Saga Dawa Duchen falls on June 14, the full moon day. On this auspicious day, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche gave a teaching on the Essence of Development Stage of Vajrayana and oral transmission of mantras of Vajrasattva (purification), Buddha Medicine (health), Tara mantras (developing wisdom), Longevity mantras (long life) and Amitabha (pure land).
It is always a joy and a blessing to listen to Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. My root teacher in a way.
The key points of the teaching below:
Taking fruition as path
Fruition = Enlightenment quality – we have right now right here by nature
Three wisdom or kaya
Wisdom of recognizing ultimate truth
Wisdom of knowing relative phenomena
Always here with us
Three practice of vajrayana
path of liberation: the most profound of vajrayana
Completion : working with body prana bindu
Developmental: working with imagination visualization and concept: using concept as path
Taking course as path
Taking fruition as path
fruit already there
But obscuration present so
Remove all obscuration
Ie we all already Buddha but just don’t see or know it yet so remove all obscuration
So possible to become Buddha in one lifetime
Qns- why do we have obscuration why do we not see the truth
Answ we cannot find the answer
When we want to find something that is beginning or the end
It’s not possible
Because time is an illusion time is emptiness
When this samsara comes ?
Where is the beginning
There is no beginning
So we look at now and present
Samsara is emptiness and what we are experiencing now with kind body environment is just an illusion
There is no samsara
Emptiness and clarity
So we are all Buddha
But we can’t see it because we have habit of perceiving the samsara
Developmental: imagination of Buddha deity
What is imagination
Imagination has image voice sensation based on belief
Together they form imagination
Imagination or visualization – v powerful eg on sportsman : when they don’t move and only visualize they are running : they grow muscles
Some people who can’t raise hand: just imagine raising hands and they can raise hands
Is imagination to plan the future
Imagine Fruit in hand and saliva in mouth increase
because when kind has fruit, nerves, prana, bindu all create saliva
If we use imagination rightly for our practice on our path
Practice imagination with 5 Buddha
Vajrasattva
Medicine Buddha
Tara
White Tara
Amitabha
Image or Buddha is like a reflection of moon in water, like in a rainbow in sky or a pizza in dream- beyond time and space
Practice:
Take refuge and bodhicitta
Buddha in front of you
Pray to Buddha
Chant mantra
Light from Buddha heart goes into you and all beings
Buddha dissolve into light and enters you and all beings
Advantages of above practice
When you imagine, you need mindfulness and awareness and concentration
so actually we are doing samadhi meditation with Buddha image
Become emptiness or vipassana practice when you see image dream like or moon reflection in water it’s like not real but so real so appear as Buddha but like emptiness
Become refuge: you are praying to Buddha : refuge practice comes automatically
Become bodhicitta: imagine the light that comes to you touch all beings and they become Buddha
Taking fruition as path: prana bindu nadi changing helps us discover Buddha in us
Dedication
Purify obstacles and fully recognize Buddha within and all beings
Spent some time on sunday night on this wonderful talk by Khandro La whom I met in Dharamsala, India a few years back
The contents I have captured here, otherwise in youtube above.
Shantideva is referred in the Tibetan world: life-force of buddhism in tibet and the larger buddhist world
The Way of the Bodhisattva-by Shantideva
10 chapters,
1 line captures the essence: “May the precious bodhicchita arise where it has not arisen” and where it has arisen, may it not decrease and increase further and further
Sentient beings do not want to suffer, all sentient beings want happiness
Suffering has a cause, likewise, happiness has a cause
Happiness and suffering came through interdependence
if we don’t understand the benefits of bodhicitta it will be difficult to keep that intention
bodhicitta: inside the mind, inside the precious altruistic mind of enlightenment that has been tamed.
