Uncategorized | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Setting Aside Judgment

June 27, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

The following is an excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called “Your Treasure is Heart”

We view our own liberation as non-dual with the liberation of others: As I reach liberation, as I move closer to enlightenment, I am more and more able to be of benefit to others. So I am interested in my own spiritual practice, interested in my own enlightenment for their sake, as well as for my sake. Of course, I am one of them. My own liberation and the liberation of others become non-dual, and we begin to understand that we are truly and utterly inseparable in essence and in truth.

So we begin by walking with these simple and mindful meditations. Now don’t get obsessive about it. If you forget to do it for an hour a day, just like anything else, you just climb back on. Judgment is useless—you can toss it out. What is needed, what you should cultivate, is the ability to view yourself honestly, without self-hatred. Self-hatred has no place on this path. Hatred of any kind has no place on this path. So, too, that kind of ridiculous judgment. I would prefer that you do not judge me as a Bodhisattva, expecting me to look or act a certain way. I would prefer that you do not judge yourself as a budding Bodhisattva to look and act a certain way, and thereby condemn and end your potency on the path. So don’t do it to me, and don’t do it to you. You won’t catch me doing it to me or you.

United States v. William Cassidy 8:11-cr-00091

January 9, 2012June 10, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Dialogue and critical thinking are valuable gifts we share as sentient beings. Freedom of belief and freedom of expression are valuable rights we cherish in our democracy. Hatred and violent threats, however, are neither valuable nor right. In recent years, Jetsunma and KPC have been threatened repeatedly and made the target of hateful, homophobic and misogynistic epithets.These threats were reported to law enforcement and, following a full investigation conducted by FBI and U.S. Department of Justice, federal criminal charges were filed in the case of United States v. William Cassidy, 8:11-cr-00091 and he has been charged with cyberstalking.

We understand from law enforcement that, as part of that criminal investigation, search warrants were executed upon the residences of both William Cassidy and an individual named Andrew Wilson. KPC has no comment on these matters and possesses no authority over the ultimate outcome of this criminal case. The matter now is up to the courts and our criminal justice system. KPC has cooperated fully with law enforcement requests and will continue to do so.

What matters remain in our hands and in the hands of all responsible, peace-seeking and law abiding citizens is our own behavior. Persons seeking the path of truth do not taunt and seek to hurt others through hateful and demeaning epithets directed at women and sexual orientation. That is not an esoteric concept but common decency. Hatred and fear wear many masks in our world but their true face is eventually revealed. We call upon all to engage in healthy dialogue and critical thinking free of hatred and fear. Love, forgiveness and acceptance are the way of peace and enlightenment.

Compassion, Wisdom and the Importance of Lineage

January 9, 2012May 22, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Palyul Nyingma Refuge Tree — Nam Cho Refuge Tree

The following is a series of tweets given by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on the importance of lineage:

Wisdom and Compassion are the two eyes of Mahayana. Wisdom is pure awareness of empty nature. Not book learning. Compassion is Boddhicitta. Boddhicitta is primordial fundamental uncontrived nature’s pristine display. To attain wisdom meditate on emptiness – the sublime view. To give rise to Boddhicitta, accomplish View, leading to the understanding that all beings are same in nature, and struggle to be happy. Ordinary human kindness will suffice in this life but the Great Boddhicitta accomplishment benefits every future life.

Wisdom is not taught in school. That is knowledge. Wisdom cannot come from books, only knowledge. Wisdom comes with the mind ripening at Guru’s feet. Neither ordinary kindness nor book knowledge bring Supreme Buddhahood- Liberation. Only Wisdom View and Boddhicitta’s nectar can. Ordinary thoughts and concepts from ordinary people are just that. Primordial Wisdom is more rare and precious than any jewel. When you find yourself lost in blah blah blah let it go like vanishing dew. Come back to Wisdom and Boddhicitta- pray, meditate. This is the method and the way of uncountable Buddhas and Bodhisattvas before you from practices handed down through Lineage. All empowerment passed through lineage can be traced back to the blessing of Guru Padmasambava and Consort in an unbroken chain of mastery.

Empowerment without lineage is not traceable to original source. Never take empowerment without tracing through Lineage. If not traceable from Guru to student through out the centuries it is likely tainted by broken Samaya or is totally made up. Taking impure empowerment is like drinking poison and will destroy your path and progress. Every pure Lama gives lineage of empowerment.

