This is a recording of Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo telling the story of a dream she had. It was recorded at her home on December 19, 2010:
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
Alyce Zeoli
Why Do People Lie?
Why do people lie, and what is the result? People lie because they are insecure, and their intention is at best to buoy themselves up or to pull others down. Often they feel they are unsuccessful, or haven’t had enough love, praise, etc. They feel the only way to break through is to break others down. In the end no one wins, least of all the liar. The liar gets the bad karma, the victim just gets hurt. What’s the point? There is no use.
Once a liar starts the lie, there is small chance that they will be able to turn it around. When one’s life, then becomes a web of lies it will occur not only now in this life, but the habit remains until it is purified. The work will remain to do until it is complete. Lies are wrong speech, meant to do harm and benefit only oneself. A liar can never be trusted until they purify.
Of course the bottom line is intention and compassion. If one lies continually there is no compassion. The intention is to harm others and distort or destroy truth. Lies can be debilitating. One develops a habit they cannot break and it eventually destroys them, ruins life after life and all wholesome happiness. A liar does not have Bodhicitta. They cannot attain enlightenment until the very habit is cleaned up.
The saddest thing about lying is that one eventually believes their own con, and then lifelong confusion results, a broken personality that lives in their own glass house, locked in a sea of relentless sickness. The more they lie the sicker they get. All to boost ego!!!
The jail house of their own making is all-pervasive. There is no love, no freedom, no comfort or happiness because the liar has only lied. That terrible weight will be theirs to bear alone. But there are no winners. That is because a seed rotten to the core cannot grow good fruit. And because we are all one in nature, everyone gets hurt. What a ridiculous way to live this short life. How senseless to live in one’s own lies. Like a baby condemned to live in its filthy diaper, no hope for change, and the pain never ends. So unnecessary when we have such great capacity! I choose love, life, a wholesome mind, pure speech, forgiveness and peace! And I wish you all the same.
Liars lie – let it go!
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
Chime Tsog Thig
Seven Line Prayer
HUNG – ORGYEN YUL GYI NUB JANG TSAM
On the northwest border of the country of Urgyen
PEDMA GESAR DONG PO LA
In the pollen heart of a lotus
YA TSEN CHOG GI NGODRUP NYE
Marvelous in the perfection of your attainment
PEDMA JUNG NE ZHE SU DRAG
You are known as Lotus Born
KOR DU KHANDRO MANG PO KOR
And are surrounded by your circle of Dakinis
KYED KYI JE SU DAG DRUP KYI
Following you I will practice
JIN GYI LOB CHIR SHEG SU SOL
I pray you, come and confer your Blessings.
GURU PEDMA SIDDHI HUNG!
(Not translatable. Sacred words)
Chime Tsog Thig Mantra
OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEMA AYURJÑANA SIDDHI HUNG HRI
OM AMARANI DZIWEN TAYE SWAHA
The Chime Tsog Thig is a long-life practice of Amitayus and consort, Chendali, revealed by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche. This is the practice accomplished in Maratika cave by Guru Rinpoche and Mandarava. Mandarava was the first of five main consorts of Padmasambhava, Guru Rinpoche. Said to be an emanation of White Tara, she was born a Princess in the 8th century in Northern India. At age 16, she and Padmasambhava together practiced in union in the cave of Maratika, fully realizing the longevity practices of Amitayus that had been hidden there as termas. The realization that came from this practice changed the course of spiritual history – making it possible to break the cycle of death & rebirth while in a human body. That practice, revealed by H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche, is known as “Chime Sog Thig.”
Roar of the Dakini
It is not for ordinary sentient beings to alter Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. It has been in this country, USA, only a short while. To decry the gifts of our great founding Lamas, Tulkus, also called Nirmanakaya Buddhas, these are jewels to gradually assimilate and practice, not to destroy with arrogance and pride. We may end up seeing some things differently here. But it should be gently and with loving concern.
Some people suggest we should destroy all Tulkus. And, naturally the woman who doesn’t play patriarchy goes first. If we have just ordinary people teaching, even from texts, is like the blind leading the blind. One can see easily that these folks have no profound wisdom, being so rude, hurtful and stuffed with pride. If sincere people follow ordinary people with no particular good qualities they will end up the same as them. These ordinary people claim supreme Enlightenment just because they believe it in a deluded way. If these people lead Vajrayana it is finished. They have no wisdom, do not know the pith instructions, and cannot give empowerment from a stainless source. Then we have nothing but a Tibetan flavored new age composite. Completely worthless. Some westerners don’t even do sadhana, or bother with empowerment. They just make up their own. Like a coloring book and crayons. Draw Superman and you can be him! No, really! Write it with the purple crayon so you can be on the purple ray!! Write “I AM THE SHYT! I am a Guru!” Then hand it in to your actual teacher and she/he may write “very creative!” Yet it is not correct.
