Quantcast
Channel: Tibetan Buddhism's topics - tribe.net
Viewing all 147 articles
Browse latest View live

Death meditation's purpose

$
0
0
What do you think?

I saw this in today's news and saw the Buddhist implication.
Sort the meaningful from meaningless, and focus on this
precious moment.

"Dear Abby: "I am a rabbi who was asked by a funeral director to
talk with a family dealing with the wife's terminal illness. When I
met Mindy, I was touched by her bravery and sensitivity in
confronting her disease. She shared that she and her family
were taking charge of the calendar and moving all the holidays
forward so they could squeeze in as many celebrations as
possible in the coming weeks.

Regardless of the actual date on the calendar, they were
celebrating secular and religious holidays, birthdays and
anniversaries. These events included decorating, serving the
appropriate food associated with the observance -- even
wearing costumes for Halloween.

On my last visit, Mindy described something else she had done.
She invited relatives who lived far away to be with her and gave
them quilts she had created over her lifetime. She remarked
that it made sense for her to be able to say her goodbyes rather
than miss that opportunity. She described it as a "living wake."
A few weeks later, she was gone.

For Mindy, condensing the holidays gave her the ability to control
her medical situation in a gracious and innovative way. Her choice
of saying goodbye to loved ones gave her -- and them -- time to heal
any rifts that had occurred. In dealing with her own impending death,
she bestowed a special gift to us for these upcoming holidays.

Let loved ones know today how important they are to you.
If there is a way of resolving a family disagreement, do it as soon
as possible. Life is too short for many of these disagreements.
Finally, appreciate and enjoy the time we have with family, relatives
and friends. It is truly irreplaceable. -- RABBI ALBERT SLOMOVITZ"

###
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 8 replies

Apophatic Theology and the Buddha Dharma

$
0
0
I wanted to move this discussion to its own thread for those interested. Here is a brief piece on apophatic (negative) theology from wikipedia:

In negative theology, it is accepted that the Divine is ineffable, an abstract experience that can only be recognized or remembered—that is, human beings cannot describe in words the essence of the perfect good that is unique to the individual, nor can they define the Divine, in its immense complexity, related to the entire field of reality, and therefore all descriptions if attempted will be ultimately false and conceptualization should be avoided; in effect, it eludes definition by definition:

* Neither existence nor nonexistence as we understand it in the physical realm, applies to God; i.e., the Divine is abstract to the individual, beyond existing or not existing, and beyond conceptualization regarding the whole (one cannot say that God exists in the usual sense of the term; nor can we say that God is nonexistent).
* God is divinely simple (one should not claim that God is one, or three, or any type of being.)
* God is not ignorant (one should not say that God is wise since that word arrogantly implies we know what "wisdom" means on a divine scale, whereas we only know what wisdom is believed to mean in a confined cultural context).
* Likewise, God is not evil (to say that God can be described by the word 'good' limits God to what good behavior means to human beings individually and en masse).
* God is not a creation (but beyond that we cannot define how God exists or operates in relation to the whole of humanity).
* God is not conceptually defined in terms of space and location.
* God is not conceptually confined to assumptions based on time.

Naturally, this parallels Lao Zi's description of the "Tao that can be named" but which "is not the real Tao." The negative methodology was also clearly followed by Nagarjuna, regardless of whether one interprets his views to be totally negative (as in prasangika) or allowing for some positive assertions to be made (svatantrika). While Roman Christianity and its derivatives generally takes a positive (cataphatic) theological approach, Orthodox Christianity accepts both positive and negative approaches.

Pseudo-Dionysius of Areopagite is a Christian theologian accepted by both and quoted extensively by Thomas Aquinas. He strongly embraced the via negativa and arguably reconciled Christianity with Neoplatonism. This reconciliation is very important to any possible bridge between Buddhist and Christian metaphysics. Neoplatonism describes all life as returning to the divine undifferentiated source at death, fully stripped of individual identities--this process is called henosis. This is different from, but not totally incompatible with, Orthodox Christianity in which the doctrine of Theosis is taught. Theosis is described poetically as the doctrine that "God became man so that man may become God." (St. Athanasius) Theosis is a very important concept that distinguishes Orthodox Christianity from Western Christianity.

