Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Are you living up to your potential?

September 5, 2011January 3, 2010 by Ani Aileen Williams

Reading from the I Ching:

How does one fulfill their spiritual potential?

Original hexagram is Thunder over Thunder; 51
The Expansion is Fire over Thunder; 21
The Kernel is Fire over Water; 64 BY WAY OF Water over Mountain; 39

The shock that comes once there is an understanding of more than the physical; that there is a spiritual, can be overwhelming. Once there is understanding of the depth of spiritual existence one can actually become afraid. As we tap into the depths of a spiritual path, we begin to realize just how vast the journey might be. While fear is the most common reaction among us humans, it doesn’t take long to realize that pursuing a spiritual path actually brings us a lot of joy. Once we have learned truly what the fear and trembling might be; having a spiritual path and journey gives us assurance and the confidence to continue~ we sense success through the obstacles that lay ahead. Once this understanding of what the fear is about, what we want to pursue, and a method on how to get there, we get our lives in order and set our hearts in motion.

As we travel our spiritual journeys, we begin to encounter obstacles. The text indicates that the best way to overcome these obstacles is taking a posture of firmness, yet gentle and “bite” one’s way through them. What does “bite” mean? It’s an energetic term really. In other words, get out of the way of your own ego, search for the balance between the weaknesses and the strengths, travel a firm, but gentle order, and face up to the consequences of your actions. By this method, one gains inner and outer respect that is required to pursue a spiritual path. Without respect and regard for the inner-nature of oneself (buddhanature), and respect for one’s spiritual master and path, it will be difficult to overcome the obstacles one is sure to face. It’s about breaking through the obstacles.

Once we have traveled a bit on our path, there may come a time when what we see before us reminds us of an abyss of sorts, or a steep inaccessible mountain that we must cross. Or, worse yet, the abyss before us and the mountain behind us with no observable method of escape or retreat. These are obstructions, however if one can remain still enough there are implicit hints of appropriate, and successful travel. These hints appear in time, and should we choose to follow, we will find our way overcoming the obstacles.

The text indicates that it is important to surround yourself with like-minded people; friends and spiritual family, following one of great leadership that is equal to the situation~ thus a qualified Teacher. With these conditions, one is sure to find their way across and through the obstacles. However, it does requires one to focus on the inner purpose and the will to persevere. This focus and will is sure to bring good fortune. “An obstruction that lasts only for a time is useful for self-development. This is the value of adversity.”

Difficult times forces one to look at themselves; their posture, their purpose, their faults and fears. The lesser person will place blame, bewailing fate while the superior person will seek error within oneself and through this introspection manifest the occasion for inner enrichment and learning. The conditions are difficult and the tasks are great, not to mention full of responsibility. “It is nothing less than that of leading the world out of confusion…” However, “it is the tasks that promises success, because there is a goal that can unite the forces now tending in different directions.”

This understanding of obtaining one’s spiritual potential is good for always, and not just for the day or the week or the month. Have a wonderful week pursuing your potential in all arenas of your life. Pursuing the spiritual one will bleed into all other facets of your life, in a positive and beneficial way. Happy New Year 🙂

To learn more about the I Ching, see the I Ching Page!

Astrology

September 5, 2011January 3, 2010 by Norma

1/3/10 Sunday

Whoops, a fight could be in the air. A person in authority, or one who wishes to have authority, could feel disrespected and a group could vote down a strongly held view. Do your best to respect both sides of the issue. Everyone should get part of what they want. Do bear in mind that for the next several weeks new policies will end up being revised or scrapped, so avoid making a big deal out of something that will “ come to nothing” in the end. Conduct yourself mentally as though you were playing a board game, where all the pieces will be put back into the box when the game is over. With this image in mind you will maintain the mental lightness and flexibility required to negotiate the issues of the day.

