About This Answer
An online listener asks how to keep faith when regular practice does not seem to bring results. Ajahn Dtun replies that some people see no results because they may be practising incorrectly. If one practises correctly and looks carefully at one's own mind, one will see that something has changed.
When discouragement arises, recollect the life of the Buddha and how he built up his perfections in order to awaken. Have we faced hardship like his? So we must be patient and keep making merit and effort. One can also reflect on death: before long this body will break up, so what of real value are we doing for the mind? Do each day as fully as possible. Yesterday, last month and last year are already gone, and tomorrow has not come; make today good. When tired, rest; when strength returns, keep developing the mind.