The key distinction of Orthodox mysticism is that full henosis, or identification with God's ultimate essence, is not possible for any "individual", since God is beyond all distinctions of individuality. Rather, by the process of purification (Katharsis) and mystical illumination (Theoria), one attains "unity" with God and the individual identity can then be recognized to be the play of God's immanent energy (Energeia). Energeia is the actuality of God's essence inseparable from God's activity. Thus the Neoplatonist notion of God as the ineffible Source is not rejected, nor is the notion of complete unity with that Source rejected. Only the technical caveat that the "individual" can not "identify" with God fully.

It seems to me that the position that is rejected by Orthodox Mysticism can also be expressed in Buddhist language. What the doctrine of Theosis is rejecting would be like saying "I AM the Dharmakaya!" which is absurd since the Dharmakaya is by definition beyond individual identity and extremes of "being" and "non-being." Rather one's identity, when purified of sin and united with God through mysticism, is seen to be the play of God's Energeia. Thus, Orthodox Christianity is in fact rebutting the perceived nihilism of earlier Greek paganism that accepted the doctrine of henosis, or total dissolution into an undefinable, abstract God. It is parallel to rejecting the nihilism of someone claiming a Buddhist view who accepts the Dharmakaya only as the ultimate nature, while rejecting the Rupakaya manifestations. "Form is Emptiness, Emptiness is Form." Dharmakaya, which is beyond existence and non-existence, manifests in the play of Energy (Sambhogakaya) and Form (Nirmanakaya). Similarly, in Orthodox Christian mysticism, God's ineffable essence (Ousia) manifests as the play of Energeia and Entelechia (Form-in-Activity).

The goal of Orthodox Christian mysticism is Theosis. This is generally rejected by most forms of Christianity derived from the Roman tradition. I encourage anyone interested in this topic to read more about Theosis. Chinese Orthodox Christianity accepted the unity of Tao and Logos. When one understands apophatic theology and Theosis, this is not so much of a stretch.
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 24 replies

Kalachakra Empowerment, July 2011

$
0
0
I thought you all might be interested. I am seriously considering going to this.

http://www.kalachakra2011.com/index.html
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 1 reply

Albert Einstein on Buddhism

$
0
0
"The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal God and avoid dogmas & theology. Covering both the natural & the spiritual, it should be based on a religious sense arising from the experience of all things, natural & spiritual, as a meaningful unity. Buddhism answers this description...If there is any religion that would cope with modern scientific needs, it would be Buddhism."
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 1 reply

Tibet House NYC events and pagan / Buddhist resources for New York City

$
0
0

Title
Tibet House NYC events and pagan / Buddhist resources for New York City

repost from
http://tribes.tribe.net/nycpaganwiccans/thread/36345781-5f08-4e29-9d0e-28d2f17d4d22

Keywords: Tibet House, New York City, New York Buddhist Council, Dharma Events New York [ Yahoo ], Buddhism and psychotherapy, empowerments and Blessings, Wealth deity Jambhala empowerment, Goddess Green Tara empowerment and detailed references for Tara practice, New York City Pagans, alternative spiritual culture, pagan community.

This announcement introduces Tibet House New York City, the Tibetan Lama Kunga Ngor Thartse, and the new book "Mixing Minds" on Buddhism and psychotherapy, by Pilar Jennings PhD.

. . . Along with other important Buddhist and related pagan resources focused on the New York City area, i.e. the New York Buddhist Council, and Dharma Events New York on Yahoo.


1)
Lama Kunga Ngor Thartse is giving transmissions this weekend, such as Green Tara and Jambhala. empowerment, 21 Nov 2010. See below text for details on this teacher and this event.

