An Exchange with Tao

"But, I still get angry and impatient and tired. People still compete and strive and try to seek advantage over others. Needless suffering compounds needless suffering, and I reckon I need about another 10,000 lifetimes before I'll be wise enough to say "Yes!" to that each time I confront it." – email from a friend

There are no 10,000 lifetimes before or after this instant. Only thought seems to reincarnate every instant, until we realize they actually don't. As my teacher finally got through to me Wed.,  there is no absolutely no "event" that "happens" that switches one from unawakened delusional clod to enlightened sage. You just realize you
couldn't have possibly have said No and there is simply Yes, not even you saying yes.