Teachings | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Condensed Amitaba Practice

September 5, 2011December 29, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Buddha Amitabha Downloadable Image — Buddha Amitaba Downloadable Image

I’d like to address the very newest Dharma practitioners, and offer the #METHOD I speak so often and so fondly of. All can benefit.

Many are interested in Buddhism, read and think about it, enjoy it’s thoughtfulness. But the main point of Dharma is accomplishment.

One can be a friend of Dharma, a supporter, collector, even a Guru junkie! But the point of Dharma is awakening, + method applied.

There are no quick and easy routes, no magic buttons, no gadgets, no tincture of this or that worth the money or effort. Dharma is free.

All you really need is a comfy cushion, a quiet sacred space, a Mala (prayer beads) an image relating to your practice really helps.

Most practice requires empowerment (Wang) breath transmission (Lung), and the Lama’s commentary. Therefore one needs a qualified Guru.

Fortunately, through compassion, certain Buddhas have made themselves more accessible in these times. One is Buddha Amitaba.

Amitaba vowed that anyone speaking His Mantra or even hearing it, He would liberate at death, thus accomplishing Dharma in one life.

Practicing Amitaba, then, is swift and extraordinary, can be done without wang or lung if the strong vow is made to seek these out asap.

As quickly as possible these tweets will be arranged usefully with an image of Amitaba for practice. Now, settle onto your cushion.

Allow the mind to simply relax and clear. Practice makes perfect, you will improve in time. The body is relaxed but the spine straight,

The legs should be crossed Indian style or Lotus style, but comfortable.

THE PRACTICE

Instantly in the space in front-above arises Buddha Amitaba.

He is red in color, one face, 2 hands resting in His lap, palms up w/knuckles touching. This mudra symbolizes meditative equipoise.

He is holding a begging bowl and wearing robes of ordination, seated in Lotus Posture. He is surrounded with His retinue of Sublime ones.

As we are awed by His splendor we take refuge with body, speech, and mind.

“Buddha Amitaba I take refuge in you in this and every life” repeat 3 x

Then, thinking kindly of all sentient beings, recite:

“For the sake of beings I give rise to the Bodhicitta so all may benefit” repeat 3 x

If you have a PURE Lama, consider that while the appearance is Amitaba, the essence is identical to one’s Root Guru. If not, get one.

Then hold the mala and recite Mantra, counting with beads. One full Mala is 108 reps.

The mantra; OM AMI DEWA HRI is repeated 108 times.

While reciting, one concentrates on compassion as motivation, the extraordinary qualities of Amitaba, the yearning for Liberation in one life.

So the mind should be filled with pure Devotion and wholesome yearning, and Kindness toward all beings, every one, animals, ALL.

After at least one full Mala of Mantra, recite:

“I prostrate to Amitaba Buddha!”

“May I be reborn in the pure realm of great bliss”

Then Amitaba and his entourage dissolve into light, and pour into top of one’s head (crown). And mixes like milk and water with one’s mind.

“And may all sentient beings without exception be placed in that very state.”

That’s a VERY short condensed method, taken from Nam Cho.

The best thing to do is make a commitment to do this practice every day. It is in the commitment and the doing that benefits,

Along with the very sacred Mantra and the blessing it holds. Therein lays benefit and accomplishment. Samaya.

Some links you may find helpful:

How To Use a Mala

A List of Palyul Centers Around the World

The Importance of Following an Accomplished Teacher

September 5, 2011December 28, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

The lucky one is (s)he who has spiritual discrimination. A clear sign that one has made progress on the path. There’s so much empty jargon. Many people pass around their learned and personal wisdom, which indeed, is precious and to be respected. It’s progress! Spiritual discrimination is seeing the difference between that communal sharing and an accomplished and qualified Guru to follow. The entire spiritual community is strong, and growing, yearning, expressing, sharing, and loving! Hurray! Yet we must find a true Master.

I see the Lamas of Palyul, for instance. Taught and trained, profound and accomplished Lineage Masters, only here to enlighten us. These great Lamas live and die to liberate sentient beings from the sufferings of Samsara, return life after life for that alone. That is something different from the great ocean of seekers, thinkers, poets, philosophers that we meet online and in life.

