Tibetan Buddhist Altar

You Can Start a War … Can You Stop It?

December 13, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

We are having some upsets in my house … But it’s all impermanent.

I have found if one stays totally centered, not letting confusion, sadness, or anger etc run the show it clears it out. Even if others insist on fighting, hurting, etc it is far better to ignore than to engage. I like to think of Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche seated on a throne above the crown of my head, blessing and protecting. And he appears as the Primordial Dharmakaya Guru Rinpoche, perfectly stable.

I also have always, since childhood, had a place in my heart I call my calm center. If I remain there, the undisturbed uncontrived state is like a soothing balm for a weary heart. When I was a child I practically lived there when there was trouble at home. And I’m still here!

It is always difficult to know why certain personality types prefer rage, hurtful behavior, vulgarity, etc as it brings no comfort or benefit and actually makes the mind more and more inflamed with bad qualities. In every religion or path it is taught that human kindness and respect are the right method. It is healthy for mind and body, and keeps us in a more joyful and reverent place; with right thought and right activity. So there really is no other choice if one is serious on the path. At some point one must take their activity and intention to task! And learn to look within to put our own house in order. Try to think of others first, be kind and giving, and happiness will follow.

Remember: you have the power to create war and conflict. Anyone does. The real issue is do you have the power to stop?

©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo

Astrology

December 13, 2010 by Norma

12/13/2010 Monday

Your enthusiasm can meet with indifference or rejection today. “Why bother?” is the response to your good idea. You are pushing against a relaxed, certain energy that doesn’t want to move. It will seem to be on your side and then back off at the crucial moment, leaving you high and dry. Someone is agreeing with you because it’s easy and will go along provided you do all the work. Hmmm. Calm down, relax, go with the flow and re-formulate your plan. With a bit of tweaking, it’s a winner. E.D. Nixon said, “Your spark can become a flame and change everything.” Try again later, and choose allies with a history of accomplishment.

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

December 12, 2010 by Norma

12/12/2010 Sunday

Love, romance, escape, that’s what today has in store. A happy conversation or event early in the morning sets the tone for the day. Musicians, composers, artists and creative people are on a roll today. Also doctors and people who take care of others. You could hear some important news. Something hidden is being revealed, something you never suspected is coming into your awareness. You may not want to face the situation, but it’s better if you do. James Baldwin said, “Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” You can solve a problem by dealing with it openly, by admitting it exists. Now is the time (it’ll work out ok).

Accomplishment on the Path

December 11, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

How long does it take to practice and attain the fruit of the path of Dharma? It takes as long as it takes. You cannot measure in time. Some say “oh, I’ve practiced 10 years” great! Keep going. 20 years? Great! Go on wit cha bad self!!! Keep going! 30 years? Super-dooper. A large chunk of life! Keep going!!! It is so easy to delude oneself into thinking that a number is the goal. Actually one should consider their own inner qualities as the watermark. To do this one must have self-honesty. Without honesty there is no way to judge progress. So we must learn to ob serve our own minds and stop relying on the approval of one’s peers. The need for approval is a sickness, not compatible with awakening. It is a deluded and neurotic display depending on separating, dualistic concepts. The desire to give and receive love is different.

Some find a lot of thrill from displaying many words and concepts to insure how well informed they are. This is not what I want. Not for me. I would rather display my efforts on the path as actual accomplishment that is of benefit; like Stupas. They’ll be there after I’m dead. So this result is of great benefit, as many healings and miracles happen, particularly at the great Migure Dorje Stupa in Maryland and the Amitabha Stupa in Arizona.

And here we have as well a monastery founded by me but solely offered to Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. It will last until the day his Yangse Rinpoche is educated. Then it goes to him, Tsawei Lama. The property in Arizona and Maryland both will be his to put to use. It is for him. Only him! My Guru!

Since He is a Palyul Throneholder, that will keep it in our lineage after I’m gone, but under his command and none other. This is one of the greatest goals in my life. I want to be sure Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is the beneficiary of it all. Lama Khyenno! Only he knows best.

He is my Guru, and his blessing gave rise to all of this by his wish. Once He told me I would find a big white house with columns in front. He said we should buy it, and that the money would come. We did and it did, exactly as he said. What a Lama he was! There was/is no space between us.

Since I first met him he has been the main guide of my life. Even now, as I meditate he is there, Pure Dharmakaya. No one moves me as does he. So I am waiting, hoping, praying for His Holiness Kyabje Penor Rinpoche to return. When he is able to take what I offer his Yangsi Rinpoche will be wealthy and set up to Teach and Empower here in America. This is my dream. When His Holiness returns and is ready, my life goal will be finished.

In my view this is the best way to keep Palyul safe and ongoing. Every blessing came from Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. And all should return to him.

Refuge & Bodhisattva Vows

December 11, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Refuge Vow (Repeat 3 x)

I take refuge in the Lama,

I take refuge in the Buddha,

I take refuge in the Dharma,

I take refuge in the Sangha.

Bodhisattva Vow (Repeat 3 x)

I dedicate myself to the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings. I offer my body, speech, and mind in order to accomplish the purpose of all sentient beings. I will return in whatever form necessary, under extraordinary circumstances to end suffering. Let me be born in times unpredictable, in places unknown, until all sentient beings are liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Taking no thought for my comfort or safety, precious Lama (Buddha), make of me a pure and perfect instrument by which the end of suffering and death in all forms might be realized. Let me achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all beings. And then, by my hand and heart alone, may all beings achieve full enlightenment and perfect liberation.

