Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Walking the Talk When Times are Tough

February 16, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Want to let you know my new rescue Barrymore is – um – making progress. I have never seen such panic and abandonment issue in my life. Pitiful boy, barks constantly unless he has company, whines the rest of the time. He fears being left alone in a box. He does not understand houses or stairs. He is out of control. I can see why they wanted him put down. We are working him. Dr “Vet” gives Valium and another new anxiety med.

He doesn’t rest unless every light is out. His poor body is frazzled. We are also doing holistic care, homeopathy, pulsatilla and aconite. My heart bleeds for this guy. I want all you rescue people to know I will not give up or abandon him.

He cannot blend with my pekingese’s at all. No dog issues; he just can’t see them, steps on everything. Not blind or deaf, I tested him myself.

Here is a question for you veterinary experts out there: If Barry were human I’d feel he has ADD and bi-polar rapid cycle. Any one seen this in dogs? At any rate, he is exercised, I have a farm with good fences and plenty of room, he Tesla and Ricco run for hours and have adventures in the grove.

He will not be a quick fix. But with such fear I am even more dogged (pun) to help him. I feel that way about the neediest ones. Gotta fix them, then let them go to forever homes. I’m wondering- he is happiest with other larger dogs. When he bonds with the pack I don’t know if he can tolerate another abandonment. We will see. Riggs is committed totally. This dog is gorgeous, great lines, sleek and postures very well. A hunter would love this one. But many hunters don’t treat their dogs well. Like- if they don’t catch animals they don’t eat.

Compassion is not easy. When we see something like this it would be so pleasant to walk away. Let someone else handle it. I can’t do that. How could I live with myself? Anyone else would have him put down. But I won’t. I will stick with him. As will Riggs. Sometimes it is hard to do the right thing. But there are so many suffering sentient beings, we just have to start now! There are plenty of needy beings and no reason to wait. So it is work. Duh, so is life! Anyone’s! So dig in and help. Dear Barrymore has decimated his bachelor pad. That’s OK. Stuff can be fixed, or bought. Barrymore is one cherished life, not replaceable. He will die and be reborn, like us all. Meanwhile, he is one precious life. I love life, and compassion. This is a no quitting zone!

www.tarasbabies.org

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

Who Will Captain Your Ship?

December 16, 2011February 16, 2011 by anisonam

When Vajrayana teachers point out the importance of Guru Yoga and View, these teachings arise from their clear understanding of the nature of samsara. The nature of how we, ordinary beings, are seduced by our habits of mind, how we are each ensnared in our own dream, unable to recognize the truth, ceaselessly creating our own world of suffering. The teachers see this clearly, while we ordinary beings, for the most part, are totally clueless. We fall for the deception so completely we mistake our habitual concepts for “reality.”

Even in our ordinary perceptions we rarely perceive what is actually happening. In a recent teaching on twitter Jetsunma points this out:

“Even scientists find that once we have seen an object with our eyes, the brain files it away. When we ‘see’ it again we actually fill in, once we ‘decide’ what it is, almost all the detail from memory. We may, in fact, never see the same object twice. Once we identify we fill in the actual ‘seeing’ with our own habitual thinking.” – Waking from the Dream

It takes courage to face this within ourselves, to accept that maybe we really don’t have all the answers, or worse, that maybe we don’t even know how to find them. However, if we, as students on the Vajrayana path, are tempted to deceive ourselves into thinking we can “teach ourselves” the Dharma because sublime and profound teachings have been published in books, we run the risk of “filling in the actual ‘seeing’ with our own habitual thinking.” An example would be the famous Rorschach Inkblot Test, where psychoanalysts have patients report what they see in a series of inkblots. If we were able to perceive what was actually there this test would be useless, everyone would see the same thing, everyone would agree on the meaning. But this is not the case. Simply because something has been printed in words, does not mean we can arrive at a true understanding, even if we agree on the words. The inkblots don’t change from person to person, but the interpretation does.

Yeshe Tsogyal lamented as Guru Rinpoche was leaving Tibet:

“The luckless Tibetans have lost their eyes.

Now who will lead us when we are blind and alone?

Now we can only guess as to the nature of things;

now we must look to books for teachings…

now a grievous time has come!”

From “Mother of Knowledge: The Enlightenment of Ye-shes mTsho-rgyal” by Nam-mkha’I snying-po translated by Tarthang Tulku

Yeshe Tsogyal was already accomplished at the time she called out to Guru Rinpoche, yet she, like all Vajrayana teachers, never ceased to cherish the Root Guru above all else.

If we are sincere in our aspiration to cross the ocean of suffering that is samsara, to attain Enlightenment in order to be of true benefit to beings, we must swallow the bitter pill of acknowledging we don’t know how, that we don’t even have a clue as to how, and learn to rely on a captain that has navigated this ocean many times.

We have the extraordinary fortune to have a teacher such as Jetsunma available to us right here, right now. When she teaches on the supreme importance of the Guru it isn’t for any other purpose than to help us discern the difference between sublime Wisdom, and our ordinary understanding, to guide us to the truth.

For those who visit this blog, or follow her on twitter, you know that Jetsunma offers kindness and practical guidance to everyone, whether you wish to become a serious student of Vajrayana or you just want to understand how to live a happier life. It is my hope in writing this post, however, that if you are serious about the Vajrayana path, that you may gain confidence that Jetsunma is able to nourish everyone, at every level, up to the most sublime.

Whether it is Jetsunma or some other qualified teacher, may you find your true and unwavering guide.

May any merit or virtue generated by this effort be devoted to the liberation of every being lost in confusion.

Ani Sonam

Astrology

February 16, 2011 by Norma

2/16/2011 Wednesday

This is an excellent day for forward motion. You feel good, confidence is on the table, and you are ready to get going with what you need to do. You move forward happily, and the optimism that you bring helps all the rest. As the sun brings light to our world, a leader who shines is an inspiration to others. Put on your best face today. Benjamin Franklin said, “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” The sun plays a major role today, find some if you can! And continue working with the team. Something wonderful is growing. Group activity is excellent. Stay in the middle of the group, no wandering off on your own.

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

February 15, 2011 by Norma

2/15/2011 Tuesday

A worry in the night may have happened, but unless you’re a very early riser it’s probably over. It’s still group activity time, and someone in the environment is cheerful and upbeat. This person is an inspiration to everyone, and it is important to integrate this one into the team. In “The Seven Samurai” one person made all the others happy with his cheerful disposition. Someone like that is in your environment too. Determine who that person is, and recognize the role that is being played. It’s the reason teams have cheerleaders. W.R.Inge said, “The happiest people seem to be those who have no particular reason for being happy except that they are so.” Are you that person? If not, why not?

Astrology

February 14, 2011 by Norma

2/14/2011 Monday

Creativity is married to action and imagination. Three very different partners are working together, and each offers something special. Someone with power is acting with a person who knows how to initiate things. A visionary, a person with far-seeing ability, assists these two. If each person sticks to what s/he does best, it’s a go! No switching talents mid-action. Know who you are and who you aren’t today. Which role are you playing? Igor Sikorsky said, “The work of the individual still remains the spark that moves mankind forward.” Be yourself, and work with a team for success. Don’t get bogged down in emotionalism, which is the main obstacle today.

Valentine’s Day Message: Not “Be Mine” – but “Be Yourself”

February 13, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Tomorrow is that day, Valentine. Most people think about romance. I will be having a “Happy Loner’s Day” instead. At this point in my life this is exactly as I want it.

This time of year lovely things do happen, weddings, engagements, romantic beginnings – roses and chocolate and the diamonds! Rings! Jewels! The funny thing is how these lovely heartfelt gifts have such a high price tag. It is the expectation part. The jewelry and gifts often are meant to brand your partner as yours. You wear the same rings, therefore – commitment. I believe in family and commitment in relationships – but not the branding kind.

I think it pays to contemplate this whole “romance” thing. Romance is fun. It is hormonal. We are wired to connect to the genes. Studies show compatible genetics are often paired or attracted to each other. It can be very compelling. In general, however, that compelling part doesn’t last. So more important than the ring is the friendship. Often when there is great passion it is difficult when it naturally ages into comfortable love. Maybe we forgot the friendship part. Or forgot to think what you both will do as friends when the bedroom is actually a place to sleep.

