The following is from a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:
In Tibet I feel the people raised as Buddhist are far more sophisticated then we are. Even ordinary people are raised with compassion and taught the sense of cause and result, the truth of gathering merit, virtue /non-virtue and such.
We in the west have to deal with the concept that our opinions are more relevant, and never have the opportunity of the peace of monastic life and Lama’s guidance and wisdom. Buddhism has to operate with nickel and dime methods. That doesn’t happen when there are generous supporters who give for the merit. In the west we are fairly ignorant and lacking in the faith it takes to perform Guru Yoga, the very heartbeat of Vajrayana successfully. And while we have the freedom to practice, we don’t have the background for wisdom.
Rather than take method seriously, we just doubt and try to make ourselves arrogantly higher than the Lama, and even the Dzogchen Masters. This is a root downfall, and will have a very poor result. The mind and body will suffer in this and future lives. And it will seem as though all is lost, with the reason unknown.
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Thank you, Jetsunma. So true, so pith. Thank you for being here at this time in this land. Speaks to your accomplishment, and kindness, truly.