Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Astrology

March 25, 2011 by Norma

3/25/2011 Friday

An excellent idea kicks off the day. Grab your inspiration and run with it! If someone takes offense at your enthusiasm, consider that they may not feel well. Be sympathetic, but keep going. Love is favored, and machines and groups are friendly. An excellent group or friendship brings happiness. Don’t isolate yourself; spend time with others, and you’ll have fun. Widen your circle as opposed to limiting your circle. Legal matters are successfully resolved, and a tricky situation can be worked out. The law is fair, impartial, and good today. Activity is still the most important component in the environment. If you are taking it easy, you will be left behind. “To everything there is a season,” says the bible, and this is the season for action. Be strong; ask more of yourself in terms of what you can do. This is a time of growth. See yourself as the engine that pulls the train of your life, not the caboose!

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!

Ghost Stories and Understanding Karma

December 16, 2011March 24, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets between Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo and two of her followers, Michelle9647 and Seedsdown:

Michelle asked Jetsunma about ghosts after sharing a video of a “ghostly image” she had seen online. She asked Jetsunma if she had ever had an encounter.

Jetsunma: Yes. Some seem to be repetitive emotional “bodies”. Others seem to be temporary thinning of other dimensional systems.

Seedsdown: Demons you mean? There are those too!

Jetsunma: There are demons. But they aren’t ghosts.

Michelle: Are some of the classes of demons subject to the thinning dimensional systems?

Jetsunma: Maybe, but I think hell-beings are there due to Karma. The heinous crimes especially – cause and effect. Not a god punishing us. If that doesn’t fly, think about this: do we have nightmares? They are our own emotions being worked through in a display. In that way at time of death all emotions, concepts appear outwardly, jumbled in time. If we are haters, that is one hellish appearance. If greedy, another hell. We are drawn to repeat our own habitual tendencies. Like draws like. So we are attracted to what we know in the Bardo. As many hell-dreams as there are “dreamers” to “dream” them. That is why it is so precious to awaken. As Buddha did.

Michelle: Just a thought. If mankind was to wake up one day and live a life of love and the karma is purified, what then happens to the demons?

Jetsunma: Very good question. It is very difficult to change habits in a hell realm, but it can be done, must be done. In the same way it is so difficult to let go of the addiction to samsara when living. Or to wake up from a dream. We must accumulate a storehouse of merit and virtue to draw from. It is like money in the bank, simply stated.

Was that clear enough for twitter? Any more questions?

Michelle: I’ve heard stories of great beings taming the demons. How is this done if merit is needed, because I do believe these stories to be true.

Jetsunma: Those stories are true. The merit of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is so great it can transform all through Bodhicitta, thereby transforming the habit and non-virtue of hell beings. That is the power of many lifetimes living compassion and love. So don’t waste time.

Sometimes, demons (hell beings) can affect the world we know. They are powerful in their laser like focus on hate. Some remain in one habitual place, like a haunting. Some want to return to their old ways desperately. I once knew an alcoholic (raging!) and three pitiful demons possessed him, trying to get their mouths and noses where his were. They were trying to smell and drink the liquor he always stank of. So the poor gent’s craving was magnified three times! So disgusting to see!

Another time a little girl had cerebral palsy and I saw a bag like thing sucking from her lower brain. She had a mild case. When I removed it the doctors were amazed, said she had “grown out of it.” Easier to take I guess! It seemed they had a karmic bond, hurting each other life after life. When it came off it tried to go to me and was transformed, able to take a higher rebirth. Some are easy to deal with, others extremely difficult.

But we should never fear if we can help it. They love that. One can visualize oneself in a sphere of light to protect. Buddhists have more options, puja, smoke offering, mantra, deity generation. Eventually we get strong and naturally repel them.

Michelle: It makes one wonder how many of these conditions are more “beings” based than medical.

Jetsunma: Many more than we can imagine.

Michelle: What you just said was heartbreaking and for some reason it was also very freeing.

Jetsunma: Goes to show. We live in our own karmic stream, and our own awareness and view is the door to samsara and enlightenment both.

Message in a Banana

March 23, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

We are about to get heavy thunderstorms and lots of rain. Delightful! They should be fun. Which is good, I’ve been kinda down. Ho hum. So I asked for a sign, you know. And right on time there it is. In a banana. It may be Jesus, or blessed Mary:

But wow! As all things are impermanent I offer you this image. Too bad it is not long for this world. Well who is? I’m over ripe too, turning brown. And squishy. So how do we preserve this precious bit of fruity dogma? Eat it. Let it be one with your universe. That’s the ticket. Soon it will be brown anyway, no matter what. Oh well. I guess letting go is real. As is laughing till you fall down! Working on both now. I love to laugh, and don’t know what to do when people take themselves too seriously. Tickle? I don’t think I could do that, I’d bust out laughing.

It’s not that life is a joke, far from it. It is hard work and takes courage. But when you stop having fun and laughing you are a cooked goose and clowns will eat you. Or zombies. Now don’t go crazy like Batman’s Joker. (OMG just look at his lipstick!) Ladies, who can take advice from him! And oy, what’s with the hair? (Wash it homie!)

So once again the middle way is best. Not so puffed up, not so deflated. Have some fun! But don’t get so lost in it you forget who and what you are, and why you are here. We are here to help and to awaken. You can laugh or cry during either but never forget the suffering of all beings, or your true capacity.

EH MA HO!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SO HA!

Server Maintenance Scheduled

March 23, 2011 by anisonam

Even digital data needs a home. We received the following message from our web host:

“The Bluehost System Administrators will physically move your server (containing the hosting account: tibetanbuddhistaltar.org) into the new data center between 9 PM, March 23rd and 5 AM March 24th (MDT), during low traffic periods. We will work to ensure you experience as little downtime as possible and, to that end, we will take the opportunity to perform any needed hardware maintenance or upgrades. We expect the process to take 1 to 3 hours.”

