Geshe Michael Roach – Cracks in the Wing (New York, February 8, 2019)
In a powerful talk held in New York City, Geshe Michael Roach shares insights on dealing with obstacles, recognizing the causes of our suffering, and transforming them through deep inner work. Using vivid metaphors and personal experiences, he explores the cracks that appear in our lives — symbolized by a crack in an airplane wing — and how to handle them using ancient wisdom teachings.
He speaks about an incident on a flight where he discovered a literal crack in the wing of the airplane, leading to a reflection on what it means when such cracks show up in our lives — in relationships, work, health, or inner peace. Rather than panicking, he urges us to see these cracks as reminders, signals that something deeper needs healing.
The core idea of the teaching is: when we experience trouble, it’s a result of our past actions. If we meet difficult people or events, we should see them as reflections of our own past behaviors. He challenges listeners to take full responsibility and not blame others or external conditions.
Cracks Are Not the Problem — They’re the Signal
To counter this, he recommends the Four Steps approach — especially finding someone with a similar problem and helping them. This, he says, plants the karmic seeds to heal our own “cracks.”
He also emphasizes the importance of not suppressing anger or resentment but recognizing its karmic origin and applying the wisdom of cause and effect to uproot it. Through compassion and wisdom, we can transform even the darkest situations.
Geshe Michael brings in stories from his personal journey and teachings from Indian Buddhist philosophy to make his message accessible and actionable.
This talk is a reminder that real change starts within, and that our reactions to the cracks in the wing determine whether we rise above or spiral downward. The power to fly safely lies in the seeds we plant every day.
Watch the full teaching:
