The following is an excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called “Your Treasure is Heart”
We view our own liberation as non-dual with the liberation of others: As I reach liberation, as I move closer to enlightenment, I am more and more able to be of benefit to others. So I am interested in my own spiritual practice, interested in my own enlightenment for their sake, as well as for my sake. Of course, I am one of them. My own liberation and the liberation of others become non-dual, and we begin to understand that we are truly and utterly inseparable in essence and in truth.
So we begin by walking with these simple and mindful meditations. Now don’t get obsessive about it. If you forget to do it for an hour a day, just like anything else, you just climb back on. Judgment is useless—you can toss it out. What is needed, what you should cultivate, is the ability to view yourself honestly, without self-hatred. Self-hatred has no place on this path. Hatred of any kind has no place on this path. So, too, that kind of ridiculous judgment. I would prefer that you do not judge me as a Bodhisattva, expecting me to look or act a certain way. I would prefer that you do not judge yourself as a budding Bodhisattva to look and act a certain way, and thereby condemn and end your potency on the path. So don’t do it to me, and don’t do it to you. You won’t catch me doing it to me or you.
Copyright © Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo. All rights reserved
To Tswewai Lama Jetsunma,
This is why I cherish being a part of Your Precious Mandala. Roles (other than essential ones like the Student/Teacher bond) have no place, nor does judgment. I feel as though you are my best friend, but yet, I know you the are the best friend to hundreds–being and unbroken link to a Pure, Potent Lineage, with Results of Accomplishment to support it.
Once more, thank you for being such a wonderful Teacher to all of us! Your work is truly appreciated.
Best,
Jampa Thogmed
Thank you.