So if you try to check in and we aren’t there, don’t panic! Everything should be back up and running shortly.

Astrology

March 23, 2011March 23, 2011 by Norma

We are publishing the Astrology for Thursday a little early due to expected server maintenance overnight: https://www.tibetanbuddhistaltar.org/2011/03/server-maintenance-scheduled/

3/24/2011 Thursday

This is an excellent day for forward motion. You see the big picture, and you’re able to speak rationally to those who hold opposing viewpoints. They agree! Mediation is outstanding! If you disagree with someone, ask a third party to hear both sides and explain things. It will work. Directly opposing someone else, without mediation, won’t work as well. Enthusiasm, inspiration and an overarching confidence in the goodness of life bring happiness. Action is the name of the game, and a “go for it” quality is in the air. Foreign things and people are helpful, and big picture thinking solves problems. Think big and put things in perspective. M. N. Plano said, “Any comfortable American who is cynical of progress hasn’t pondered how life was for our ancestors. Any day that Cossacks haven’t burned your home should start out a happy one, overflowing with optimism.” How’s your house?

Astrology

March 23, 2011 by Norma

3/23/2011 Wednesday

A secret message is confusing and misleading. You think you’re about to receive something that you really want, and then it vanishes! Women and children are somewhat moody and difficult to understand. They need a rest, or maybe they need to visit a doctor. Don’t ignore symptoms; something could respond well to treatment. Surgery is good. Very aggressive means can solve problems. Norman Schwarzkopf said, “The truth of the matter is, we always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” Set aside your qualms, and do what you need to do. Think before you act, however, since there’s a slight chance of too many people trying to solve the same problem. Prioritize and assign tasks. On a different front, friends and groups are very loving, and are there for each other. A group consensus is being built.

Astrology

March 22, 2011 by Norma

3/22/2011 Tuesday

An energy that is almost electric in nature is buzzing in the environment. Machines and activity permeate everything. You may feel a bit nostalgic for the slow paced recent past, but don’t waste your time looking back. All your awareness must be focused on the present. New beginnings are here, and the old is gone, gone, gone! Life has turned on a dime, and it’s heading in a different direction. If you were anticipating something new, you’ll love it. If you were happy with the way things were, you’re in for an adjustment. Buckminster Fuller said, “I look for what needs to be done. After all, that’s how the universe designs itself.” Look for what needs to be done, do it, and you will be in tune with the times.

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!

Approach the Well of Blessings with Pure Intention

March 21, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I think it is quite difficult to have a deeply beloved family member constantly angry. First I wonder if there is a physiological reason. Then I try to look through their eyes, try to reason out why. Is it me? Is it stress? Is it dietary? Is it spiritual? Or is it just time? Sometimes people resist the time to change out of fear. Or grief. Who really wants another year gone? Kids ready to drive, I guess.

The rest of us know, and sometimes refuse to accept that change is imminent whether we like it or not. Change is scary for most folks. At any rate we make ourselves miserable by resisting change. And impermanence is the only constant. Worse, we make those around us miserable also.

When I grew up there was so much rage that I remain stained by the burn. I have avoided angry people since the last time I trusted one. It ends up badly every time. So if someone close becomes enraged I tend to hide emotionally. Not the best solution, no one learns anything. But often confrontation, even peaceful cannot help long term. The angry one must commit to puzzling out what is amiss. Exercise can help, time off can too. Reassuring the hurting one that you will help if they will help themselves. But no one can carry another’s rage. It is not helpful. No one heals.

Personally, I have a lovely house, and from experience I have learned I will never again walk on eggshells to make someone happy or at least “shut up.” I’m not good at this but I must hold my ground and boundaries. I have little experience in this. I was too weak as a child and fell too hard in love as an adult to protect myself. No more. I know now through three years of pain that I am entitled to make myself a wholesome life. I will not accept abuse from anyone again. What if it is family? Ex’s not counted – how to cope? Day by day, hour by hour, week by week I must stand my ground. I am not saying I will retaliate. Simply this: “no more.” I am a good person and I expect to be treated kindly. If I were to die today I know I have made the world better already. Given the chance I will continue. So respect me.

If anyone can say the same I do respect them. No, not the BS artist. Really better. Nevertheless, I won’t tolerate rage and disrespect any form in my home or anywhere near. Enough already. I guess I’ve finally grown up! And learned enough to take care of myself emotionally.

When and if you come to my well for pure water, do so with a clean bucket and a kind and respectful heart. Or you simply will not drink from this fountain of blessings. I don’t decide. You do, through the strength of pure intention, and as always, love.

Blessings!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

Dance of Emptiness Part 5

December 16, 2011March 21, 2011 by Holly

A video teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Astrology

March 21, 2011 by Norma

3/21/2011 Monday

Wow! Power Play! Strength, energy and sudden action are here. A force that has been waiting in the background suddenly comes forward! Someone seemed so passive that you didn’t realize a plan was in place. Someone was waiting and gathering strength. You are free to move forward with your plan, at last! Four strong planets in the sign of action promise excitement and a great beginning! Go cat go! At the same time, a powerful and pleasing diplomatic energy is present, and it’s possible to sell an attractive point of view. People are ready to agree at last. Theodore Roosevelt’s dictum, “Speak softly and carry a big stick” is the name of the game today. Both sides recognize each other’s strength, and both sides are willing to compromise. Nobody wants trouble when they witness the other side’s power. If this pertains to your personal life, for heaven’s sake, make peace!