In Vajrayana we hear: “Why cross the ocean of suffering in a ship captained by one who has not yet themselves made the journey?” Or “Why invest in a belief that has not produced even one fully Enlightened Buddha?” Or “why travel a path not yet even one century old, and one cannot see the result?” If a man creates his own path, should YOU follow? If we do not know the value of their path, not having seen the result, why go there? Why cross in a ship untested? Maybe it is flawed! So we are advised to practice method and follow Lineage tested and proven over centuries and traceable lifetimes.

I read a claim by a man that he had changed Yoga to make a way to get enlightened immediately. The man looked middle age. Big ego. It is so much better to share one’s insights freely, love each other, learn from each other, but discriminate on path and guru. Or else we just have a bunch of well meaning sweeties walking around in spiritual circles, blind leading blind. It is kinda silly, especially when there are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taking rebirth consciously, solely for the sake of all beings. That’s cosmic Love!

Not just talking heads, yada yada. A Guru must provide method to attain, or what good are they? You can’t talk your way to Liberation! Sweet, loving, syrupy, flattering words are wonderful to see and taste. But are not the food of the Sublime Awakening!

If a “teacher” butters you up with flattery, pretty words, crazy promises, or says their blessing ALONE will Liberate-RUN! They are politicians! They flatter and cajole for their own egocentric reasons. You will yourself receive no benefit at all. Except for a swollen puffed up ego.

The path of results, of Liberation requires daily effort, practice, mindfulness, and compassion, constantly developing! A living path! A true path, like Vajrayana requires that you CHANGE. Utterly, completely- as we are awakening to Buddhahood. Old ways are abandoned. That old ego’s gotta go to make real progress! It ain’t for sissies. If one has been spiritual for 20 years and remains the same, there is no benefit.

Are you willing to change? Learn something new? Take a giant step that may -WILL rock your world? That is the student I value most. We cannot remain the same, in our comfort zone, no new intake, same old spiritual mumblings and hope to attain Buddhahood.

If you were my own sweet babe in my arms, I would not teach you different. There is a lot to buy and sell, but nourishment is RARE! Your true nature is the fundamental ground, Primordial Luminosity. You are Buddha! Do not throw yourself away! Awaken! AWAKEN to your Nature! Lord Buddha said as He left this world: “I have given you METHOD! Now work out your own Liberation!” And that is exactly how it is.

Gyaltrul Rinpoche, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo and His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

Discernment and the Spiritual Friend

September 5, 2011December 26, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets:

So many Spiritual teachers today are deeply invested in being a teacher solely out of ego, are only giving and loving when adored.

How sad, like the blind leading the blind over a cliff. If a teacher puts someone down because the person will not follow- watch out.

There you have a demon in disguise, and locked into defending their own ego. What has such a teacher to offer? Nothing. Ego.

Yet we see this all the time. If a teacher has doubts about those that do not automatically fall under their spell they R as dust.

In fact, if a teacher is not completely impartial, where is their realization? Should I have less loving concern for one who will not follow?

That kind of teacher can be bought and paid for and are of absolutely no use. They sell Dharma for power + approval, are addicts themselves.

Wisdom and compassion cannot be bought, faked, created, rented, copied. Only when ego is destroyed is there progress.

Wisdom and compassion are naturally occurring when ego is pacified. Ego is a contrivance, and must be dismantled brick by brick.

Therefore if a teacher is flattering and pumping your ego up, they are buying it, and you. Like a slave you are sold into bondage.

As the ego is puffed up larger and larger, neurosis, fear, hatred greed and ignorance rise up and overcome. Spirit sickens, dies.

If some “teacher” is buying you with praise and flattery, it will certainly be taken back when you do not agree completely.

Likewise, if a teacher will reflect bad qualities back so they may be purified, is willing to go toe to toe, can then still LOVE,

You can comfortably and with confidence call that one GURU. If they have credentials and compassion, you are truly home.

If you were my own babe at breast, I would not tell you differently, and would always offer the milk of Bodhicitta!

Guru Rinpoche & the Inner Work of Vajrayana

September 5, 2011December 22, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

In Dharma, one of the most important jobs we have is to fight and pacify our inner poisons. They are our inner demons, and that is the work. At the same time we must enrich and grow our virtue, our good qualities. This is a mirror to the way Guru Padmasambhava entered Tibet.

When Guru entered Tibet he was met with Demons and local demi-gods. The Bon religion existed there and these demons were associated. Guru Rinpoche defeated all of them with debate and miraculous powers, including flying above them. He won over some demons and made them holy protectors. Those unwilling to be oath bound were destroyed.