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

January 2, 2010 by Norma

1/2/10 Saturday

Enthusiasm, joy and emotional confidence swirl around you. Women are beautiful and inspiring today, and children are happy. You feel emotionally expansive and confident, proud of yourself. Relationship issues can be favorably resolved. Entertainment is favored. Go out to a dinner, a party, and a movie or theatrical production. Get dressed up and show the world you’re still in the game! The power of personality and salesmanship are highlighted. Statesmanship and diplomacy are favored. Confidence rules!

Enlightened Activity

September 5, 2011January 1, 2010 by Holly

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An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo from the Dakini Workshop

Enlightened activity is considered consistent with the nature of the dakini in that it arises from pure spaciousness and does not remain fixed or absorbed in the mind of duality. What arises, arises effortlessly and spontaneously and is spontaneously complete because the basis of that emanation is the Buddha nature, free of distinction, free of contrivance, free of duality, free of ego clinging.

What arises in an uncontrived way from the sphere of truth without clinging, without fixation is pure enlightened activity. Pure enlightened activity always results in perfect result, perfect meaning or enlightened result. From the point of view of practitioners, from the point of view of those who have not established themselves firmly in the view, activity appears in a myriad of ways and we attach meaning to that activity. What we see then, when we see that activity, is only our meaning. We do not see the activity. Therefore, when one holds to and one views the enlightened activity that is consistent with the dakini nature and when one sees that compassionate activity from the point of view of duality and distinction, one will always see ones own mind. Therefore that activity will be seductive in the way that our minds seduce us, that activity will be meaningful in the way that our minds deduce meaning, that activity will be objectionable in the way that our minds object and that activity will be confusing in the way that our minds are confused. That is what we see.

Yet, in striving to attain a deeper understanding of this enlightened activity we have no other recourse other than to achieve realization ourselves. We have to. That is the only way to reach any kind of understanding. And we are beaten over the head with our own minds because our own minds are flashed back at us. We see our mind constantly. We are relentlessly seduced with our own stupidity. We are browbeaten with our own inconsistencies until at some point, eventually, because this is an effortless process, because it is natural, because it arises from the uncontrived state, because it is our nature, this intensified process of putrefaction will putrefy itself into pureness effortlessly.

Well, it will not seem effortless on your part, exactly. But that is because the mind is still clinging to perceptual experience. The mind is in that continuum. The consciousness is there. That is what the perception is. But try to remember that all that is being viewed is our own confusion. That is all that is being seen. It is very much like the symbolic image of the peacock – the bird with big feathers –who eats poisoned things and ends up with this beautiful plumage. To some degree, that is what our practice looks like. We just eat ourselves and eat ourselves and keep on consuming this thing that we see that arises only from our mind until finally at some point we can achieve a glimpse of the pure basis of that. At that point, the pure basis of that is understood to be effortless. It is understood to arise from the sphere of truth and complete itself instantly. It is understood in its nature, but while we revolve in confusion we cannot feel that way.

Astrology

September 5, 2011January 1, 2010 by Norma

1/01/10 Friday

An unexpected emotional communication electrifies and inspires you. Someone cares for you! Friendships solidify, and news from the past comforts and pleases you. A late letter or communication can give you the answer you’ve been waiting for. Continue wrapping up issues from the past. Clean up and clean out. Men are pleasant, good companions. Old traditions are appealing, and the past has a strong pull. If someone has done a good job for you, tell them. Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like cooking dinner and not eating it.

Astrology

September 5, 2011December 31, 2009 by Norma

12/31/09 Thursday

On the last day of the year, remember Alfred Lord Tennyson’s words:

“Ring out wild bells, to the wild sky

The flying cloud, the frosty light;

The year is dying in the night;

Ring out wild bells and let him die.”

This is a time of endings and new beginnings, a time to let the old die and the new come into being. Impermanence is present and an emotional wish is present. You don’t want to let go of the old. Respect your feelings, and commit to a goal for the coming year honoring that, which is lost yet aims toward the future. The future is in your hands, nobody else’s. This is a rousing, inspiring time.