mind that has not been tamed is full of suffering
methods of taming mind is v important
we have (precious karma ) to achieve this precious human body
how do we make it meaningful
deep inside mind, there are untamed problems and difficulties, we need to see methods for taming our own mind, see how mind endowed with love, loving kindness is so important to tame the mind
examine ourselves to see the accumulations of merit and wisdom
identifying recognising and acknowledging suffering is v important
suffering comes from self centredness or ego fixation or conceptual mind of ignorance , ie a distorted mind state
distorted mind has ways of grasping and holding things incorrectly
eg what is impermanent is held to be permanent, gives rise to attachment and anger
what is unclean is held to be clean
what is not self is held to be self
all misunderstandings are distorted mind
subject and object are not seen in nature not seen for what they are, and gives rise to grasping and we have desires anger ill will dullness wrong view
with these it seems we cant find bodhicitta
ignorance or not knowing holds things as being permanent, real or true, substantial and holds oneself and others to be concrete and real
and what comes from that is suffering
at the root, we find this sense of self: me: what is mine is important
when we have a mind like that, our mind is very small
anytime our understanding is in contradiction to the way things are: we are in confusion
when we look at sense of self importance, based on idea that i m good what i have is good, eg my body , my, we cling, when we look at it in terms of its parts, we start to see the body as what it actually is
the body is flesh, fluid, bones, composed of different parts
as mind, we see that we are grasping to my body and give rise to afflictive emotions such as desire, aversion, envy, ill will, wrong view etc
if we see that our own body, underlying reality of our body, we understand that nature which is also the nature of reality, we come to understand if we use the body well, it is the best support for accomplishing what is truly meaningful such as omniscience, liberation,
grasping onto ourselves, self centred grasping , based on holding ourselves as the most important, most precious, this comes from self cherishing, and whatever happens, we want the best for ourselves
we need to reverse this tendency, ie cherish others more than ourselves
the way to do this is by reflecting: the number of other beings is unlimited and there is only one me
consider: myself and others are the same in wanting happiness and not wanting to suffer
doesn’t make sense: that gd things or anything that is desirable, why should I have this only for myself? in fact all of us want the same things such as praise,
so turn that around and self cherishing into other cherishing
this is taming the mind: reduce our self importance and self cherishing
our mind can become better with this
taming the mind: if we understand the way mind clings , ie all things we experience that holds things as real is not like the way we grasp, if we understand, we can destroy our own grasping and our mind can open up open widely to actual path of liberation that leads to omniscience
and all the qualities we wish for can manifest
then we can look towards enlightenment which means purified and expanded
when we understand that everything is not substantial and solid as we hold, we purify by understanding how things actually are, the our cherishing can be purified and exhausted
when this happens we can experience genuine renunciation
sometimes we may have a little bit of renunciation compassion from time to time, but it vanishes when we cling
when the inner mind that is experiencing outer objects are not established, we can have genuine renunciation then we can have authentic love for others and ripen into bodhicitta
important to understand that bodhicitta comes from taming the mind not just hoping for it or mere words or aspiration.
bodhicitta comes from equalising self and others
and understanding that the conceptual mind and everything we perceive is not substantial
same as realising the nature of mind: simplicity and beyond constructs
anything or what is based on cause and condition is not truly established or substantial
when can understand this, the sentient beings who wander based on their karma, we can feel compassion rooted in dharma arise
this understanding towards other beings is important
because of our distorted view, we have been wandering in samsara since the beginningless of time
when mind becomes vast it is because we understand emptiness more and more, and mind becomes honest
the more honest the mind is the more good the mind becomes
Qns: how can we be kind or feel altruistic or bodhicitta towards someone who has harmed us?
we are humans aren’t we, we can arouse our mindful awareness to try not to get angry
anger doesn’t benefit others nor ourselves
when we encounter a bad situation or condition, try to be skilful, we need to have some insights, can i change this situation. if we can, lets try to change it. if nothing can be done, we leave it and let it go
if we understand that phenomenal are not concrete or truly real, we understand that the grasping is the prob , this is based on ignorance or our misunderstanding, then we can feel compassion towards that person and see that he or she has fundamental misunderstandings about the reality
with understanding we can have compassion patience
Qns: what is the best way to help family who has strong afflictive feelings or a difficult time
if we can see and recognise afflictive emotions, its good
in general having a good altruistic mind is a universal right, its not about being a buddhist, its a birthright for all to be happy
but beings are caught in samsara: suffering and distraction can come at any time, towards all beings, we wish them happiness mental and physical and to go beyond suffering and to have liberation
this affectionate loving mind is so important to have and to receive
we do not have to hold on to the idea of a buddhist, just be honest, loving,
rely on the six paramitas on our path : our best companion on the path: we do not have to hold on to bad things done to us, bring forth view of interdependence and conduct of non violence and causing no harm
KHANDRO LA did a talk on this topic: The Method to Cultivate Mental Happiness and I took notes on the way. I hope it offers some light to you just as these words did to me.