To honor a new, (or aging) love think about your partner with empathy and compassion. Try hard not to judge. Try not to make your lover over into your “creature” or creation. Learn about them rather than demanding from them. We are people, on this relative level. Not toys, or objects to complete someone’s world. Many lovers do not talk about goals; like will we have kids? Will we give them a faith that we can join? Will we support each other if the relationship changes? What about money? Will we help each other get ahead? And the signs, do we read them? Is my love selfish? Am I? What secret motivation does the partner have? What are mine? In other words, there is more to it than rings and roses. There are ever-deepening layers in which love lives, and in which it can grow.

As we celebrate the day for Lovers, remember love is not a toy. It is a path to travel with great respect joy, and compassion. And if you end up raising your family with your best friend, like two comfy old slippers, you are blessed. You two have grabbed the brass ring in love. Respect, love, understanding, that is the prize. Please consider this when you “Put a ring on it.” Look your love in the eye and promise a life of caring and a life of love. Happy Valentine’s Day to all. You know those candy hearts? NEW MESSAGE: not “Be mine.” “Be yourself.” LOVE.

Astrology

February 13, 2011 by Norma

2/13/2011 Sunday

Call that important person right now and make your statement. Have the conversation that is necessary. Women, children and intuitive people come up with stellar ideas, and men are smart, forward moving and imaginative. This is an interesting time, where so much is at stake. Yet you and others are up to the challenge. Be open to new ideas, no matter who they come from. John Nuveen said, “You can judge your age by the amount of pain you feel when you come in contact with a new idea.” It’s all about new ideas right now; so don’t stand in the way. If you find yourself arguing for the status quo, think again. It’s a whole new time. Be flexible.

The Root Teacher: Cutting Through Concepts and Giving Rise to Compassion

December 16, 2011February 12, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

It never ceases to amaze me how many meditators and Buddhists continuously argue that altruism and compassionate activity are not part of the Buddha Dharma. And that one need not develop virtuous qualities or purify in any way. That one need not do charitable good works or even offer even ordinary human kindness. In Vajrayana Buddhism conduct is just as important, and going beyond that one must pacify their inner poisons. So this is harmful thinking and will only muddy the waters. There is a kind of arrogance that has students thinking there is simply no work to be done on the path whatsoever. Or worse, that one has learned many intellectual concepts about Dharma (and can quote them over and over) so that one is “locked in” to their own learning and intellectualism and cannot see they have totally lost their way.

Then there are those who have decided that the practice of Guru Yoga is not necessary to achieve liberation. Not so. Guru Yoga is the heart essence of Vajrayana. Compassion and altruism are the very heart of Buddhism. If one tries to change that one is no longer practicing the Vajra path. If one guts the Dharma as it was passed purely from Guru to disciple there is a terrible breakage of the Buddha’s great intention as re-installed by Guru Padmasambhava when he brought Vajrayana to Tibet.

Now the newest “fad” (sad) in Vajrayana is to throw out the Tulkus and Lineage Masters entirely. How then, would the teachings and traditional wang transmissions be passed on? From student to student based on their promise to keep it free of defilement? That is a joke, if you know American Pride and self love. Have you seen what passes for wholesome Dharma on the internet? Some pure ones are there. Mostly there are self-serving people looking for adoration and praise while offering nothing.

There are many who feel one can truly understand Dharma from books. Books and traditional text is needed and most be studied. However the Guru, the very root of accomplishment is the greatest necessity in order to achieve any result. And it isn’t enough to repeat like a parrot the quotes of one’s teacher. How shallow! One uses only the quotes one likes best. You know, that fit the old lifestyle, and are hip.

Re-making the Dharma is the most heinous breakage of samaya with the Three Jewels, and with the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of the ten directions. Upon bringing Tantrayana; Vajrayana to Tibet, Guru Padmasambhava said “I will appear as your Root Guru, and will remain as you call for me.” How does one do away with that blessing, that method, so sacred? Not without consequences, and dire ones at that. It is like feasting with a hollow gutted corpse, instead of sitting to the feast as the bride of the precious Guru in honor and dignity. Unwavering in pure love!