Astrology

December 30, 2009 by Norma

12/30/09 Wednesday

Things pick up today and you feel cheerful again. Artistic and philanthropic endeavors go well. Music, film, and all creativity is favored. You feel jovial, happy and in good spirits. A sudden confusion or upset can appear but you are able to go through the day with a sense of clarity and optimism. Remember that your main goal is wrapping up things from the past year. Dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s. You’d rather surge ahead but you will thank yourself later for the careful review you have done now. You could find and correct mistakes. Good job!

Condensed Amitaba Practice

September 5, 2011December 29, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Buddha Amitabha Downloadable Image — Buddha Amitaba Downloadable Image

I’d like to address the very newest Dharma practitioners, and offer the #METHOD I speak so often and so fondly of. All can benefit.

Many are interested in Buddhism, read and think about it, enjoy it’s thoughtfulness. But the main point of Dharma is accomplishment.

One can be a friend of Dharma, a supporter, collector, even a Guru junkie! But the point of Dharma is awakening, + method applied.

There are no quick and easy routes, no magic buttons, no gadgets, no tincture of this or that worth the money or effort. Dharma is free.

All you really need is a comfy cushion, a quiet sacred space, a Mala (prayer beads) an image relating to your practice really helps.

Most practice requires empowerment (Wang) breath transmission (Lung), and the Lama’s commentary. Therefore one needs a qualified Guru.

Fortunately, through compassion, certain Buddhas have made themselves more accessible in these times. One is Buddha Amitaba.

Amitaba vowed that anyone speaking His Mantra or even hearing it, He would liberate at death, thus accomplishing Dharma in one life.

Practicing Amitaba, then, is swift and extraordinary, can be done without wang or lung if the strong vow is made to seek these out asap.

As quickly as possible these tweets will be arranged usefully with an image of Amitaba for practice. Now, settle onto your cushion.

Allow the mind to simply relax and clear. Practice makes perfect, you will improve in time. The body is relaxed but the spine straight,

The legs should be crossed Indian style or Lotus style, but comfortable.

THE PRACTICE

Instantly in the space in front-above arises Buddha Amitaba.

He is red in color, one face, 2 hands resting in His lap, palms up w/knuckles touching. This mudra symbolizes meditative equipoise.

He is holding a begging bowl and wearing robes of ordination, seated in Lotus Posture. He is surrounded with His retinue of Sublime ones.

As we are awed by His splendor we take refuge with body, speech, and mind.

“Buddha Amitaba I take refuge in you in this and every life” repeat 3 x

Then, thinking kindly of all sentient beings, recite:

“For the sake of beings I give rise to the Bodhicitta so all may benefit” repeat 3 x

If you have a PURE Lama, consider that while the appearance is Amitaba, the essence is identical to one’s Root Guru. If not, get one.

Then hold the mala and recite Mantra, counting with beads. One full Mala is 108 reps.

The mantra; OM AMI DEWA HRI is repeated 108 times.

While reciting, one concentrates on compassion as motivation, the extraordinary qualities of Amitaba, the yearning for Liberation in one life.

So the mind should be filled with pure Devotion and wholesome yearning, and Kindness toward all beings, every one, animals, ALL.

After at least one full Mala of Mantra, recite:

“I prostrate to Amitaba Buddha!”

“May I be reborn in the pure realm of great bliss”

Then Amitaba and his entourage dissolve into light, and pour into top of one’s head (crown). And mixes like milk and water with one’s mind.

“And may all sentient beings without exception be placed in that very state.”

That’s a VERY short condensed method, taken from Nam Cho.

The best thing to do is make a commitment to do this practice every day. It is in the commitment and the doing that benefits,

Along with the very sacred Mantra and the blessing it holds. Therein lays benefit and accomplishment. Samaya.

