Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said he wakes up each morning before 4:00 to study and meditate. When asked why he repeatedly reviews the same texts he has taught numerous times, and is expert in, he replies that he is striving to further purify his intentions. When Pablo Casals, the cello virtuoso, was in … Read more
Not knowing is a good beginning. Awareness of our ignorance helps prepare us for evolving toward awakening. To recognize we have been lost is to attain the trailhead of the Path. *** Acknowledge ignorance to begin navigating beyond it . . . taking first steps toward authentic wisdom. Acceptance brings humility, curiosity and grace, all … Read more
In the ancient texts, Siddhartha (aka The Buddha) is often referred to as the Conqueror, while the Mahayana Path is described as that of the Bodhisattva Warrior. Conqueror. Warrior. These are fighting words, not often used to define people, studies and practices that work to cultivate patience, generosity, virtue, loving kindness and wise compassion. But … Read more
Today (February 11, 2017) is Tu Bishvat, the Jewish ‘New Year for Trees’ (a kind of ‘Jewish Earth Day’). It is a time for reconnecting with nature, recognizing/appreciating the bounty of the Earth, to be thankful for all that sustains us, and to commit to protect the land. Here in our Western Washington Cascadian valley, … Read more
There’s been lots of talk and references made in these writings to the ‘Buddhist’ Path . . . what exactly is that? For many, it is the Dharma curriculum, full of ideas . . . teachings and practices . . . meditations and perspectives . . . psychology and spirituality . . . motivations and … Read more
The Buddhist path stresses the interdependence of all things. Our world is a web of interrelated aspects – these include the ‘natural’ world of earth, water, air and fire; living systems of animals and plants, and the human systems of social and economic activities. Our actions can have far-reaching effects, with aftermaths that will eclipse … Read more
Last night Kathy and I conducted a Medicine Buddha sadhana* in our home, shared with some local friends. It is a practice of many aspects, including contemplation, motivation, generosity, prayer, meditation, visualization, mantra chanting and dedication of any results to the benefit of sentient beings everywhere. One of the effects of this and similar practices, … Read more
Along with the frustration and anger, some are feeling these days, comes the notion of “Karma” . . . i.e., other-directed, it is an oft-vengeful sense that ‘he’ or ‘she’ or ‘they’ will rightfully suffer down the road for their actions today. Not only is that mistaken, there’s a whole lot more to Karma than … Read more
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama is, in a way, a “Last of the Mohicans” . . . one of the final bridges we have between the old country of Tibet and modern Tibetan Buddhist practices and ways. He is extensively world-traveled, has authored more than 150 books, and hosts regular meetings of the planet’s … Read more
It is said that opposites attract . . . for those who are exposed, and pay attention, they can also teach. *** Shouting can sway emotions, creating turbulence and agitation. Divisive and hateful speech can close minds, creating fear. Harboring grudges – real or imagined – creates resentment and intolerance. Disrespect breeds untrustworthiness. Cherishing possessions … Read more