Then Guru Padmasambhava could enter Tibet. There he gathered translators and worked. Guru Rinpoche translated Dharma from Sanskrit to Tibetan. Due to His power, purity and virtue Tibet became a great land of Dharma.

We must do the same thing in our own minds. Conquer our own demons and make the way for Dharma to take root. Then move forward and develop.

So Dharma is not a bland tutti-frutti faith and path. Vajrayana is meant to change one’s habits, non-virtues, so it is powerful. It can cut!

Vajrayana is potent, and should not be mixed with anything else. It cannot be changed or it loses its potency. And I can tell you it is not for the weak. It requires self-honesty and pure intention. It requires us to abandon the mentality of materialism and ordinary view.

Self-honesty can be brutal. Ask ANY recovering alcoholic. We are all addicts to samsara. We like the hit, the buzz, all of it. So there is real inner work to be done. Can’t just sit and contrive “blissing out”- anyone can do that. The idea is this IS relative reality.

We ARE experiencing old age, sickness and death. So there MUST be a remedy SO POWERFUL to awaken us to Buddhahood! It ain’t Kansas anymore.

Spiritually we must break lifetimes of habit and confusion! That takes work, a dedicated life. That is why Guru Padmasambava said Vajrayana is the right way for THIS time called Kaliyuga, the time of degeneration. And Enlightenment is more easily gained. As samsara is thick, so is the door of Liberation more firmly opened to those who work it.

This is the essence of THIS method. If you were my very own babe I would not, could not tell you different. This is the wisdom and clarity of the great Bodhicitta, the milk of awakening. From the very heart of Dharma, the Precious Guru, it is offered to you.

Om AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG! Samaya EH MA HO.

Advice for the Vajrayana Practitioner

September 5, 2011December 21, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

When following the path of Vajrayana, there are steps one must take just as they are. They are the technology, or method.

Method must be accomplished as taught in each Lineage. If you mix it up, or combine with other methods there will be no result.

Some people sample Buddhism and mix it up with Hinduism, New Ageism, shamanism, etc. all are fine but Vajrayana should NEVER be mixed.

Vajrayana Masters say this constantly. If mixed with other views purity and potency are watered down, so no benefit. Samaya is ruined.

Practitioners are constantly warned to follow step by step until true realization. If one simply dabbles, Vajrayana is not for you.

Each step is practiced until accomplished for the benefit of sentient beings- it is said one is of benefit when enlightened.

Many people through ordinary human kindness can be helpful; but not like a Buddha, Supreme Guide.

Until one reaches tenth Bhumi level, one can still fall to the lower realms, revolving in confusion and lost in delusion, how sad.

To say Enlightenment is not possible, or is irrelevant is false Dharma. Even if one means well, this is spiraling downward.

Please abandon such wrong view and wrong activity, you are harming others! This is not kind. Not what Buddha taught.

Guru Rinpoche the peerless Vajra Master taught like this; that with intense practice one can attain realization in this life. EMAHO!

NEVER abandon that promise made by Guru Padmasambava at the very cost of your life! It is the great hope of humankind.

These are the sacred unalterable truths of Dharma, of Tantric Buddhism, and if polluted, are polluted for all

This is why Lineage is essential; to hold and confer the Dharma in pure succession, untainted, from a pure Lineage Master!

Following the path of Vajrayana purely, one will never be duped, or confused, the way is as straight as an arrow!

May pure Dharma, even in these dark times always be available to the sea of beings as vast as the sky! May we never abandon Bodhicitta!

Sang Wisdom

September 5, 2011December 12, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Sang Wisdom to the Fire, “Warm me.” And he replied, “Breathe, Beloved,” for he knew her breath was fire too. So she did, and the cycle was complete.

Cried Wisdom to the fire, “Carry me.” And he replied, “Sing, Beloved!” For he knew that the sound of ecstasy was a song he had heard and never forgotten, once, and very soon again. So she did. And the nectar of love filled the worlds.

Called Wisdom to the fire, “I cannot see you! Come to me!” And he replied, “Close your eyes, Beloved,” for he knew that Wisdom is innocent of time and space. So she did, and she remembered.

Thus the magical empowerment of the Divine Consorts was born again, and filled the worlds.

The sweetness tasted again of what has always been- ONE.

