How to Transform the Habitual Tendencies of Avidyā

All Buddhists should diligently cultivate meditative concentration, overcome their old worldly habits, and redirect their minds toward the path of cultivation. They should not overly concern themselves with worldly matters, which they have experienced throughout countless lifetimes; such preoccupations cannot resolve the great matter of birth and death. Once this crucial matter is secured, all worldly affairs cease to be significant. Everyone should have the wisdom to recognize this principle.

Subduing and transforming a single habit is extremely difficult, and even recognizing that one possesses a particular habit is not easy. Habits are called "habitual tendencies" precisely because they are deeply ingrained through long-term conditioning, having taken deep root. Almost every thought and concept we hold follows these tendencies. Without considerable meditative stability to introspect and realize that one's own thoughts and concepts are undesirable habits, the vast majority remain unaware of their own habits, unaware that their thoughts are erroneous—manifestations of ignorance, karmic obstructions, and afflictions—and that following them leads directly to the cycle of birth and death.

Even after recognizing ignorant habits, it remains challenging to reverse and change them. This requires us to constantly remain vigilant, spurring ourselves to single-mindedly pursue the Way, to arouse a fervent aspiration for cultivation, and to continuously reflect on our karmic obstructions to birth and death. We must contemplate the true meaning of life, recognize the genuine value system, perceive the falsity and unreality of worldly phenomena, swiftly leap from the fiery pit of samsara, and then turn back to help save more fellow practitioners and companions.