Maybe someday there will be realization, when the pride is overcome, the arrogance, and maybe when the Bodhicitta is developed. No, it does not appear naturally without effort. You can’t do a little dance and Viola’ there it is. One must practice every day! Effort is essential. Intention must also be pure. Not to destroy, but to heal. I know of someone who says he/she has practiced for 30yrs and feels they don’t need any more but when you see them you know different. You see the hate, whining, selfishness and self absorption right away. No kindness. If we accept this as American Tibetan (?) Buddhism it is Kaliyuga for sure. The end. I have practiced and studied with great Masters for 30yrs also, and still do because of the intention to benefit beings, to dedicate the merit, and because I have faith and the wish to see all beings free of suffering. Until the bloated ego is pacified it is not truly possible to liberate and benefit beings. I am properly recognized, properly enthroned, and fully capable of teaching and helping sentient beings. But western wannabees crucify me every day. They will not stop this woman. And I will continue to keep my Lineage, and all Nyingmapa, the ancient ones sacred. I will protect my own and all beings.
And, yes this is the work if a woman! I will not crumble. And I am terribly sad for those who cannot see that wisdom. Yes, I am woman, watch me roar!!! Deal with it or not – your choice.
OM MANI PEDME HUNG! OM BENZAR SATO HUNG!
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
Unwind Obsessive Behavior
If you can do nothing else, at least be kind and tolerant. You can do that. There is no excuse for being rude. Often, people are rude and hateful on twitter. I have pondered this for a while. I think it is that people hide behind computers, saying rude and terrible, hurting things because they cannot be seen. Even with skype, not the same. It is a kind of cowardice as one does not have to look their victim in the eye. To tweet, we may not be able to recognize them as human. Even if there are conversations, still we hide behind computer screens. This is both bad and good. We can use this format to connect and give info. Or it can be used to harm and hurt others. Why is that a pleasure to some? This hurting thing? Rage and obsession I think – he lack of ability to turn around and move on – fixation that one has no control over.
Now, I disagree. OCD can be treated with medicine and therapy. Another technique is Buddhist. The trick is to disassemble the whole thing. Of one is obsessed with a person, see them differently. Say, those lovely green eyes. Put them in your visualization in a glass of water. Their hair? How about the Christmas tree? What else do you like? Teeth? OK put them on a shelf. And those “special” parts? Oh, maybe the sink disposal. Then look at the mess and ask “where is this person? Glass? Shelf?” And which is the part I am obsessed with?”. As you can see, obsession is about conceptual proliferation. Common elements assembled by habit. And seen as real and solid. It isn’t about the object of obsession at all. It is habitual tendency. IF we recognize that we can change it with this technique.
We get obsessed with so many things! Cars, homes, mates, and also hearing oneself talk in a way that seems intelligent. Obsessed with sports (not as bad! Ha!) Clothing, anything. I am quite nearly obsessed with saving dogs. So we must ask: is this obsession reasonable? Wholesome? Does it contribute to society? Our planet? If not, if it goes contrary to the rules of society, let it go! What’s the point? There is absolutely no benefit. Stick with the good stuff- respect, kindness, health, spiritual growth. This is useful!
Now some people need medication and therapy to manage this, and something profound to fill their hearts and minds. Many times OCD is the substitute for something.
I feel it is good to stop demonizing psychiatric care. Be brave and honest. Get the medicine and treatment you need to be happy. And please do try and practice Dharma – Buddhism, face the illness and win! You can do this. You too can be happy! Just don’t fake it. And declare yourself superior to others. That is part of the illness. Delusion. You CAN overcome. Try compassion, love and respect, and you will be happy!
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo
The Blessing
Hear my prayer, Beloved
The prayer of my heart
May you walk in freedom
May your way be filled with love
May the sun warm you and guide your way
And your way be gentle
For you and yours may there be peace
In all your days, food and drink
May your heart be blessed with dreams
And awaken to the nectar of compassion
May you come freely to the light
And know the nature of your mind
With the love and care
Of a mothers tender heart
I beseech you
Do not turn away
Oh hear this, hear this prayer
A whisper in the dark
Hear my love for you
Sweet, gentle, compassions play
Can you hear me?
I am calling you
Calling you
Beloved come forth!
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo 2009
You Can Start a War … Can You Stop It?
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
Accomplishment on the Path
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
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
Empowering the Feminine
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.
©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo