassion and dignity for our present world and into the future. In honor of Mahaguru Padmasambhava, Rinpoche has chosen a seal to represent Samye that traces back to Guru Rinpoche himself. This esteemed emblem was originally revealed by the Mahaguru and given to Dharma King Trisong Detsen’s royal heir, Lhasé Murup Tsenpo. Murup Tsenpo subsequently concealed it as a treasure (terma) for the benefit of future generations. Much later, in 18th century Tibet, it was discovered as a treasure by Lhasé Murup Tsenpo’s reincarnation, Terchen Chokgyur Dechen Zhikpo Lingpa. Today, it serves as the emblem for the Profound Treasures of Chokgyur Lingpa and for all Dharma activities led by Phakchok Rinpoche and his sangha.

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Samye is a place where students from all corners of the globe explore how to work with their minds in order to lead meaningful lives. Drawing from authentic Buddhist wisdom traditions, our online platform offers live teachings, structured courses, interactive forums, and community for the digital Dharma sangha. Samye Institute aims to be to the digital world what Nalanda was to India and what Samye was to Tibet.

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Let the Dharma Resonate: Be Decisive!

Accumulating Merit