Disrespecting Other Religious Philosophies: The Sixth Root Downfall

The following is respectfully quoted from “Perfect Conduct” with commentary by Dudjom Rinpoche:

4.b.3(b.6) Disrespecting other religious philosophies and doctrines:

The sixth is criticizing the philosophical doctrines of heretics searching for a path, šravakas and pratyekas on the path, and the great path of Mahāyāna.

The first aspect of this downfall is to disrespect any Buddhist or non-Buddhist, especially if they are searching for a spiritual path and are practicing methods through which they can achieve spiritual understanding or freedom and if one has no intention of guiding them to a higher pursuit. The second is to disrespect those who have entered upon the path that renounces cyclic existence, such as the šravakas and pratyekas. In addition, the six root downfall concerns those who are on the great path of Mahāyāna, which eliminates the two extremes. To claim that the philosophies of these spiritual pursuits are untrue and pointless, and to then show blatant disrespect toward their practices, constitutes the root downfall.

Astrology

Almost perfect symmetry occurs today!  Medical treatments, required from the past, go very well. Artistic projects succeed, and personal support is wonderful.  Someone says the right thing to pacify a troubled soul.  Stabilizing aspects solidify people and things.  Avoid the tendency to engage in a “last ditch” appeal or project today, and you’ll really want to.  The situation will be so different tomorrow you’ll wonder if you’re on the same planet.  Do not push people or situations.  What comes back will be stronger and more fearsome than you imagined.  Don’t feel the need to stand up for yourself against the powers that be, you won’t succeed.  Today everything soft succeeds and everything hard meets something harder.  Back off the hard stuff.  Lin Yutang said, “Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.”

Astrology

A difference of opinion appears with someone you care for.  That you care is what creates the problem.  Financial matters are tricky, and affection is not a reason to let yourself get scalped by a bad deal. Back off on fundraising today, it goes awry and can result in hurt feelings.  An authority figure is full of power and ideas and this person has the ability to stabilize a situation that has become wobbly.  Something is being steadily re-built, and this is where true progress lies.  Imagine a bombed-out city under re-construction or a dilapidated house in the process of renovation.  Something that has died is being reborn, brought back to life.  This includes structures and, ahem, people.  If you have let yourself slip, now is the time for rehabilitation!  Remember, fixing things from the past is the theme these days.  Avoid those who think repair is impossible, they are obstructing progress.   Samuel Johnson said, “Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.”

Astrology

It’s a great day for friendly contacts.  You can receive good news about a friend or group, and your associations are going well.  In fact groups are your support system today, so stay close to you primary group.  At the same time, do not co-mingle funds with your friends or group members.  You won’t see that money again and the relationship will be damaged.  Shakespeare said, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” and this is today’s message.  Serious financial matters prevail, and this is an important time to pay off any debts you have.  Just don’t ask friends to help out.  Need a loan?  Go to the bank!  Have no ulterior motives in your interactions with others today.  Love is grand.

Astrology

A cold reception hurts someone’s feelings, and it’s due to all thework in progress.  Someone wants to spend time with those who are on assignment.  Careful explanation is the key to success.  People who enjoy working in partnership will be stunned to realize that they aren’t needed for this job.  It doesn’t take two people to plunge the commode, one to work and one to chat.  If this has been your style, be prepared to change styles.  A hard-working person is inspired and can create a masterpiece, just what was dreamed of.  The old guard is favorably aligning with a new way of doing things.  At last!  All the introspection and change is bearing fruit.  It’s painful, yes, to see where you’ve gone astray.  Arnold Glasow said, “The truth will ouch.” It isn’t over yet, but you are watching a flawed system fix itself.  Pay attention, be supportive and don’t block the process.

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!

The Essence of the Path: by Dudjom Rinpoche

The following is respectfully quoted from “Counsels from My Heart” by Dudjom Rinpoche as translated by the Padmakara Translation Group: 

To my Lord of Dharma, peerless, kind
My glorious Lama, homage!
His lotus feet I place
Upon my chakra of great bliss.

Here is my advice,
Some counsel useful for your mind.

Not to keep yourself from evil actions
Is to have no pratimoksha,
Not to work for others’ welfare
Is to have no bodhicitta.
Not to master pure perception
Is to have no Secret Mantra.
If illusions don’t collapse,
There is no realization.
If you opt for one side or the other,
That is not the View.
If you have a goal in mind,
That is not the Meditation.
If your conduct is a contrivance,
That is not the Action.
If you hope and wish,
You’ll have no Fruit.

Those with faith will go for refuge;
Those who have compassion will have bodhicitta;
Those with wisdom will gain realization;
Those who have devotion harvest blessings.

Those who have a sense of shame are careful how they act;
Careful in their actions, they are self-possessed;
Self-possessed, they keep their vows and pledges;
Keeping vows and pledges, they will have accomplishment.

Peaceful self-control: the sign of one who’s heard the teachings!
Few defiled emotions are the mark of one who meditates.
Harmony with others is the sign of one who practices.
A blissful heart is witness to accomplishment.
The root of Dharma is your very mind.
Tame it and you’re practicing the Dharma.
To practice Dharma is to tame your mind–
And when you tame it, then you will be free!

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