However, this does not mean we give up all hope! But rather it is a good opportunity to give the responsibility of the practice to the student- let them know themselves. Let them be honest- with themselves, if not you.. and work towards improving themselves. Often, the important thing is to keep them engaged with a group of kalyanamittas (spiritual friends). This way, with good positive influences all around them, over the years, they will start changing. Your task then, is to create an atmosphere of work, of effort, of right understanding, of honesty, of handing responsibility of practice back to the student.AN 4.192 PTS: A ii 187
Thana Sutta: Traits
translated from the Pali by
Thanissaro Bhikkhu
© 1997–2011
"Monks, these four traits may be known by means of four [other] traits. Which four?
"It's through living together that a person's virtue may be known, and then only after a long period, not a short period; by one who is attentive, not by one who is inattentive; by one who is discerning, not by one who is not discerning.
"It's through dealing with a person that his purity may be known, and then only after a long period, not a short period; by one who is attentive, not by one who is inattentive; by one who is discerning, not by one who is not discerning.
"It's through adversity that a person's endurance may be known, and then only after a long period, not a short period; by one who is attentive, not by one who is inattentive; by one who is discerning, not by one who is not discerning.
"It's through discussion that a person's discernment may be known, and then only after a long period, not a short period; by one who is attentive, not by one who is inattentive; by one who is discerning, not by one who is not discerning.http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka ... .than.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
with metta
Matheesha