November, 2012 | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Astrology

November 17, 2012 by Norma

You have calmed down and gotten serious, just in the nick of time. Sober judgment replaces wild-eyed zealotry. You look things coldly in the eye and assess what can and can’t be fixed. Then you get to work. Slow and steady wins this race. Father Time is in charge of improvements and his motto is, “I may be slow, but I go, go, go.” You will complete every single task on your list, and you will look neither left nor right until you do. And you will take your own sweet time about it. The seniority system applies here, and upstarts who think they can jump the line because they are better qualified will be sent straight to the back. Things are actually getting done. Those who want to have fun need to wait till after hours
or leave the scene. Progress is being made!

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!

Astrology

November 16, 2012 by Norma

A jaunty, brisk energy permeates the day. Run around, do errands, fix things energetically. It’s a great day for enthusiastic engagement motivated by inner change. You are aligning yourself correctly, in a way that is favorable for the future, and this releases energy previously tied by unresolved issues. Step aside if you see people moving swiftly, they are in no mood for dawdlers. If it’s possible to make philosophical home improvements, you’ll do it! (“Every kid deserves a south-facing window in their bedroom!”). Be careful not to go overboard and press your views on others. They have their own opinions. But do stick to your ideas. Carl Schurz said, “Ideals are like the stars. We never reach them, but like the mariners on the sea, we chart our course by them.” It’s a good day to argue legal matters and to write letters to the editor, setting people straight. Later, you’ll get off your high horse and settle down to some serious work. You deserve a rest.

Contempt Toward the Vajra Family: The Third Root Downfall

November 15, 2012 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

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

4.b.3.(b.3) Expressing contempt toward the vajra family:

The third is becoming angry toward general, distant, close and immediate relatives; holding a grudge; and showing jealousy, disrespect and so forth.

In general, all sentient beings are considered to be our relatives. Even closer are those who have entered the path of Dharma. Closer still are those who have entered Vajrayana, since those who have the same lama are considered to be children of the same father. Those who have received empowerment together at the same time are children of the same parents. Those who received empowerment first are the elders, and those who received it at the same time are likened to twins born into the mandala simultaneously. To express or to hold anger in one’s mind toward any of these near or distant vajra relatives, or out of jealousy to harm them with body and speech, to speak harshly to them, or to argue with them and express their faults, constitutes the third root downfall. It is especially important to be careful toward the innermost vajra family, because to fight with or abuse them in any way accrues extremely negative karma that is difficult to remove.

Astrology

November 15, 2012 by Norma

You are backing up into a correct understanding of circumstances, thanks to Mercury retrograde. Looking into the past, or having the past come back to haunt you, is a good thing today. Put the information you now have to good use, and you will be happy with your progress. Your own manner of thinking and feeling is up for review. Do you have Hell on speed dial? Is negative or harmful thinking your pattern: resentment, hatred, bitterness, self pity? Do you still go up in flames when you discuss certain topics? Now is the time to examine your mind and change. Once the introspection is done, or perhaps during it, a happy trip, message or conversation brightens the day. Good news! Confucius said, “If, when you look into your own heart, you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about, what is there to fear?” Fix yourself and you fix the world today.

Contradicting the Buddha’s Words: The Second Root Downfall

November 14, 2012 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

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

4.b.3(b.2) Contradicting the Buddha’s words:

The second concerns the utterance of the sugatas, who reveal what to accept and what to reject. This includes the lama’s speech. To knowingly contradict it by engaging in unwholesome conduct is the second downfall.

The words of the sugatas clearly reveal the path of what to accept and what to reject in accordance with the advice given by one’s lama. The Tripitaka and the four tantras all qualify as the sugata’s utterance. Ignoring these teachings, acting in opposition to the three trainings (prātimoksa, bodhisattva, and Vajrayana), and displaying such conduct in front of others transgresses the Buddha’s speech. This downfall is second in weight to directly disrespecting the vajra master.