Written by JAL Nov 1996

May blessings prevail!

Willingness to Change

September 5, 2011December 8, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

I love people of #FAITH who commit to compassion,tolerance,wisdom, making the world better. People who jerk others around w/their ego? Nah.

I would not want to just take up space, and contribute nothing to the world community.

If I see simple kindness in a human heart I will joyfully accept that one as a student. As a friend and ally.

If I see a gossip, or someone who causes division in the spiritual community I will work to correct it. I believe in love

If I see a student of moderate accomplishment but has come a long way, they are a jewel to me.

If I see a student with tremendous potential but making no progress on the path I am saddened. I cannot help.

Many of my students have made much progress in this very life and have worked hard. I am so proud and joyful!

Then some find the path and lose it. Some spiral down quickly by abandoning the Guru and following confusion. How sad.

In Vajrayana it is possible to repair broken vows. It requires courage and effort. The ball is ALWAYS in your court.

May those having lost their way always find the Supreme Nirmanakaya! May dullness and fever fall away, clarity return!

May all sentient beings be Liberated in this very lifetime! OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG!

Be a Smart Shopper in Today’s Spiritual Supermarket

December 7, 2009 by Holly

The following are tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo from December 7, 2009 on the importance of lineage

The dumbest thing you can do is build the ego by claiming spiritual capacity about oneself. Better others to say from experience.

The Buddha taught that to claim enlightenment without attaining it is a heinous fault. A lie to others + oneself, harmful.

I have never claimed for myself anything other than what my Tsawei Lama and our Lineage has said. What would be the benefit?

Be extremely careful with a “teacher” who recognizes themselves without the benefit of Guru and Lineage. They may be harmful to you.

Most important to know- who is their Guru! What is their lineage? Where is their Sangha? Where is their accomplishment of benefit?

And certainly one should examine their qualities. Are they truly compassionate, care for others? How? Do they have wisdom? Or just B.S.?

When we think we have found a suitable Lama/Guru we should take time to examine them, their activities. Check- today we have Google!

When walking the path to Liberation the last thing we need is a snake-oil salesman. And they are out there. I know of some.

You have to be a major CREEP to seduce innocent spiritual seekers when you have nothing true to offer. A con artist!

If the need to be a Guru is so strong that one is compelled to invent one’s status then one is Not a Guru, but is an egomaniac.

If you meet such a one as that RUN for your #spiritual life! Fast! Never put your #PATH in the hands of a charlatan!

There are many pure Lamas who willingly show their credentials and teach from a purely preserved line of accomplished Masters, or Lineage.

It is through that unbroken line of accomplished Masters that the essential mind ripening blessings are passed. Not from ego.

So be careful out there! In today’s spiritual supermarket they are selling a LOT of BALONEY! Google, search, watch, be sure.

You can find out more about Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on the About Us page, and also on Tara.org. A Garland of Immortal Wish-Fulfilling Trees: The Palyul Tradition of Nyingmapa provides a more complete discussion of the Palyul lineage and the lives of the extraordinary Palyul lineage holders.

Meditating Feet

September 5, 2011November 15, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

I’ve been a little off lately-
Voices from the past
A tender dream I had that could not last
Better get my meditating feet on the ground.
Them old Blues is coming round.

Quiet my heart, don’t be misled.
Need to put this story straight to bed.
Do some contemplation in my head.
What’s done is done, and I done bled.

Beat the odds, and I survived
Now I need to feel the love inside.
See, what I get is what I provide
Loving freely really opens your eyes!

Still those Blues keep coming round.
Tiny little feet, great big sound.
Get those meditating feet on the ground
Stick with truth, who’s lost is found

I know that’s true, and true don’t lie
Cling to happy and it makes you cry
Try to hold on, you moan and sigh
Just let go, and try to fly.
Don’t let those voices make you cry.

Better Listen

September 5, 2011November 5, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Crazy Wisdom lives inside my head.
Holy dreams when I go to bed
Bitter tears that I cannot shed
Ya better listen.

So much suffering that we cannot see
That’s the way it will always be.
Until you yourself set your mind free
Ya gotta listen.

When your only dream is about yourself
And your heart so cold you love no one else.
Will you die this way? Or ask for help?
Ya better listen.

I know only love is worth our time.
Will we reach our bliss with a life sublime
Or just continue to run blind?
Ya gotta listen!