-“If that method does not seem beneficial, what about khanti (enduring, forbearing, tolerance, patience)? And what about the 7 techniques outlined in the Sabbasava Sutta?” (see above description of 7 techniques) upekkha100
Hi Upekkha,
Just some thoughts,
In general the buddha taught these four ways of practice:
-Painful practice with slow insight,
-painful practice with swift insight,
-pleasant practice with slow insight, and
-pleasant practice with swift insight.
https://suttacentral.net/an4.162/en/sujato
So, i belief that it will be not realistic for certain persons that practicing buddha-dhamma will be easy, pleasant, comfortable for them. It will come with challenges, pains, difficulties, obstacles.
What if these become so overwhelming? Does that mean one practices in a wrong way? What to do? What is wise? In general one says, here comes the role of an experienced teacher into play.
I am not an experienced teacher but i have some thoughts about this. I think it is wise not to compare oneself with the Buddha or other persons progressing on the Path. The Buddha was clearly a very special person just like his main pupils. This might inspire, but i think it is wise to be realistic and not compare ones own abilities with their capacities. Especially when one has mental issues, based on my own experience, one needs to be realistic and see for oneself what does work and does not work. Ones must estimate ones own abilities in a realistic manner.
I think it is not wise to push and insist that certain practices must work for oneself because they also lead to great fruit to others. One must see for oneself how it turns out.
I feel it is very important to be friendly and compassionate to oneself.
Siebe