However, people who lack wisdom and courage are usually afraid of suffering and try to run away from it — their entire effort in life is to avoid misery; they have never thought of seeking liberation. The basic problem lies in not knowing suffering is a manifestation of mental weakness. This results in further restricting the mind, occupying it with fear of problems that relate to livelihood, family, and old age. Due to ignorance and fear, we unwittingly create bad karma. With the practices mentioned above, we can cut through our delusion, confront suffering with courage, open our hearts to others, and find joy in life.

Although the most effective practice for confronting suffering is Dzogchen, the method of the ultimate truth mentioned above — that is, the logic given in the Middle Way, especially realization obtained from practicing the Middle Way —is not unlike Dzogchen at times. We do not necessarily need a very advanced practice at this point. For most people, this method is easy and substantive, and is actually more important than the practice of Dzogchen and the development and completion stages.

The era of declining Dharma alluded to in the sutras refers precisely to the society at present. In this degenerate time, we must practice this way in order to progress. However deep our understanding of the Dharma may be, we cannot get past suffering and pressure in life because our practice lacks strength and stability. If we know how to apply these pith instructions, the force of suffering and obstacles can help us advance along the path. Then, even suffering can be transformed into a driving force in our practice.

佛经中所说的末法时代，就是指现代社会。在末法时代，人必须要这样修行才能前进。即使理论再好，正知正见再高，遇到痛苦和压力的时候，我们也没办法前进，因为我们修行的力道很微弱。若能应用这些诀窍，就能借助痛苦、违缘的力量往前走，这样连痛苦都可以转化为动力。

We must all place great importance on this practice and undertake the practice according to the Dharma. By way of these methods, suffering will not afflict us for long, nor will it be an impediment to our practice.