Venerable Ajahn Chah

Each has their specific duty to fulfill.

The mind knows its role in the work to be done.

If the mind doesn't understand its role,

it will try to force the chili plant to produce peppers on the very day we plant it.

The mind will insist that it grow, flower, and produce peppers, all in one day.

This is nothing but the second noble truth.

Craving causes suffering to arise.

If we are aware of this truth and ponder it, we'll understand that trying to force results in our Dharma practice is pure delusion.

It's wrong.

Understanding how it works, we let go and allow things to mature

according to our innate capabilities, spiritual aptitude and the merit we've accumulated.

We keep doing our part.

Don't worry that it might take a long time.

Even if it takes a hundred or a thousand lifetimes to get enlightened, so what?

However many lifetimes it takes, we just keep practicing with a heart at ease, comfortable with our pace.

Once our mind has entered the stream, there's nothing to fear.

It will have gone beyond even the smallest evil action.

The Buddha said that the mind of a Sotapanna, a stream enterer, someone who has attained the first stage of enlightenment, has entered the stream of Dharma that flows to enlightenment.

Once you're in the stream, you know what your responsibilities are.

You comprehend the work ahead.