Tibetan Buddhist Altar

The Honest Truth

January 9, 2012May 17, 2011 by Holly

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An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called “How Buddhists Think”

The first step in achieving the cessation of suffering as prescribed by the Buddha is to understand samsara, or cyclic existence. This tends to be difficult for Westerners. They often come to the path assuming that it’s all about “love and light” or about being positive. This is not Buddhist thinking.

As Buddhists wishing to attain knowledge, we must examine the faults of cyclic existence fully and completely. We must understand why cyclic existence doesn’t work. We Westerners don’t want to spend any time on that: we tend to fool ourselves into thinking we’re happy until we get old and die. “There is just too much to do,” we say. “We can’t sit around being sad all the time. Shouldn’t we just think positive?”

That is really how Westerners think when they come to this path. “I’m okay,” they say, “but now I want to figure out how to be better. I want to be spiritual too.”

According to Buddhism, that is absolutely wrong thinking. In order to attain awareness in the Buddhist sense, one must understand the faults of cyclic existence.

The Buddha’s teaching is extremely logical, and very real. So we must enter this path not with blind faith but with our eyes wide open. If you think that to practice the Buddha’s teaching is about coming into an amazing place with exotic wall hangings and sitting around being bliss-ninnies, you’ve got it wrong. Here you’re going to get real, very real. You’re going to look at cyclic existence, and you’re going to face the fact that some day you’re going to die. And it’s up to you whether you waste your time, or whether you use this life in a way that you will see as beneficial. And you will have the capacity to make that distinction.

When you see beautiful, youthful bodies, you will understand that, yes, this is nice, but soon these bodies will sag and become wrinkled; soon they will get sick and die. You have to get real about that, because it’s the truth. No one has ever beaten that rap. When the Buddha teaches us to make use of this precious human rebirth, he doesn’t do it in an exotic, far-flung way. He teaches us to be very honest, very courageous, very real.

Astrology

May 17, 2011 by Norma

Full moon morning! You are able to see both sides of an issue, and they are mutually exclusive! Give each side their due, and avoid taking positions. You are carefully and thoughtfully assembling a plan that brings success. Be sure that every part is in place. Slow and steady wins the race now that Taurus is the boss of the skies. If you run around wildly, you’ll be gently put in your place. No rushing things, and no skipping steps. The goal has been found and it’s time to stabilize the project. An Wang said “Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius.” Use your common sense 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

May 16, 2011 by Norma

Today begins a new mode, where it’s all money all the time. If you feel good, you buy something. If you feel bad, you buy something. Your impulse is to take it easy, have a good meal, relax. “What’s the rush?” is your new attitude. You may simply need a rest after a long, action packed period of time. Slow down, relax and smell the roses. Oddly enough, as you relax money starts coming in. You begin experiencing the fruits of your past exertions. Pretty things attract you. Pleasing speech is still a powerful influence, and now it may be expressed on the card of a floral arrangement. Tangible objects are more important now than abstract ideas. Notice the pleasing objects around you, and balance your bank book. It’ll be easy to be content today if your tend to financial issues.

Astrology

May 15, 2011 by Norma

You will be debating opposing opinions all day. Pretty much nobody will agree, but this will be oddly fun. Conversation is enjoyable thanks to the planet of chat traveling with the planet of love. Talk! The tone of your voice soothes others as well as the words you say. If you have your eye on someone for romance, today is the day! You’re irresistible. A legacy, bequest or gift may come in unexpectedly. Accept it gracefully. This is a good time to diet and exercise, thanks to the positive energy floating about. Someone may become quite insistent about money, and this seems out of sync with the vibe of the day. Take this person seriously. Alberta Flanders said “Sometimes only a change of viewpoint is needed to convert a tiresome duty into an interesting opportunity.” Pay attention, an opportunity may be at hand.

