The Power of a Sincere Resolution

When you encounter problems in life, make a mental resolve — a wish, a resolution. There is no need to recite spells or incantations. You don't need this chant or that chant, thinking it will make you powerful. No need for that at all.

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Just make a strong determination in your mind. If your life is facing a heavy crisis and you see no way out, pay respect to the Buddha and chant. Think of the Buddha, think of the Dhamma, and think of good teachers. But you must be very careful with teachers nowadays, because many of them hold wrong views (Miccha-ditthi). The best way is to look up to the Buddha and the noble disciples (Ariya-savaka) of the past.

Keep your mind connected to them, and then make your resolution based on the merit (Boon) you have accumulated. For instance, reflect on how deeply you have revered the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha; how well you have practiced generosity (Dana); and how faithfully you have kept the precepts (Sila).

Make your resolution. Suppose a person loves cats. Having cats at home isn't enough, so they feed the cats out front, the stray cats outside, the street cats — feeding them all. If they die while their mind is attached to cats, they may be reborn as a cat. But if they think of their merit — having practiced generosity by feeding animals so they would not suffer from starvation — that is a different story. Hunger is the greatest suffering in the world; hunger is the most severe disease.

So reflect on this and say to yourself: "Throughout the past, I have consistently practiced generosity. By the power of this truth, may my life find a good way out." This is how you make your resolution.

Or if you have kept your precepts well, yet your life is full of problems, make a resolution: "I have intentionally kept my precepts beautifully. If this is the absolute truth, by the power of this truth, may this problem pass smoothly."

A Story from the Mountain

This actually happens. I experienced it myself. I once traveled by car until my back muscles became severely inflamed. Then I had to stay up on a mountain, all alone, at a forest monastery. Around my hut (Kuti) it was filled with large rocks — just walking to the restroom was incredibly difficult. Because of the inflammation, I couldn't sit up straight without intense pain. Lying down hurt, sitting hurt; I could only manage in awkward positions.

Then I thought to myself: "I have no refuge here. There is no one to help me. I don't even have a single paracetamol pill." But then I remembered the great teachers. This path — around Phu Thok and Phu Sing — is where highly realized wandering monks (Tudong) used to pass through. Therefore devas (heavenly beings) must surely reside here, and they must be devas with right views (Samma-ditthi).

So I performed an act of truth (Saccakiriya), saying: "Devas, my purpose here is to practice generosity, keep the precepts, and cultivate meditation. Right now I am sick. If you can help, please do. If you cannot, that is fine. It is my own karma, and I will accept it."

The moment I finished my resolution, the battery-powered lantern flashed brightly three times. While I was sitting there slumped over, it lit up so brightly that I gasped in surprise. I picked it up, thinking it was broken. I turned it off and on, but it worked perfectly fine. When I realized it wasn't broken, I suddenly noticed — my posture was straight. The inflammation in my back was completely gone. Yes, things like this do happen.

Since it can happen, be determined to guard your goodness as much as possible. In times of emergency or necessity, recall your own goodness and make a resolution. You don't need to ask anyone else for help; you can do it by yourself. Make a resolution that if you have done good, and if the devas can help, may they assist you. If they share a past connection with you and feel compassion toward you, they will help — but it will never exceed the bounds of your own karma.

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