February, 2011 | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Astrology

February 28, 2011 by Norma

2/28/2011 Monday

A thoughtful, sensitive energy prevails today. An odd lethargy is in the atmosphere, plus an awareness of the suffering of others. You know people need help, and it’s hard to decide what to do. Select the object of your attention carefully, and don’t dissipate your energy trying to do everything at once. It’s possible to fall into “Piscean Paralysis,” a state where you’re so overwhelmed by the suffering around you that you don’t do anything! Choose a person or cause that is close to you, and do your best to help. Acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. If you catch a cold, settle in with a warm bath and keep cozy. You are emotionally in tune with the world around you, which makes you the right person at the right time to help others. Teilhard de Chardin said, “The whole of life lies in the verb, ‘seeing.'” What do you see?

The daily astrology post affects everyone. Because individual charts vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently. Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some with children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Ancient Tribes Come Together at Amitabha Stupa

December 16, 2011February 27, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

At Jetsunma’s invitation Khenpo Norgey and representatives of the Hopi people participated at an event at the Amitabha Stupa in Sedona. The Hopis came to offer traditional songs at this land that is also considered sacred by the Hopis.

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

This is our Palyul Khenpo Norgay with Hopi representatives in ceremony together. This is sacred and beautiful.

This is Hopi Elder at the Amitaba Stupa. He made the Hopi Sacred songs, the story of the emergences. Powerful!

Oh, my. Here is where I start sobbing. Grandfather said the young ones were not picking up the sacred ways. Please offer prayer and share these precious Tibetan-Hopi images. May the ancient ones come together! EMAHO! AH HO! Please share the news of this meeting! These Ancient Brothers are precious caretakers of the Earth. Without them we are an empty shell. E H MA HO! Kye Ho! Ah HO! I am totally moved and filled with bliss to see this! The Hopi and Tibetan meeting, Ancient brothers!

Here is a cave opening, I dreamed the sacred stones were to your left as you look at it.

This is Reuben and his sons, apprentices to the sacred Hopi way.

Here is Reuben explaining how few Hopis are left and how so many have lost their way. Tears.

May these ancient Tribal Brothers Join for the sake of all sentient beings may our Elders grow in becoming. May we return to the sky, earth, rain and sacred fire together! Please forgive me I am thrilled and rejoicing at this extraordinary event.

As the meeting concluded, and communications from Jetsunma had been shared with Reuben, he stated, “We are connected all of us and we are connected again.”

Astrology

February 27, 2011 by Norma

2/27/2011 Sunday

Men and women are in sync emotionally, and a good plan can be hatched. Today the man is sensitive, the intuitive one, and the woman is all business. Ok, this works. Bad news may need to be absorbed, and it could seem a diversion has appeared. Something far more serious can present itself, eclipsing other issues. Remember it’s “first things first.” Deal with the most serious issue before you, this is no time to play or look for fun. W.H. Auden said, “About suffering they were never wrong, The Old Masters; how well they understood its human position; how it takes place while someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along.” Suffering is here, do your best to help.

Practical Advice on Giving Rise to Love

December 16, 2011February 26, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I feel as Buddhists we should not waste time making judgments about others. No grudges, no hate, no excuses.

As Dharma practitioners we should deepen in Bodhicitta and wisdom and abandon self-absorption and hatred. Or quit whining about your life.

As Buddhists, we must endeavor to help and love others, not just ourselves. Serve so others don’t suffer. Just love.

If we give nothing to anyone, do not respect others, need attention, are uncaring about other’s feelings and hearts, we are not Buddhists.

Never ruminate or whine if you are judged and slandered. Apply the antidote as the Buddha taught! Empathy and compassion for all!

As His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches: one needn’t be Buddhist to practice ordinary human kindness for a better world.

Americans love to eat out, go out to movies, and then eat more. Fix a healthy meal at home and play chess. Take the money saved and feed the poor.

We must abandon the ivory tower of preening ourselves with big words and pride. Climb down and do anything to help all beings!

Bodhicitta arises when we contemplate the conditions and sufferings of all beings! In private, in our inner space, love is born!

On our way to a lovely meal and evening out, we pass the homeless, a mangy, starving dog, a bully beating a child. We don’t even slow down.

Humility is hard. We start by allowing others their dignity. We continue when we see it was never ours to allow. Ice the cake with generosity.

Humility is hard. First we lift all others above our own heads. Then we recognize the Buddha in them. The icing on the cake is love.

To all of you who earnestly seek awakening and the birth of Bodhicitta I love you! Weak or strong I raise you up. I am your servant!

Dance of Emptiness – Part Two

December 16, 2011February 26, 2011 by Holly

This workshop introduces us to the world of emptiness, which is fullness, and all the paradox that implies. This is Part 2 of 5. Click here for Part One.

Astrology

February 26, 2011 by Norma

2/26/2011 Saturday

You have inched past a blockade, but be careful, it could come back if you rejoice too soon! Wait until the obstacle is no longer in your rear view mirror before you celebrate. Someone is 100% on your side, and this person is powerful! Be demure, accept favors gracefully, and don’t behave in a wild manner. Talks with others are extremely helpful and productive. Be sensitive, and follow your intuition in all cases. Beware of a wild, irresponsible person who needs to be tolerated but shouldn’t be taken seriously at this time. News from afar is unsettling. Foreign things and people are both sensitive and erratic. As the day progresses, a settled energy appears and real progress can be made. If a public position is offered, accept with caution. Be aware that you can accomplish good things, and at the same time you are making yourself vulnerable. Angie Papadakis said, “A leader who keeps his ear to the ground allows his rear end to become a target.” Wise words.