For detailed references on the Hindu Buddhist goddess Tara, see my post
http://taras.tribe.net/thread/4e037d60-b9e6-4576-a533-c8429933a28e

In the case of the Buddhist empowerments, formal Buddhist affiliation is required in advance, and available at this event, as the below states. Lama Kunga Ngor Thartse will offer refuge before the transmissions.

2)
There is also the Twenty First Annual Benefit Concert for Tibet House in March 2011.
See
http://www.tibethouse.us/special-events/annual-concerts

3)
There is also a New York Buddhist Council
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-Buddhist-Council/66058845303?_fb_noscript=1

I am told there are 200 Tibetan Buddhist centers in New York City.

4)
For a generic ongoing activity list of Buddhist events in New York City, see
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DharmaEventsNY/

"DharmaEventsNY is a non-sectarian mailing list for announcements of Buddhist Events in and around New York City. This mailing list is the place to post information about retreats, teachings, seminars, meditation practice, celebrations, and other Dharma activity that is open to the public.

"To reach members of this group, simply send email to: DharmaEventsNY@yahoogroups.com"

[ . . . with a valid yahoo account, of course. Yahoo accounts are free. ]

"Please pass this information on to all those who might be interested. It's easy to subscribe to the DharmaEventsNY mailing list by sending an email to: DharmaEventsNY-subscribe@yahoogroups.com"

5)
Other pagan resources for New York City and beyond:

See
http://tribes.tribe.net/nycpaganwiccans

"This group is opened to all pagans and wiccans interested in community networking, or expressing themselves. It is also a place to share ideas and visions."

World Pagans
http://tribes.tribe.net/pagans_of_the_earth

"Are you from the USA, Europe, Asia, and beyond, come stir the Cauldron with your fellow Pagan from around the world!"


N.B.:

I do not formally represent any of the centers or organizations mentioned in this notice.

Sarva mangalam. May All Beings Benefit.

May the Circle Be Open and Unbroken.

Best,
KT

-------------------------------------

Special Notice for Friends
in the NYC Area!

LAMA KUNGA RINPOCHE: PROSPERITY & FEARLESSNESS

Sunday, November 21
Tibet House
22 West 15th Street NYC

See
http://www.tibethouse.us/


3-4:30 PM: YELLOW JAMBHALA: Lord of Prosperity, providing wealth, both spiritual and material


4:30 - 6 pm: GREEN TARA: Goddess of Fearlessness and Protection


Followed by two brief teachings:


MITRUKPA ("Undisturbed and unconfused"), a special aspiration and mantra to benefit the animal one eats and


VAIROCANA NAMBARNAMTSE aspiration and mantra to benefit the dead.


REFUGE is required (your refuge name will be requested at the door): Those who have not received Buddhist refuge who wish to attend, email moke.mokotoff "at" gmail.com to make a request and Rinpoche will offer refuge before the first empowerment.


TUITION: $55 for all four empowerments (plus an opportunity to make traditional offerings to the Lama)


TEXTS: Translated and illustrated sadhanas will be available


CONTACT: moke.mokotoff "at" gmail.com | 212-741-4443 | Do not contact Tibet House


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON UPCOMING VISIT BY LAMA KUNGA RINPOCHE: PROSPERITY & FEARLESSNESS (see left). These initiations, which empower and train us in the compassionate practices of the Bodhisattvas, encourage awareness, fearlessness, and caring. It is an extremely rare opportunity to receive these teachings that were held in the highest esteem by all the Buddhist lineages of Tibet. Lama Kunga Rinpoche is uniquely qualified, having received these precious teachings from many masters in Tibet including Lama Dampa Shenphen Nyingpo and Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. Rinpoche will present the meditation instructions directly in English in a manner that will allow students to participate in the visualizations while the ritual goes on.


