respect | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Embracing Change for a Better World

March 29, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I wonder if it is the aspect between Jupiter opposite Saturn that is giving me the brain drain. I suspect it may be. It is a generational aspect, every 20 years. And it also seems there is a tug between old, crystallized ways and new, more radical ways.

I hope so. Maybe government and corporate people will show transparency for a change! I feel strongly that is the way to go. Old institutions and “old thinking” people definitely hold us in a zone, and feel entitled to do so. When I see something or someone who refuses to listen or change it boggles my mind and angers me too (sadly.) When new ideas and ways of thinking develop they should never be smashed down. And the new thinking folks should never be bullied or called names. We are free to speak and share ideas as new ideas are needed! The world has so many problems.

Bullies, tend to try to keep those around them unchanging, sheep-like and safely mum. So it turns out bullies are the weaker as their emotional lives are maintained by putting others down. That is weak. And cruel. Especially to those trying to learn, and formulate their own ideas. We must be encouraging, not suffocating new ideas by blowing them down. No one has the right to do that, corporations or governments as well. We have the right to evolve as thoughtful people. The world requires it. The times require it. The nuclear crisis in Japan is a prime example. To save face Japan will not tell us the truth, and we have the right to know. Similarly our own government, here in the USA, does the same. To what extent we may never know.

No, I am not a rabid conspiracy nut. But I see something is very wrong with this picture. We should have full disclosure, especially about those things which affect our health and our thinking. I hope this Jupiter (expanding) and Saturn (crystalizing, unchanging) duke it out (it is us of course) and we come up with new ways. Respect, tolerance, compassion, spiritual depth, open mindedness, these ways that lead us forward and do not support secretiveness and bullying, harmful domination of others, etc; may these things, having had their day, allow the rest of us to have ours!

Upholding the Dharma by Abandoning Gossip

February 5, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I am still being asked why I won’t comment on His Holiness the Karmapa’s situation given how Palyul and I were dragged through the filth of slander and lies. Given this was done as well to my Guru His Holiness Kyabje Penor Rinpoche, you all know I’m sure, the answer, again, is I hold myself to higher standards. My Guru taught me better. I have no wish to see any Vajrayana Lineage sullied; no wish to harm the Buddha Dharma in any way. The Dharma is far too noble and needed in the world.

Every level, teaching, given to us by the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is beyond reproach because it came from the Buddha’s mind and enlightened intention. For an ordinary person to “comment” (which shows the ignorance of their minds) would be slapstick funny if it weren’t so tragic to the Dharma. What intention is that? The intention to feel worthwhile by stepping on Lamas and Buddhism in general? No, not me. This gossip and self cherishing is to be abandoned. Those that want to know what I think will then truck their little behinds somewhere else and ask “that” Lama for opinion. And will shop around until they like what they hear, even if they have to go to the sewers to get it. They will of course find what they want. There will always be ego-maniacs that will prostitute themselves for attention, to make a mark in the world, even if it is fingerprinting with shit on the Dharma.

Not me. I am here to bring truth, purity, view, wisdom and kindness. Not cruelty. Not lies. Not slander. Yes, I feel that I am above it. This kind of darkness brings religious hatred and wars. I will do everything within my rightful authority to prevent this at the cost of my very life. I would never do to another what was done to me and mine. I will never sink so low. I believe in ethics, respect, dignity and character. I would never slime anyone else’s Guru, as I know that the “Words of My Perfect Teacher” are spoken for all. Just as yours may speak perfectly for you, I will not dirty my nature nor stain my pure Lineage or the perfection of my Guru by kicking dirt on someone else. It would only harm others, and I would then be a whore.

None of my students can gossip or they have broken their samaya with me and with Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Don’t do it. Don’t spoil the pristine quality of the Buddha’s; of Guru Rinpoche’s extraordinary and powerful gift to all beings.

OM BENZAR SATO HUNG!

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?