Astrology

May 14, 2011 by Norma

Blah! The morning may begin poorly, or else you got too little sleep. An emotional weight needs to be addressed, and it’s important to tend to your partnership. With all the forward action, an ally may be feeling neglected. Time to spruce up your relationships and to make others feel cared for. Today your heart is with your loved ones. Go out with the people you are closest to. The dominant mode has been so action oriented that it’s hard to break away, but do your best. There is a slight danger of broken relationships or connections now. Don’t work so long and hard that when you come home nobody’s there. On the other hand, the gift of loving conversation is especially strong now. You can persuade anyone of pretty much anything if you’re willing to slow down and pay attention. And be humble. Robert Hutchens said “This is a do-it-yourself test for paranoia: you know you’ve got it when you can’t think of anything that’s your fault.”

Astrology

May 13, 2011 by Norma

Finances are your primary motivation today. You are willing to work hard, and be sure that you receive your due. A steadier energy is in the air, where you start a project and keep pushing until it is done. Men and women are friendly and cooperative. A woman may point out flaws, but listen carefully, she’s right. Act on the advice your receive and you won’t be disappointed. Exuberant activity is still in the environment, and the mood is upbeat. Exercise, stay busy no matter what. As the day progresses, a situation can appear that creates indecision. Unexpected news may surprise you and temporarily stall your forward action. Doubt is a danger, and someone may express an idea that must be considered, but not for too long. Eva Young said “To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.” Try not to get undone.

Stay Real

May 12, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Hello all- I’ve been sick all day yesterday and today, that’s why I haven’t been on. Been rough, but I hope there is some good purpose. I always pray and ask that this illness result in health for all and Mother Earth. That this imbalance will provide balance for all. I hope so. Time is short, and we just don’t know.

Just ate the first food today. Tasted good, hope it stays that way! Still little energy. OK, done whining for now. OM MANI PEDME HUNG! I also think some solitude, a trip, some change would help. Shake the sillies out. Work out the bugs outta the system…. Right now, however I am needed here, stuff to do, projects going on. Later, and sooner than later would be fine.

Seems like many Speakers, Lamas, Gurus, Earth protectors, Shaman, etc are having difficult times, because we work to protect Mother Earth. And here is a hard cycle. We, Bodhisattvas, all must do all we can, including supporting the strength of each other, and all beings.

What is sad, is that even in these times when we so need each other- false dark minded “teachers” do not help with compassion. Yet they speak of accomplishment while spewing hate, gossip, arrogance, toward all. That is accomplishment? Buddhists are Sangha family.

If anything causes suffering it is innocents watching “teachers” wallow in mud and shit. This is what causes the downfall of Buddhism, USA. For our own purity we must avoid such types. They only lead to more downfall. As we are all taught, stay clear of samaya breakers. Stay real. If we cannot keep our vows and guard our purity, everyone gets hurt. We all suffer as we see. Japan lies and the world is at risk. For all. We must be less selfish, more ethical. More loving, less hateful. More spiritual, less material.

Astrology

May 12, 2011 by Norma

A happy encounter or activity puts you in tune with the times. Your associates, co-workers or friends are particularly enjoyable. Look to the new in life, rather than following the same old agenda. Asserting yourself and initiating new activities is the best possible plan for today. Strength and stamina are apparent, and you can hear excellent news. If you have nagging aches or small health issues, they are well resolved. Artistic expression and imagination are good. Business is favored very late in the evening. An excellent combination of enthusiasm, joy, and careful activity make this a good day. Charles Kingsley said “All that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” It is here now.

Astrology

May 11, 2011 by Norma

This is an extremely fortuitous day for mental activity and for all types of planning. Mental activity is quick, happy and expansive. Plan for the future and act on those plans. There is a time to act and a time to rest, and it’s time to act. Happiness is apparent in the environment. Look toward the things that are most enjoyable for you in every activity. Approach each encounter with an optimistic outlook and you can’t fail. Teachers have wonderful things to say, and the message goes in easily. W.H. Auden said “You owe it to us all to get on with what you’re good at.” Inspired activity is right on the money. Love is joyous, expansive and verbal. Tell people you like them, if you do.

Astrology

May 10, 2011 by Norma

Men and women are out of sync, and your heart wants something your mind thinks is too expensive. In this particular instance, your heart is right. Go with your emotional wisdom today! Good ideas keep cropping up, and your thinking is excellent. This is a day to make inspiration your guide. Do what you love. Henry Van Dyke said “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Beauty and emotional enthusiasm move your cause forward. You can impress someone you don’t know with how well you express your joy in what you do best.