Astrology

May 22, 2011 by Norma

This is a day to use your intelligence. Pull all your thinking together, aim it in one direction, and you can’t go wrong. Women friends are especially helplful, as are all friends. Two forces are favorable. First, the intellectual realm is powerful, and next the material or financial realm is strong. Give each its due and try not to mix the two together, because today they work against each other. Move forward cheerfully and at a careful pace. A steady growth is promised. Anya Bass said, “Yesterday’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery. I try to live in the present.” Excellent advice for today.

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

April 12, 2011 by Norma

This is an excellent day for an important accomplishment, and you feel proud of yourself. Dress up! Appearance is crucial today, you could find yourself on the front page of the newspaper or on tv. Be sure you look good! You could be an “ad hoc” spokesperson for a cause. Someone could look to you for leadership, be ready! Seneca said “Life is like a play: it’s not the length, but the excellence of the acting that matters.” You must play your part well and with dignity today, and the results will be excellent. Leaders are magnanamous and inspiring.

Astrology

April 11, 2011 by Norma

Gently avoid an emotional showdown with someone. Even if you win, you’ll lose. The problem is the times, things are so exciting and so new that it’s hard to settle down or relax. Spend time on communications, spread the word. A powerful force is pushing things forward in a surprising, new way. A voice keeps urging you to think things over, to take it slow. Be nice to that voice, but do not allow yourself to be stopped or diverted. If you’re a writer, you can create something that inspires and lifts people’s spirits. Healing is excellent, and artists have new inspiration. Individual activity is favored over group activity. This can feel strange, but the new mode is a “go it alone” one. Self starters are succeeding. Send out scouts and see what message comes back. It is a brand new time.

Astrology

March 29, 2011 by Norma

3/29/2011 Tuesday

Consensus! Agreement! A deal is negotiated, at last! It’s a good day to put yourself in the public eye and to speak of things that offer encouragement to others. If someone has been shamed or defeated, give that person time to make amends or depart in peace. Don’t kick any one who is down. An old matter is successfully wrapped up, and long awaited news can come. A new leader can suddenly appear, not someone you might have thought of. If the person is optimistic, broad minded and able to relate to almost everyone, it’s a go! On a different front, matters of health and creativity are in the final stages of completion. Move quickly to wrap up outstanding issues. Finish creative projects as soon as you can, time is running out here. A change is coming, and things not finished will remain unfinished if you don’t act immediately. Al Batt said, “It is easy to sit up and take notice. What is difficult is getting up and taking action.” Well?

Astrology

March 28, 2011 by Norma

3/28/2011 Monday

This is an excellent day to build a group consensus for action. And action is still the name of the game. Men and women get along famously, and friends from afar let you know they are on your side. You almost can’t fail, if you keep your eye on your goal and remember that two sides must be satisfied for success. The power of the old regime, the old guard, in any situation, is declining. The new way of thinking, the upstart, is gaining power. The question arises: if the old goes, what replaces it? Today is a combination of forward action and decision-making. Everyone’s wishes need to be taken into consideration. Those who have worked hardest have the greatest say. No calling the shots if you haven’t done the work! If you find yourself in an isolated position, if nobody agrees with you, consider that you may not be in tune with the times. Change. Make your deal while the other side is in a good mood, before they lose patience. Beauty is still beautiful. It’s good to take small breaks and enjoy whatever inspires you.

Astrology

March 27, 2011 by Norma

3/27/2011 Sunday

If you get through the early part of today without a disagreement or being misunderstood, count yourself as lucky. The tide turns toward evening, and you start having fun. Any medical issue resolves well, and you’re quite sensitive and creative. A hunch or intuitive perception about a problem is very accurate. Exercise is excellent today, especially swimming. You have become sensitized to others in a new way, and your ability to detect and understand people’s difficulties has really expanded. Someone lets you know that they are aware of all you’ve been through, and this is a great comfort to you. A new form of beauty is present in the world; you can see it. Spend time enjoying art, music, poetry, or any form of creativity that interests you. Do something that relaxes and inspires you. Have fun. This has been an intense time. Joe Namath said, “When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.”

Astrology

March 26, 2011 by Norma

3/26/2011 Saturday

Be quite careful how you approach others today. You are enthusiastic, and others are formal, inflexible and inclined toward conservatism. If you push too hard, you’ll be pushed back. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Be sincere; be brief; be seated.” This is excellent advice for today. Be careful. If you act precipitately, you could actually offend both sides of a negotiation, not unlike a cop called to a domestic dispute who becomes the target of aggression. Tiptoe into situations and be respectful of everyone. If you are the one who is taking offense, if the shoe is on the other foot, calm down and consider others’ deepest wishes. Today the mediator’s suggestions are all wrong and can actually make the situation worse. What to do? Relax and enjoy life. Take a break. Artists are especially creative, and all forms of entertainment are favorable. Plus, your friends still love you!