LAMA KUNGA THARTSE RINPOCHE was born into a noble family in Lhasa in 1935, the son of Tsipon Shuguba, the Treasurer in the Dalai Lama's government. At the age of 7, he was recognized as a reincarnation of Sevan Repa, a heart disciple of Milarepa, Tibet's great 11th century poet-saint. Rinpoche entered Ngor Monastery at age eight and was ordained as a monk by age sixteen. In 1959, he became Vice-Abbot of Ngor Monastery, in the Sakya tradition, but soon had to flee through western Tibet with some of his countrymen at the time of Chinese invasion. One of four first lamas sent to America by HH Dalai Lama in 1961, Rinpoche at first resided at Geshe Wangyal's monastary in New Jersey along with Robert Tenzin Thurman. He was invited to be the Tibetan Librarian at UC Berkeley and later founded Ewam Choden Buddhist Center in Berkeley, California in 1970 where he has continuously taught. He has sponsored the teachings of HH Dalai Lama, Gyalwa Karmapa, HH Dudjom Rinpoche, VV Kalu Rinpoche, VV Trungpa Rinpoche and of course HH the Sakya Trizin and all the Sakya Masters. After all these years and experience he has a clear understanding and appreciation of western culture. To get a sense of his presentation and grasp of the American venacular see the award winning ESPN brief video at http://www.ewamchoden.org/?page_id=46


----------------

New book:

"Mixing Minds:The Power of Relationship in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism"

Pilar Jennings was exposed to Buddhist meditation early in life. Her mother took her to her first meditation course at age 10, and her experience there has essentially influenced her spiritual and professional life ever since.

In this engaging and informative work, Mixing Minds: The Power of Relationship in Psychoanalysis and Buddhism (Wisdom Publications, on sale December 1, 2010), psychotherapist and long-time practicing Buddhist, Pilar Jennings, Ph.D., explains how she came to this world of “mixing and matching” healing traditions. Mixing Minds explores the interpersonal relationships between psychoanalysts and their patients, and Buddhist teachers and their Western Buddhist students. Through Jennings’ own personal journey in both traditions, she attempts to shed light on how these contrasting approaches to wellness affect our most intimate relationships.

Through her lucid writing, Jennings discusses the many radical differences and areas of synergy between Buddhism and psychoanalysis, with a focus on the primary relationships within each system. She explores how each tradition helps us enter into and sustain relationship, and how the core teachings of each tradition come to life by examining how Buddhist teachers relate to their students and how psychoanalysts relate to their patients.

Mixing Minds tackles subjects such as the assumption that one’s spiritual practice addresses the same issues/dynamics that are explored in therapy; cultural differences in the origins of these two practices as well as the differences in emphasis (spiritual/universalistic versus psychological/personal); the driving motivation behind the Western exploration of meditation and Buddhist teaching, as well as potential stumbling blocks along the path of practice for Western Buddhists.

In an engaging and fascinating interview, Jennings can discuss:

• Why the focus on relationships is relevant to religion
• How Buddhism and psychoanalysis are different in their goals and methods
• How Buddhism and psychoanalysis are actually compatible healing traditions, and why they need each other
• How Buddhism is in fact a religion, and how this understanding can be useful to the psychological well-being of its practitioners
• The psychological pitfalls to practicing Buddhism as a Westerner
•Does therapy really work

Mixing Minds is one of the finest contemporary books on the dialogue between Buddhism and psychoanalysis. Jennings’ rich discourse examines the strengths and limitations of each discipline, clarifies the way in which they can complement one another, and consequently deepens your understanding and appreciation of these two great wisdom traditions.