©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo

Astrology

December 11, 2010 by Norma

12/11/2010 Saturday

Dream day! Artistry, relaxation and creativity are highlighted today. Take a break. Go on a picnic, dancing, or to the movies. A sense of bewilderment can appear, as though you’d forgotten to do something. In fact, double-check everything you do today. Backtracking can be necessary, so give yourself plenty of time. Communication can be confused or missed. You have entered a time of going over what has been done previously. This is not the time to begin anything brand new, particularly not an idea that just popped up out of nowhere. You’ll spend time returning gifts you’ve bought, and telling people things for the third time. Relax, go with the flow and you’ll be happy. Do not sign contracts unless you have gone over and over them in the past. Wait.

Empowering the Feminine

December 10, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

It seems to me the only way to end abuse of women worldwide is for us to stick together in solidarity. When I see a female throw in with patriarchy, I think she isn’t a woman at all.

Perhaps we bear children, perhaps not. We may wear pants or dresses and lipstick; that is not what makes us women. It is our capacity to love. Sure men love too. It is different, like shades of color. But women can bring life! We are supremely equipped to nurture.

When I see a woman play patriarchy it sickens me. Who are we, then? Do we have any self respect? No, so we learn to hate. Have we nothing to offer? Do I think we should have a Matriarchal society? Hmmm. Maybe for a while, so we can balance out. I hope we have a world of freedom for all. Where women and men support and nurture each other, that is perfect. It will take time. Most folks don’t know true nurturing, so we must learn.

Women who are dominated by men tend to lose their gifts. If the man is a Svengali type she can lose her ethics, and her mind. Women can never put their trust in sweet talk and promises, they may be a con. Look for character, compassion, ethics don’t sell out. Women are worth far more than they know! If we honor our worth we will never again put up with abuse, lies, disrespect. You can’t have a world without us!

One of my favorite things as a child was the sound of women working in the kitchen talking quietly and kindly to each other. I felt safe.

Women and men alike, please hear me. Never live a lie. Never walk on eggshells for anyone. Never delete your dignity, or self respect. Don’t carry water for anyone! The greatest gift you have is honor, a wholesome mind, ethics, compassion, character and good intention. Give your heart those gifts now.

Astrology

December 10, 2010 by Norma

12/10/2010 Friday

Harmony! Solid activity! A strong force is rising. Action can be taken that is ultimately successful. Hotheaded impulsiveness has been banished and a new general is in charge. This person knows the score and will act carefully and in a thoughtful manner. What a relief! Regime changes are favorable. See change as positive, the harbinger of success not previously possible. Speak carefully today. Be kind, thoughtful and considerate, and doors swing open that were hitherto closed. Be proactive. Socrates said, “Let him that would move the world, first move himself.”

Longing For His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

December 9, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Everyone knows Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche was a living Buddha; the signs at his Parinirvana, his huge body of accomplishment, His great Kindness in establishing Palyul in India and the west. His determination to nurture Palyul, the extensive adornment of all capacity! He was a father to so many, ordained so many… Still stunned by His life… Still reeling from his passing. One never gets over that. Like the sun leaving the sky with only fireflies to guide our way.
I remember being told stories by the monks of how when Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche went to Tibet his people would follow behind Him, eat the dirt His footprints were on, for the blessing. These simple folk would do anything. Their faith in Him was powerful! And He gave every last drop every time.
When I would go for advice He was always ready to give the most profound. When I asked about our activities (KPC) He always said do what you think is best. You know. These students are yours and you know. The confidence He showed me was over the top!
I’ve been contemplating Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s teachings from New York. I have all, I believe. He was so profound. Deep like an ocean! Lama Kyen no!
I miss Him like the desert longs for rain… Like flowers long for sun… Like a mother longs for her child, like a child seeks her Father’s embrace. Kyabje Rinpoche was and is my North Star guiding me! Precious nectar that nourishes me! He lives, sitting a diamond throne within my heart!
He is every face, flower, all that is wholesome. He is the trees, the beauty of nature – my world! He is pure Dharmakaya, as I meditate, pray, if only I am still, silent, unperturbed, He is there. All phenomena, every display is Him! As uncontrived luminosity He is my prayer, my mind, my heart; Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche, while keeping all vows purely, was and is my love, my purpose, my Tsawei Lama. HE is the great and only love of my life.
Stumbling in sorrow I patiently await His return. Guru, grant me the blessing of looking in your eyes before long! I wait like a butter lamp in the window of a chapel. Calling and weeping for the sound of His steps, ready to wash your feet, Beloved! Return to me, for their sake, for my children.
OM AH HUNG BENZAR GUR PEDMA SIDDHI HUNG!

A video of the Compassionate Activities of His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche with permission from Pathgate Institute of Buddhist Studies, and special thanks to Lama Dondrup Dorje

Astrology

December 9, 2010 by Norma

12/9/2010 Thursday

Disagreement with a friend; trouble over finances! Be careful that both sides understand what the deal is, or trouble results. Someone won’t say their feelings are hurt, and that is more dangerous than an open disagreement. Bring what is hidden into the open, and a positive resolution occurs. Pay attention to your feelings, your hunches. If you think something needs to be set right, you are right. Anwar Sadat said, “There is no happiness for people at the expense of other people.” Don’t write anyone off. Groups and friends are good, once the upset has been resolved. Music is appealing today, and jokes are on the rise. A bit of laughter is in order.