What Is the Practice of Dharma?

Phakchok Rinpoche answered a student’s question about how our personal Dharma practice can help others. Rinpoche commented that we first need to know why we are practicing Dharma and how to practice correctly. He stresses the need for good character and good motivation. Rinpoche reminds us that our meditation practice will not go far without these. And only if we have a steady practice can we begin to help others. We start with ourselves, observing and transforming our negative emotions and thoughts. We must learn how to observe ourselves and acknowledge where we are holding on to unhelpful habits of thinking and acting. This examination should be a gentle process. If we don’t do this step, our practice may not be very effective. And if we don’t transform, we can’t truly benefit others. We can, of course, do prayers, which do help.