Friday, December 3, 2010; 6:30-8PM


Praise for Mixing Minds

“An engaging view of therapy and Buddhist practice that puts the healing dyad, the relational encounter of two human beings, at the center of both practices.”
—Barry Magid, author of Ending the Pursuit of Happiness

“With this remarkable book, the dialogue between Buddhism and psychoanalysis has finally come of age. Pilar Jennings writes from the perspective of one who has been deeply steeped in these two great wisdom traditions for many years, and who has a rich and nuanced understanding of areas of convergence, divergence, and potential synergy. . . . In a voice that is personal and humorous, yet at the same time wise and sophisticated, Jennings takes us on a fascinating and deeply rewarding voyage of discovery.”
—Jeremy D. Safran, editor of Psychoanalysis and Buddhism

“Mixing Minds is at once personal, educational, and creative. Rather than simply conflate or contrast the paths of psychoanalysis and Buddhist practice, Jennings teases out nuances of each in ways that enhance both and enrich the psyche and spirit. This book makes the most of these disciplines’ evolving mix.”
—Michael Eigen, author of Flames from the Unconscious


About the Presenter

Pilar Jennings, Ph.D. is a writer and researcher who has focused on the clinical applications of Buddhist meditation practice. She received her Ph.D. in Psychiatry and Religion from Union Theological Seminary, and has been working with patients and their families through the Harlem Family Institute since 2004. Prior to this training, she earned a Masters degree in medical anthropology from Columbia University, and a Bachelors degree in interdisciplinary writing from Barnard College of Columbia University. Pilar is a long-term practitioner of Tibetan and Vipassana Buddhism, and has studied with senior teachers in both traditions. She has also trained as a Buddhist chaplain through the Zen Center for Contemplative Care. Pilar Jennings lives in New York City.

---------------------


Save the date!
XXI Annual Benefit Concert - Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Annual Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall is one of the highlights of the year for Tibet House supporters and music lovers alike.

Held on or around the start of the Tibetan New Year, this concert features an accomplished and eclectic lineup of musicians, brought together by Artistic Director Philip Glass.


Annual Benefit Concert At Carngie Hall
A Highly Anticipated Event

Held at legendary Carnegie Hall since 1993, Philip Glass, the benefit's esteemed Artistic Director and Vice President of Tibet House US, creates an exceptional show every year, highlighted by unique collaborations between the artists.

The consistently sold-out concert features up and coming musicians and world artists, together with some of the music industry's biggest legends. The concert and dinner party have become an anticipated annual event in New York City.



---------------------

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet_House

Tibet House US was founded in 1987 by Columbia University professor Robert Thurman, actor Richard Gere and modern composer Philip Glass (among others) at the behest of the 14th H.H. Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. It was initially organized in New York City, USA, and the Tibet House US is still based there.

Its stated purpose, as taken from the Tibet House website:

* To present to the West Tibet's ancient traditions of art and culture by means of creating a permanent Cultural Center, with Gallery, Library, and Archives, and developing traveling exhibitions, print publications and media productions
* To preserve and restore Tibet's unique cultural and spiritual heritage, by means of developing a Repatriation Collection for future repatriation of outstanding examples of Tibetan art, creating an archive of rare photographs, opening a research library, making a Web site on the Internet for the wide distribution of information, and providing support to conservation activities both inside and outside of Tibet
* To share with the world Tibet's practical systems of spiritual philosophy and mind sciences, and its arts of human development, intercultural dialogues, nonviolence, and peacemaking, by means of innovative programs in cooperation with educational and other cultural institutions.

-----------------------

posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 1 reply

Rinchen Ter Dzod

$
0
0
People are coming from such distant and exotic
places as Boulder and Los Angeles... :)

Many are there for the full three months-- typically
Monastics and Ngakpas, but even a few laypeople
have committed for the full three months.

The first few days are Vajrasattva empowerments
and wangs for different traditions of the Zhitro--
100 peaceful and wrathful deities: Karling, Namcho,
Drikung Kagyu and others. This will be followed
by empowerments into the three roots both condensed
and separated out into Lama, Yidam and Khandro.
The last section is mainly Dharmapalas. In between,
there are man lugs and tris such that one receives
everything necessary to practice these extraordinay
lineages.

Every morning the sangha assembles to practice
Vajrasattva together. Wangs are given after noon.

I invite comments from people who are present as to
their experiences.
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 9 replies

White Sangha?

$
0
0
Are all White Sangha "Ngakpa" practitioners?