And how does one tear the heart out of Dharma by having no pure intention, just another bloated ego to feed. Without Bodhicitta there is no Dharma recognizable to any Buddha! The two precious eyes of Buddhadharma, Mahayana, are wisdom and compassion. If one neglects kindness and compassion one has forgotten the instruction of every qualified Guru since Guru Padma at the beginning of every teaching or empowerment: motivation. “This I do for the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings from the endless wheel of death and rebirth.” This is why we practice Buddhism – to benefit all sentient beings. This can never change until all beings are liberated.

If one has to climb up over the corpses of those weaker to feel special or precious, if this sticks here in the west in these modern times, we really are at the crossroads, where blessings are lost; where corruption is the flavor of the times. And we are lost, utterly lost. We cannot allow this. One should follow the Root Guru purely – even at the cost of one’s very life. I take this seriously. So I will never stop, never shut up. Plot against me? Okay. But I will never stop preserving the Dharma for the future. I will never break Guru Padmasambhava’s great blessing. I am for you, beloveds as He is. Until all are free!

The Test

February 12, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

An excerpt from a teaching called The Dharma of Technology by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

You should come to respect the root of Dharma, which is bodhicitta or compassion, as the most profound teaching at whatever level you are practicing. You should come to understand that if you accomplish only that, then you have a right to wear your robes and you have a right to call yourself a Buddhist. But it is by far the most difficult of all of the vows. You have to think about compassion like this.

If you can pass this test, then you have accomplished Dharma, even if you don’t know how to do a single mudra or ring a bell, even if you don’t have any arms or legs to do it. Here is the test. Ask yourself, “If Lord Buddha Amitabha came to me right now, giving me an opportunity and saying, ‘I’m going to make you a deal. You could take on all the suffering of all the six realms, every bit of suffering that every sentient being carries, meaning that you have to take on and absorb all the causes of their suffering – hatred, greed and ignorance, desire. I can give you that, and you could take all of that onto yourself and absorb it completely so that you will suffer endlessly in the most extreme, horrible way until time has run out and in doing that there would be no more suffering in the six realms.’” Would you do it?

When you hear me say this, you are going to say yes. You get carried away with emotions. But if Lord Buddha Amitabha really appeared to you, red and sitting on his lotus, and he really said that to you and he showed you the condensed suffering of all the six realms and you knew that the six realms of cyclic existence appear to be like an endless ocean, and have been going on for uncountable eons, then if you had to accept all that suffering onto yourself, knowing that your mind had to change from the nice thing that you think it is now into a monster filled with hatred, greed and ignorance from all the six realms, but in doing that all of the six realms would be emptied, would you do it? If you were shown this horrible poison of suffering, this cauldron, this endless sea of suffering and Lord Buddha said to you, “Eat it for their sake and become for an uncountable amount of eons a horrible thing suffering in agony for their sake.” Would you do it? Would you open your mouth and start eating? More than that, would you be happy about it? Would you be able to do that?

You should try it sometime. You should test yourself in that way by really thinking that it is possible. Would you take on every bit of the suffering? Would you become so grossly misshapen and ugly because of the grossness of all of that suffering? Would you become so unrecognizable to what you are now? Would you be willing to do that, knowing that as a result there would be nothing in the six realms of cyclic existence except for you? There would be nothing. There would be no more suffering. The karma of all of those minds, uncountable minds would be purified so that they were free of desire, free of all karma. Would you bite the big one?

If you think that you would do that, then you know less about yourself than you think. But to accomplish Dharma you have to get to that point where you would gladly, joyfully, willingly start to eat an ocean of suffering for their sake.

Astrology

February 12, 2011 by Norma

2/12/2011 Saturday

Amazing day, wonderful day! You have the ability to say, think or do THE THING that is needed for success. You, or people you engage with, are intelligent and agile mentally. This is an excellent day for negotiations, conversations, ideas and communications. Go somewhere, drive around, ideas appear as you move about. Take a short distance trip. You can receive excellent news. Spend time with siblings, neighbors, or people who are good conversationalists or writers. Buy a new car or phone. Get your book published, give a speech. You pretty much can’t fail. This mode exists side by side with a magnetic love situation. Just like life itself, where we’re multi-tasking all the time. You really can do it all today, so get moving. “Lively Up Yourself” as Bob Marley said.