Astrology

November 14, 2012 by Norma

Express your true feelings today, the ones you hold deeply and sincerely. Say the things that have needed to be said for some time. You are still involved in cleaning up matters from the past, and an explanation may be appropriate. You or someone can sort out a mystery that heals a wound. Plumbing the depths of things is what’s happening, and new understanding abounds. Out in the world, you may learn that the reason your checks keep bouncing is someone got ahold of your atm card. Margaret Lewerth said, “The truth is not always dressed for the evening.” Mysteries are cleared up. Take action on matters large and small, now that you know what you’re dealing with! Love is wonderful. Your partner would choose you again, given the chance! Happiness abounds.

Disrespecting the Vajra Master: From “Perfect Conduct”

November 13, 2012 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

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

The fourteen root downfalls are explained as follows:

The fourteen root downfalls are likened to the trunk of a fruit-bearing tree. In dependence upon the trunk, all the branches and leaves develop. If the trunk deteriorates, the entire tree will tumble down. Likewise, the root vows are like the trunk, and if they are guarded it is through them that all noble qualities of the path develop. Otherwise, if the trunk is damaged, this becomes the root cause for falling to the lowest hell realm, where there is no chance for liberation and where unbearable suffering is endured. To avoid this, it is necessary to carefully guard against these fourteen.

4.b.3(b) An extensive explanation of the fourteen:

4.b.3(b.1) Disrespecting the vajra master:

The first concerns heartfelt disrespect for the vajra master who has been kind in the three ways. To belittle him or disturb his mind is the first downfall because of its weight.

The vajra master is one who has bestowed empowerment, transmissions, and pointing-out instructions. These are the three expressions of kindness because they make transmission complete according to inner tantric practice. In addition, the vajra master is one who has given a direct introduction to the nature of the mind. Being disrespectful to such a master, either directly through body and speech or indirectly through one’s mind, or opposing the advice given by him or harming or disturbing those who are in the lama’s immediate retinue, qualifies as the first and heaviest downfall. This is the first of the fourteen root downfalls because of the strength of the weight of negative karma it carries.

The vajra master should be cherished as the essential nature of all buddhas and should, therefore, be the principle object of one’s devotion, admiration, and respect. Moreover, in dependence upon one’s relationship with the vajra master, all noble qualities of the path, as well as the resultant qualities, are developed. If one allows the precious relationship between oneself, as the disciple, and the irreplaceable vajra master deteriorate in the ways described above, then whatever meditation one aspires to accomplish will only be the cause for birth as a rudra. One must therefore be extremely careful.

The second root downfall will be posted tomorrow…

Astrology

November 13, 2012 by Norma

Don’t oversleep; you could miss something important! Confused thinking and lost items can happen early in the day. Beyond this, it’s a great day to hunker down and deal with life and death issues. Plan for what will happen when you are no longer here. Think big and take everything into consideration. Is this depressing? No, unless your head is buried in the sand and you deny mortality. Scorpio is cheered up by things that most signs consider beyond thought, mainly death. Why? Because once the death question is faced and handled, life is a breeze. Non-essentials drop off quickly. Everyone has some Scorpio so this includes everyone. If you plan for the end, you open the door to a new now. Joshua Liebman said, “The great thing about life is that we have the privilege of growing. We can learn new skills, engage in new kinds of work, devote ourselves to new causes; make new friends.” Now that you’re prepared to die, you are ready to live!

The Golden Plate: Children’s VIDEO based on Buddhist Jataka Tales

November 12, 2012November 12, 2012 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

See more Children’s Videos in the Children’s Corner!

Astrology

November 12, 2012 by Norma

Nothing much happens on the “important” front today, no big speeches, deals or negotiations. This is relaxing in itself. You’ll keep busy, of course, but the action relates to interpersonal relationships, messages from a distance and travel. A hunch or intuition is correct; a woman or family member gives significant information. Look at big picture matters, stretch your mind forward in time and take everything into consideration. Think of people you will interact with in the future and plan accordingly. Wendell Wilkie said, “I learned that there are no distant points in the world any longer. Our thinking in the future must be worldwide.” Make your contacts so everything is ready. With Mercury retrograde, you might have forgotten something or someone. Check, check and check your schedule. As the day progresses, you’ll need to deal with a serious matter, and you’ll be glad you gave yourself time.
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!