I'm interested to know which orders have this?
I'm a Sakyapa, but have not met anyone wearing
householder clothes. But I've seen pictures of
people wearing that garment in Dagchen Jigdal Rinpoches
Sangha.

Is there additional vows for these practitioners?

Thanx
/Marcos
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 6 replies

A Song of Barway Dorje

$
0
0
Composed as oral instruction for women of Palkhyim Yedrong gathered in play:

From the expanse of great bliss atop your heads
Your kind root guru sings to you of dharma.
Smiling with pleasure he plants the seed
Of freedom in the fortunate with faith.
Pray with yearning and no doubt.

I am deeply saddened
By our endless bewildered planning
In this inescapable ocean of samsara.
Give up worldly actions.
Emulate the lives of siddhas of the past.
I offer the benevolent aspiration
That I lead all connected to me to freedom.

Composed by Barway Dorje for some women of Yelpa.

http://kunzang.org/kplblog/
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 1 reply

Can I also do this mantra?

$
0
0
I have seen in many of the posts about the protection that the shortest form of vajrasatva mantra gives.

my question is can I also recite this mantra? Am a hindu and are hindus allowed to do this mantra?

shanmuka
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 17 replies

Engage! Sci-Fi in a Buddhist Temple

$
0
0
This may be old news, but I just came across it and thought it was rather fun.

http://www.feelguide.com/2011/01/17/buddhist-temple-design-inspired-by-superman-spiderman-batman-and-keanu-reeves/

"The Wat Rong Khun Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, is quite possibly one of the strangest and prettiest holy sites you'll ever see. The complex was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, a nationally-honored Thai artist; construction began in 1997 and it's expected that another 100 years of construction will be needed before the temple is completed. However, while the exterior design is stunning, it's the interior artwork - which features various pop-culture icons like Superman, Ultraman, Keanu Reeves (in his Matrix garb), and a Transformer - that really stands out to visitors."
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 4 replies

Instructions on Purification

$
0
0
Instructions on Purification for My Disciple Targyay Gyamtso

(From a collection of songs translated by Yeshe Gyamtso and published by KTD Publications (2007) as the Treasury of Eloquence: The Songs of Barway Dorje. Posted with permission. Copyright 2007 Karma Triyana Dharmachakra & Peter O’Hearn. All Rights Reserved.)

NAMO GURU!
I bow to the supreme guru Vajrasattva.
I will provide here a little instruction for disciples
On the purification of karma.

Imagine your guru, Vajrasattva, above your head
In the form of the second Buddha, Padmakara.
In nature he is Padmakara indivisible from your root guru.
He is white and red with one smiling face.
His two hands hold a vajra and a kapala of amrita.
In sambhogakaya attire, he is embraced by white Tsogyal.
Seated in vajra and lotus posture, they blaze with light rays.
They are sitting on a lion throne, lotus, sun, and moon.
They clearly embody all buddhas of the three times.
Offer a billion mandalas, your body, and your possessions.
Confess all wrongdoing of body, speech, and mind of the three times.
In their heart on a moon is HUM surrounded by the hundred syllables.
Streaming amrita purifies wrongs and obscurations.

Recite the six syllables, the hundred syllables,
And the all-sufficient VAJRA GURU.
Pray to Guru Rinpoche and the three roots.

Your mind, awareness of this moment,
Is beyond characterization as this or that.
Without being distracted from the continuity
Of mere presence, cultivate it without fixation.
Whatever happens—birth, death, joy, or misery—
Remain undistracted yet relaxed.

Always entrust your heart to your root guru through devotion.
Turn your mind to holy dharma.
Give up as many mundane actions as you can.
If you do all this, you will accomplish much.

It would be excellent for you now to engage in purification and accumulation
according to tradition, with inviolate samaya toward both
your guru and your monastery, entrusting your whole life to the cultivation
of virtue in a good retreat in isolation or in a hermitage. Please
keep the tradition of doing so in mind. Written by Barway Dorje. May
it bring virtue!
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 5 replies

If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him.

