No.402 - ‘Plant the cause, not seek the fruit’ is the attitude of practice.

 

—Ajahn Yiu, 10 March 2024  

This is our attitude in practice: do not seek the fruit, just plant the cause. We know that by doing so, by planting wholesome causes, there will be good results, so we just need to do it. Do not concern ourselves with when the fruit will ripen, or whether it will be sweet or sour when it matures. We only need to understand that ‘by planting wholesome causes, one reaps wholesome fruits’. Indeed, all matters in the world or beyond are like this. When we let go of expectations and desires, and give, work, interact with our children, and care for our family with a mind free from craving, no matter the area of life, if we have this attitude, we will be happy.  

When we work, we work with a mind of giving. We do not concern ourselves with when the salary will be paid or when we will be promoted. We just focus on doing our current work well. What is meant to come will come, and what is not meant to come, let it be. In this way, we can work happily, and the efficiency and quality of our work will also improve. We just need to do it this way.  

The same applies to practice. Just focus on giving and fulfilling our responsibilities in the present moment. Whatever wholesome Dhamma it may be, we should practise it.