The Eighth Throne Holder

February 25, 2011 by Holly

The Third Karma Kuchen Rinpoche,

Orgyen Do-Ngag Chokyi Nyima

(1854 – 1906)

The third Karma Kuchen Rinpoche Do-ngag Chokyi Nyima was born in Ahlo Khateng in the fourteenth rabjung year of the Wood Tiger (1854). His birth was prophesied by a letter left behind by Karma Gyurmed, which clearly indicated the location of the birth. As befitted the birth of a great lama, light of rainbow colors suffused the sky and awe-inspiring resonances echoed through the air.

The fourteenth Karmapa gave Do-ngag Chokyi Nyima the Refuge Vow and soon after he was enthroned as the eighth Throne Holder at the Palyul Monastery. After he received the full ordination (gelong), he was given the formal name Orgyen Do-ngag Chokyi Nyima. Transmission from many sources including those of the Palyul tradition were given to Do-ngag Chokyi Nyima by Gyatrul Rinpoche, Washul Lama Sonam Namgyal, Khang-nang Lama Tashi Phuntsok, Dzogchen Dorje Rabten, Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lhatrul Pedma Garwang, Drubwang Drodul Pawo Dorje, and many other eminent masters of the time.

Do-ngag Chokyi Nyima’s mind was full of compassion for all sentient beings. Much as he wished to be in solitary retreat, he opted instead to follow his root guru Gyatrul Rinpoche’s advice and devoted his life to propagating Buddha Dharma. Regardless of how busy his schedule was, his personal practice started daily without fail at three in the morning. His successful attainment of having the mind inseparable from the four elements enabled him to perform many extraordinary deeds, which were deemed miraculous by others.

In the fifteenth rabjung year of the Fire Horse (1906), Chokyi Nyima dissolved into the pure realm of clear light. He was fifty-three years old. During the cremation ceremony, cloud formations resembling large tents manifested across an otherwise cloudless sky, accompanied by a mild shower of light rain. A large number of bone relics were found on the ground. These were gathered together and placed within a Stupa of gold and copper that was constructed to the left of the Avalokiteshvara temple.

Reference: Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies

Astrology

February 25, 2011 by Norma

2/25/2011 Friday

Have a serious conversation with an older person, a woman, a child or a family member. You can dispel the confusion someone is feeling and help him/her get back on track. A conversation with a man or an authority figure can clear up a problem. If a problem remains unsolved after many attempts, change the person who has been handling it. A new individual with a new outlook can open doors. Sometimes it isn’t “no,” it’s “no to that person.” Check to see if this is the case. Certain forward activity is blocked, and it’s the cause you want most to succeed. Wait, send a new emissary, and see what happens. J. K. Galbraith said, “There are few ironclad rules of diplomacy but to one there is no exception. When an official reports that talks were useful, it can safely be concluded that nothing was accomplished.” Send a new official!

Finding a New Well Within

February 24, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Things are splendid these days. And I am thrilled to be able to say so at last! We have endured some terrible times, to put it mildly. But now the light at the end of this tunnel is clearly visible.

Have any of you gone through horrible stuff that seems unending? It is hard to stay centered, hard to not be afraid, it is debilitating, ruins your health, etc. When the end can be seen it feels like liberation from chains and shackles being removed, although it really takes time to heal. I thought when some relief came I’d bounce right back. Not so. Takes time passing, medical help, counseling, learning to see yourself as whole, good, worthy, etc. I’m working on this, and I want to reach out to all and tell you if you are violated and attacked, your person or vocation, it will end. Nothing is permanent! You will recover! You can get help, emotional support, medical support, legal help, and you should nurture yourself, give yourself the love and self-respect you have lost. It is still in there somewhere, I believe.

As for myself I don’t feel I will ever the same. I will be well, but a different but it will have to be a new well. After so much hate and abuse it is not possible to be your “old self” again. It is damaged. So a new inner person must emerge. Again, it is still oneself. But changed. I feel, for me it will make me stronger. Must deal with bitterness, grief, rage, self hatred, feelings of betrayal, of being violated. That done we are free again to craft a good, wholesome, valuable life. One of benefit.

I want it all back, and will do all it takes to be well and real in every way! Thanks for listening!

Astrology

February 24, 2011 by Norma

2/24/2011 Thursday

Nothing much happens at first today, and then all of a sudden, a door opens! You must act quite carefully, since the open door is surrounded by three false doors. You don’t want to choose any of these. The open door is big, expansive, and obvious! The closed doors are subtle, tending to feed your ego, beguiling and seductive. Stay away! Try not to “spin your wheels,” perseverating about things that aren’t working. What to do? Be sensitive, thoughtful, and keep listening at all times. A special sort of intuition is present. Pay attention to the “vibe” you get about things. If someone is saying “yes” but your intuition tells you they mean “no,” believe it. Artistic creativity, medical treatments, and helping those in need, these things are highlighted today. Criminals will get caught, so don’t go down that road. Rumi said, “Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment. Cleverness is mere opinion, bewilderment is intuition.”