$
0
0
So, I was just catching up on the few TV shows I used to watch and while watching Fringe, the book, 'If You Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him' was said to be the favorite of a character on the show. I have never heard of this book so I went to look for it on amazon. Has anyone here read it? I am typically very anti-Psychology crap...because there is quite a lot of crap in the "science" of Psychology. Anyway, thoughts?

http://www.amazon.com/Meet-Buddha-Pilgrimage-Psychotherapy-Patients/dp/0553278320
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 4 replies

Practice Opportunity

$
0
0
Friends,
I received this email from Chagdud Gonpa, some of us may
want to increase our DorSem practice and / or be included
in the group accomplishment of 100M by including your
usual accumulations.
--Mark

Vajrasattva 100-Syllable Mantra
One Million Accumulations before Losar 2011

The teachings of the Buddha dharma tell us that the path to enlightenment can be categorized as purification on one hand and the accumulations of merit and wisdom on the other. Purification and the two accumulations are interdependent. Like removing dirt from the surface of a crystal, purification of downfalls and obscurations reveals the innate, excellent qualities of our body, speech and mind.
Accumulation of one million recitations of Vajrasattva’s 100-syllable mantra by Chagdud Gonpa sanghas in North and South America is an auspicious way to welcome Iron Rabbit Losar on March 5th. In a world where violent emotions are rife, our meditation can manifest the pacifying nectar of Vajrasattva. In a time when obscurations confuse our relationships and our commitments, our meditation can merge with the mirror-like wisdom of Vajrasattva’s enlightened mind.

A superb simultaneity will take place on Saturday, February 12th and Sunday, February 13th, when practitioners in North and South America gather in their own centers and meditation groups to join together in Vajrasattva practice.
A great moment in Vajrasattva practice comes through pure dedication: Seeing the afflicting emotions and obscurations in our own minds, we develop compassion for all sentient beings who, like us, are bound to cyclic existence. Unlike us, many have no method to clear away the darkness and reveal their own pure essence, so we dedicate our practice equally to all, that we and they can find happiness and ultimate liberation. We each should also make our own silent dedication, in addition to the dedication prayers found in our sadhanas.

Resident lamas and center/group coordinators can discuss with their sanghas which of the various available Vajrasattva practices will be performed, and arrange other logistics. Padma Publishing has an extensive Dudjom Vajrasattva sadhana. A more concise practice is included in Lamps of Clarity, and the Vajrasattva section of the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro. All of these are available through Tibetan Treasures. They can be practiced if one has had at least one Vajrayana empowerment, even if it was not specifically for Vajrasattva. However, without empowerment, Vajrasattva should be visualized above one’s head rather than as self-visualization.

Please keep track of the number of 100-Syllable Mantra recitations - it is useful to appoint a "mantra captain" who adds up the numbers and sends them to info@chagdudgonpa.org. Individual practitioners who cannot join group practice can also send in their accumulations. This process of accumulation will continue until Losar.
Contact info@chagdudgonpa.org if you have questions.
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 3 replies

Vajradhara and Vajrasattva

$
0
0
Vajradhara and Vajrasattva the same Buddha?
Was told no but in many writings it says yes.
Thanks for the help.
;-)
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 3 replies

Spontaneous Song of Barway Dorje

$
0
0
Instructions for Palkhyim Arme Urgyen

These are instructions to aid the recollection
Of my faithful disciple who wants liberation.

Now, later, in between, and in all situations;
While walking, standing, lying, and sitting—in all activities—
Imagine above your head whomever you want to,
Such as your root guru, the protector Amitabha,
Avalokita, or Guru Padma.

Pray with devotion and yearning without a moment’s lapse.
Offer without reservation your body, possessions, wealth,
Retinue, spouse, children, and the four continents.
Repeatedly gather the accumulations.

Amrita streams from your guru’s body,
Purifying wrongs and veils.
Light rays from his five places dissolve into you.
Think that this purifies the veils of the three gates and their unity.

Your guru melts into light and dissolves into you.
In the indivisibility of your mind and your guru
Rest without a care but with self-recognition.
Don’t adopt stillness and reject movement,
Seeing one as good and the other as bad.
Apply yourself repeatedly to mere self-recognition.
Such meditation is the ultimate practice. Keep it in mind!

As requested by Arme Urgyen,
This was quickly written by Barway Dorje.
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 0 replies

Losar Tashi Delek

$
0
0
May the winds of change and karma blow in your favor.
And, as Dzonsar Khyentse Rinpoche puts it, "May you be
liberated from other people's expectations of you." ;)

Unsullied by effort and striving,
Like the wish-fulfilling jewel and the wish-granting tree,
May there be auspiciousness of the accomplishment of all intentions
To fulfill the hopes of sentient beings !

Kyi Kyi So So, Lha Gyal Lo!
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 3 replies

Any consorts out there?

$
0
0
I know this is a sensitive subject. I don't feel comfortable saying much about my situation, however I am asking if there are any practicing consorts using this tribe willing to speak with me.
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 23 replies

Samaya

$
0
0
Vows.

I thought I'd write a few words about this often
misunderstood term, its meaning and significance.
By no means should my few words be thought of
as authoritative or complete. But it is a start.

Samaya (or damtsik in Tibetan) are vows and commitments
taken when one receives empowerment in the Vajrayana.
If one has a root guru, studies mahayana for example, but
has not had empowerment from that Lama, there is no samaya
with that Lama. In Mahayoga or Highest Yoga Tantra, there are
14 root samayas. In the Dzogchen tradition there are 27 root
samayas of the body, speech and mind and 25 branch samayas.

Pratimoksha of the Hinayana and bodhisattva precepts of Mahayana
are another matter-- commitments of Sutric vehicles. Hinayana
can be understood as mainly renunciation at the level of physical
deeds. Mahayana commitments mainly concern intent. Conversely,
samayas are mainly about pure perception.

Traditionally, it is said in the classics that in the vajrayana
possession of two things-- devotion and samaya-- assures result.

So when a relationship, for example, works it works because there
are agreements or rules for engagement. Being a real human being--
responsible, honorable and upstanding means we keep our word.
To do so is very powerful. If we fail another in some way, we admit it
and make up for it in some symbolic way.

It doesn't have to be something woo-woo. No need for superstition--
like the deities are going to get you. It just boils down to being trustworthy.

"A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind..." :)
On my honor I will do my best, to do my duty..." ;)

Spiritual accomplishment is the biggest job. If we're irresponsible
in life, it'll be difficult in the infinite scope of spiritual practice. If we're
spiritually bankrupt, how will our lives go? It only stands to reason.

posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 3 replies

Buddhism: both rational and trans-rational

$
0
0
Thought this was an interesting article.

Many Western Buddhists subscribe to a Post-modern, Western science,
Psychotherapy view of Buddhism along the lines of Stephen Batchelor's
"Buddhism Without Beliefs" and "Confession of a Buddhist Atheist."
While Buddhism is generally rational and atheistic, it isn't Materialist
or Nihilist.

I'd invite comment.

http://www.mandalamagazine.org/archives/mandala-issues-for-2010/october/distorted-visions-of-buddhism-agnostic-and-atheist/
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 0 replies

Vajrasattva

$
0
0
Hi folks

Just having a little question about Vajrasattva purification.
Just found out (well I should have been more attentive I suppose)
that one does the mantra 21 times everyday to couter any daily
infractions to keep it from multipying.
Now since my Sadhana I'm practicing says "as many as possible"
I've been doing 7 - 14 everyday for 9 months.

Any good advice how to get back "on track" haha?
Doesn't karma also multiply?

Thanks
/Marcos
posted in Tibetan Buddhism - 11 replies
Viewing all 147 articles
Browse latest View live