Countless bodhisattvas have come to teach and some are amongst you
All beings want to be free from suffering
Having good heart and good mind, good action are all good for all, regardless of religion
Mind- subj so vast
what is suffering?
process that doesn’t require to be religious
wish to be happy and free from sufferings naturally abides in everyone
view
behaviour that arises from view
if view is perfect, behaviour is positive
correct view that motivates behaviour
what is correct view?
correct view= correctly understanding nature and entity of reality
wise person who wants to be happy and free from suffering= spends time understanding nature of phenomena
emptiness
we need to lock in this view: in relation to mind
the nature of mind
the mind is distorted or afflicted by delusions attachment anger etc
we grasp onto phenomena as if they were existing in themselves
all these working of mind, is called afflicted wisdom= distorted reality = sufferings to ourselves
Enquire the profound view of emptiness
Distinguish
phenomena is empty of intrinsic existence ?
when we speak about any phenomena
it arises by way of dependence
by nature it is emptiness
at level of conventionality , all phenomena arise because they are dependently related
this is not a concept of religion
this is nature itself!
based on honest ultimate mind and not due to perception of sensory
all phenomena is impermanent
completely unreliable and deceiving , this is what destroys ourselves and all other sentient beings
what is a reliable reality: mid of enlightened and bodhicitta
completely understanding of emptiness
we rely on these undeceiving reality and a stable virtuous mind
correct view—> correct behaviour
whether in family, society, world : we use afflicted wisdom which brings the exact opposite of what we want—>deluded view, brings about more sufferings
if we adopt correct view of phenomena which are that they do not intrinsically exist, and that all beings want to be free of suffering, this brings opposite
the basis of correct view is in us, but we don’t use it, its not even smthg we can buy
peace comes from correct view and behaviour
one needs to educated mind on this subject then we will get real happiness and real blossoming of peace and happiness
qns ourselves
how does reality exist?
is liberation from suffering achievable?
liberation and suffering has to do with the mind, not smtg outside
affliction and liberation has to do with the mind
this is the most precious thing of all
the nature of the mind-which has the potential to achieve enlightenment and bring about universal compassion and correct bahevior of non violence
if u develop qualities of mind based on wisdom of dependent origination= based on reasoning, love, compassion
recognising positive and negative states of mind
sustaining and supporting with right understanding
do not necessarily need religion for a peaceful mind
how to educate children?
supporting the development of children in framework of honest sincere open far sighted etc
bottomline:how parents show and teach children is impt
deeper connection to each other and to understand nature of reality
-so evident now is interconnection of us all in the world and so important
-more honesty more beneficial for us all int he world
-if we have a system of education and future of world depends on us and our interdependence
-not by making prayer and devotional activities but we need education
what is the benefit of having ordained nuns
monks and nuns learn and practice the preservation of teachings of realisation
renunciation
we have the same potential to develop the same qualities as monks and nuns
How to develop authentic faith in one’s mind?
the importance and need of faith, we want to be happy and don’t want to suffer
what is faith?
based on understanding that suffering has causes and can be eliminated
Had the opportunity to watch “The Great 14th”‘s Global Premiere and what the Dalai Lama said, touched me.
Seeing him always brought me back to the time when I listened to him felt his presence in dharmsala, it was pure magic.
These things he said, are awe inspiring, motivating one to become better, to get hold of oneself and be better.
To heal and work on oneself at a personal internal level. Dedicating to oneself first to make good this precious life, and then to others
Quotes from The Great 14th.
“I dedicate my body speech mind to limitless sentient beings, my existence to be some benefit to others, thats part of my main practice.
I myself everyday reading, but also thinking, and i link it with my daily life, daily emotions, then it becomes something living.
