The teachings of the dharma have great power, but unless you practice them properly that power will remain merely as a potential which is never expressed.  If one has a tool and does not use it, not much will be accomplished.  An unused tool is not particularly beneficial in itself.  But if you truly put the teachings into practice, as the Dharma takes birth in and grows in your mindstream, all your faults will naturally diminish and all your positive qualities will spontaneously blossom, just as the sun, as it rises higher in the morning, gradually spreads increasing light throughout the world.
~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche