Low Self-Esteem, Depressed and Tired
Rinpoche gave the following advice to a student who asked what to do as he was feeling tired and depressed, with low self-esteem and feeling not good enough.
Think that the nature of your mind is clear light, buddha nature. So, you can be free from all problems. The delusions, all the mistakes of the mind, are all temporary and can be ended. That’s why stains, all suffering—which comes from delusions—can be pacified. Buddha explained all the methods and the path to do that. By practicing that, you can definitely overcome them.
You have a good heart now and you can develop it and expand it for all sentient beings. Buddha was a bodhisattva, and cherished each and every sentient being, offering extensive benefits to them, and you can do the same. First, become the ordinary bodhisattva of the first seven bhumis and then the bodhisattva of the three higher pure bhumis, so you can think, “I can reach enlightenment, like Buddha. I can do that.”
Take all the opportunities in life. In particular, you have a precious human rebirth, have met the Buddhadharma, the great vehicle, tantra, and all the teachings. You have also met a most qualified virtuous friend, which is extremely rare in the universe. You have found one!
Think, “I’m unbelievably fortunate! I can do it, and I shall do it!”