Some links you may find helpful:

How To Use a Mala

A List of Palyul Centers Around the World

Astrology

September 5, 2011December 29, 2009 by Norma

12/29/09 Tuesday

You’re still lovelorn but you are witty and engaging as well. Writing and communication skills are excellent in an Edgar Allen Poe sort of way. Spend time writing about the gains and losses of the past year. Strive to understand the events of this year and when you have done so, burn or shred the paper. Understand that the past is gone, and let go of a temptation to hold on to that which is gone. Grieve your losses if necessary, but be sure to give yourself credit for your successes. This is a more profound “end of the year” time than usual. Use it well. You may need to wrap something up that you left incomplete. As you release the past you are clearing the decks for the future.

The Importance of Following an Accomplished Teacher

September 5, 2011December 28, 2009 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

The lucky one is (s)he who has spiritual discrimination. A clear sign that one has made progress on the path. There’s so much empty jargon. Many people pass around their learned and personal wisdom, which indeed, is precious and to be respected. It’s progress! Spiritual discrimination is seeing the difference between that communal sharing and an accomplished and qualified Guru to follow. The entire spiritual community is strong, and growing, yearning, expressing, sharing, and loving! Hurray! Yet we must find a true Master.

I see the Lamas of Palyul, for instance. Taught and trained, profound and accomplished Lineage Masters, only here to enlighten us. These great Lamas live and die to liberate sentient beings from the sufferings of Samsara, return life after life for that alone. That is something different from the great ocean of seekers, thinkers, poets, philosophers that we meet online and in life.

In Vajrayana we hear: “Why cross the ocean of suffering in a ship captained by one who has not yet themselves made the journey?” Or “Why invest in a belief that has not produced even one fully Enlightened Buddha?” Or “why travel a path not yet even one century old, and one cannot see the result?” If a man creates his own path, should YOU follow? If we do not know the value of their path, not having seen the result, why go there? Why cross in a ship untested? Maybe it is flawed! So we are advised to practice method and follow Lineage tested and proven over centuries and traceable lifetimes.

I read a claim by a man that he had changed Yoga to make a way to get enlightened immediately. The man looked middle age. Big ego. It is so much better to share one’s insights freely, love each other, learn from each other, but discriminate on path and guru. Or else we just have a bunch of well meaning sweeties walking around in spiritual circles, blind leading blind. It is kinda silly, especially when there are Buddhas and Bodhisattvas taking rebirth consciously, solely for the sake of all beings. That’s cosmic Love!

Not just talking heads, yada yada. A Guru must provide method to attain, or what good are they? You can’t talk your way to Liberation! Sweet, loving, syrupy, flattering words are wonderful to see and taste. But are not the food of the Sublime Awakening!

If a “teacher” butters you up with flattery, pretty words, crazy promises, or says their blessing ALONE will Liberate-RUN! They are politicians! They flatter and cajole for their own egocentric reasons. You will yourself receive no benefit at all. Except for a swollen puffed up ego.

The path of results, of Liberation requires daily effort, practice, mindfulness, and compassion, constantly developing! A living path! A true path, like Vajrayana requires that you CHANGE. Utterly, completely- as we are awakening to Buddhahood. Old ways are abandoned. That old ego’s gotta go to make real progress! It ain’t for sissies. If one has been spiritual for 20 years and remains the same, there is no benefit.

Are you willing to change? Learn something new? Take a giant step that may -WILL rock your world? That is the student I value most. We cannot remain the same, in our comfort zone, no new intake, same old spiritual mumblings and hope to attain Buddhahood.

If you were my own sweet babe in my arms, I would not teach you different. There is a lot to buy and sell, but nourishment is RARE! Your true nature is the fundamental ground, Primordial Luminosity. You are Buddha! Do not throw yourself away! Awaken! AWAKEN to your Nature! Lord Buddha said as He left this world: “I have given you METHOD! Now work out your own Liberation!” And that is exactly how it is.

Gyaltrul Rinpoche, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo and His Holiness Penor Rinpoche