Futility

2026, October, Issue 222

With no horizon,

neither coming nor going,

no destination,

no origin,

no beginning,

no end,

In this Ocean of Suffering,

we seek something,

relief from confusion,

diminishing angst,

anything,

though no answer can be found,

no belief can remain,

no subject satisfies,

no object brings happiness,

we find nothing of any use,

we find

mind boggling answers,

all falling apart,

no one to tell us,

someone to do this for us,

Alone in this journey,

though we seek companions,

though we seek teachers,

though we seek teachings,

any kind of roadmap,

though we find no roads,

no direction,

though we find a Path,

nothing stable to cling,

no wave to ride,

no wind to send us flailing,

into oblivion,

mad,

desperate,

seeking any way

out of this confusion,

It is time to illuminate this

condition with eternal wisdom;

It is time to accept reality,

without rejecting

what is, as it is.

A poem by Robert Aho © 2026

I recently found myself sitting alone at a little meditation retreat that had been arranged a month in advance. People were aware of this event, and some had specifically asked me to teach. My first thought was, “Oh, good, I can leave here forever now. My Samaya is complete.”

Later, one person did show up, and we had a delightful conversation. Some people wondered how I was doing, asking, with smiles on their faces, how I felt about it. I was unconcerned, explaining that it is no problem at all. People are either not ready to receive what I am teaching, or they don’t understand what I am offering, or they are not interested. In any case, it has nothing to do with me. I suppose this was a disappointing answer, as it has certain implications.

Teaching the Dharma is not something I really ever wanted to do, even though I had made a sacred promise, or Samaya, to do just that. My master, Namkhai Norbu, asked me to teach, and I said that I would consider it. In the death bardo, I made that promise more concrete. That was why I returned from death, even though the thought of teaching made me shudder just as much then as it does now. I have not taught, even once, because of some egotistical need to gain attention, as we see with so many who teach in the West. I’ve never asked for anything.

With the Bodhisattva Vows that I made once upon a time, the implication is to remain until all beings are liberated from this eternal state of confusion and suffering. With Dzogchen, with the realization of the Nature of Mind, these vows were instantly liberated. This is because of the self-perfecting characteristics of this realization, because we discover Ultimate Reality, then practice perfecting that realization. It is less an issue of conceptual realization and more about remaining present in that awareness.

With the thought of teaching what I had learned, what I had realized and become, that same sense of futility that the Buddha had came to me. It didn’t seem likely that I would find even one individual who could ever benefit, nor understand what I could teach. My master asked that I maybe consider teaching just five individuals, and I agreed to consider that. If the futility of my effort became obvious, then I would stop. The futility seems much more obvious to me at this point.

Despite this, I realize that the teachers out there who are in it for all the wrong reasons have a distinct advantage over me. In these degenerate times, people are not really looking for authenticity. Being genuine is not really appreciated. Marketing campaigns, sales, manipulation of various sorts, these are all prized commodities. The futility is much greater in these times.

Cyclic existence occurs because of ignorance, attraction and aversion. We cling to what is not real, then create an ego to defend that. We do our best to perpetuate our own suffering, then lament that suffering continues forever.

My simple message of Aspiring to Awaken, just may be exactly correct, which means it would never be popular. This is our futility in a nutshell. The very simple opportunity of stepping onto the Spiritual Path is avoided. Other things sound much more attractive to ego; and, just why would ego ever want to do something that would eliminate ego? Futility is chosen over liberation every time.

I’m certainly not saying that I’m the only teacher who can help. I’ve never said that. My advice is to seek genuine teachers, and take your time finding them. Your life is only futile if you do not Aspire to Awaken. If you truly Aspire to Awaken, then genuine teachers will appear in your life. Awakening becomes a real possibility. Ego starts to matter less and less.

Certainly, really plunging into meditation is very difficult. Most people cannot do that. The few out there who are capable of looking within still need to develop the proper foundation, motivation and perseverance. Up until enlightenment, your ego remains ready to talk you out of Awakening. The process is rather exhausting, for the most part; though, it is very worth every ounce of effort that you apply. Futility is a terrible demon. Allow yourself to Awaken.

Blessings of Source,

Rigdzin Robert Aho

Robert Aho is the author of Timeless Luminosity and The Frog: A Spiritual Autobiography, Spanning Many Lifetimes. Both books, written after his death experience, give advanced spiritual advice regarding the complete Spiritual Path, inspiration for living each day and words of encouragement, with the intention of helping people to stay committed to their Spiritual Path, as well as preparing for death. This ultimately leads to discovering your own unlimited power within, which leads to Awakening. Both books are available on Amazon, Zenith Bookstore, as well as various other sources.