Infusing Western Life with Tibetan Buddhist Compassion
There’s a common notion that Tibetan Buddhism, in its simplest form, is a battle – to the death — between our ‘true’ (i.e., wisest) self and our Ego. Our wisest self-wishes to evolve, blossom and be free . . . the Ego likes things just the way they are, under its control . . . … Read more
Tibetan Buddhism. It’s an ancient curriculum of study, analysis, contemplation, meditation, practice and engagement. Along the way, its primary reason for being is this: to help us better understand how our minds work, and then use what we’ve learned to establish and nourish consistent mental health and well-being. Because of its exotic source, demands for … Read more
I read some of the Buddha’s Atthakavagga teachings after breakfast this morning, a nice way to prepare for the work of the day. I’m now at my writing desk, Diogi is sleeping alongside on his quilted-comforter bed. Coming through the window is that luminous shine – a glow, actually – of winter sun’s reflection on … Read more
These days, the news — especially concerning the incoming Administration — is both alarming and depressing. So, based on the notion that everyday reality is simply our own projection, I think I’ll make up some headlines of my own to consider . . . here’s a half-dozen: *** :: National Single-Payer Healthcare Bill Signed Into … Read more
I was reading a 1990 interview with James Hillman, the acclaimed psychologist, whose work was greatly inspired by his studies with Carl Jung in the 1950’s. In speaking of ‘New Age’ movements, he remarked, “Meditation, in today’s world, is obscene. To go into a room and sit on the floor and meditate on a straw … Read more
There’s a common notion that Tibetan Buddhism, in its simplest form, is a battle – to the death — between our ‘true’ (i.e., wisest) self and our Ego. Our wisest self-wishes to evolve, blossom and be free . . . the Ego likes things just the way they are, under its control . . . … Read more
Meditation. It allows one to pierce the illusion of permanence. It brings into clarity the vast depth of mind. It increases mental strength and focus. It lessens worry, anxiety, fear, loneliness and depression. It improves breathing and heart rate. It helps us to ignore distractions. It helps improve resilience against pain and adversity It enables … Read more
By just about any survey, algorithmically conducted or informally conversational, when persistent human fears are considered, it is Dying and/or Death that usually appears near the top of most lists. Perhaps this is experienced by some in a very direct way: as fear of the unknown, or of a great and final pain; or for … Read more
Last night I dreamt about the Buddhist altar we’ve assembled in our living room. On it are statues, ancient tsa-tsas, a bell and djorje, assorted photos, a Tibetan text, some small stupas, some kusha grass from when I took formal refuge, protection cords, a small sea shell, candles, a mani stone and other meaningful odds-and-ends. … Read more
Awakened Mind is not a hide-and-seek game objective, nor is it found at the end of a scavenger hunt. It is not encountered accidentally, or through operating some sort of apparatus or flipping an appliance on-off switch. Nor is it a novelty, an entitlement discovered via some Dharma doodad or gimmicky gizmo. *** In discussing … Read more