Map of the Mind: buddhist literature is richest source of information on emotions,
lacking of sense of others’ pain , and a sense of desire to do smthg to prevent
After I reached India, I really felt I was liberated from pretension. Since my childhood, I want to be just ordinary human being. One occasion i met a chinese friend and we talk about the communist system , because of fear, they hypocrisy i part of their life, so i told them, me too, since 1951- beginning of 1959, o was also compelled to practice hypocrisy . in april 1959 i liberated i became a refugee not no longer practice hypocrisy or pretension . so i think difficult experience was really helpful to break away from all this pretension. thats one important transformation.
so you become closer to reality. things are difficult , there’s no time to say nice words. you must accept reality and tell reality.
“There must be some education of warm heartedness”
“Courage and determination, you must keep. You shouldn’t not be discouraged. With a healthy body determined mind, effort will succeed.”—–what Avalokitesvhara said to him
“One day, I analysed where’s I? where’s self? All of a sudden, I felt no self. During that moment, I had some kind of special feeling, pain, some kind of uncomfortable feeling, pain, lightning. Then I know these appearances are not reality. In real reality, its just interdependent, and no absolute identity.
I reported to my tutor, after he listened, he expressed, soon you will become a genuine practitioner of space. Yogi of space. Yogi of emptiness. I found the real unique teaching and foundation of buddhism is emptiness.”
Things do not exist as they appear
Altruism
“He gave me that vow infant of buddha statue and I cried a lot and often remember that and recharge my altruism “
Ling Rinpoche took every care of me, when I heard of news he got sick, i was very disturbed. When my tutor is no longer there, how can I live? As long as he remained there, i feel something like a solid rock, i can live, when he passed away, no longer that rock. That sadness brings more enthusiasm more determination, I myself should work hard, and fulfill my tutors wish, I MUST fulfil
If you utilise that unbearable feeling, can translate more constructive power.
One monk was in chinese gulag, n he experienced some danger. I asked him what danger, he say : Losing compassion towards chinese
wholistic view important to not develop anger
To have a healthy body, healthy mind, means calm mind is v important
Anger is destroyer of calm mind, you realised anger is no use, instead of solving problems, it creates more problems. Continuously think this way, become a habit.
Culture of Tibetan culture is culture of compassion, non violence, peace. Real culture is richness of thinking power, everything investigate, think of others as yourself, develop genuine sense of well being of other and yourself—useful and relevant to today’s world.
sheer faith that we have truth and truth will prevail
The Power of Inner Truth
Power, good or bad, depends on motivation.
Real meaning of religion is love. Power of sincerity, inner truth.
To be truthful, honest, transparent.
A meaningful life: I had opportunity to help, serve pple, make awareness, ultimate source of happiness is within ourselves not power, not money
Awareness helps makes life easier peaceful.
SO i really feel, as a human being, Serving on that field as much as I can, thats my purpose my meaning of life.
My energy is devoted to these 2 fields, awareness and religious harmony. SO i m very happy very good.
Infinite sentient beings want a happy life devoid of suffering. My happiness and their happiness some kind of connection, my suffering and their suffering also some kind of connection . Therefore i dedicate wholeheartedly my body speech and mind some benefit to others , then you get some kind of real satisfaction and inner strength, that gives me meaning of life.
On internal level, my courage is quite strong. Before I came to India, my life had some artificiality, some ceremony protocol, i came to india (I m liberated, no more pretension) become more realistic , to maintain peace of mind, that was immense help to sustain my healthy body.
For myself, not much time left, perhaps next few years i can be active, then I will go. If there’s a heaven I may go heaven. If not i will reborn on this planet, and try as much as I can make some contribution, for inner peace. Until space remains, thats my daily prayer so long space remains, so long sentient beings sufferings remain, I will remain. I try to make little contribution for peace of mind.
There are so many interesting points that can be lifted from the video.
And the ones which call out to me most:
-Life is suffering and acceptance (of it earlier than later might make it easier for all )
-The Problem is the Solution=Transform
What an inspiration! If only we contemplated this, much earlier, much deeper and apply our life’s experiences.
-Never Give Up
-Not too tight; Not too loose
-Dedicate
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is one of the most important teachers I have met in my life. I remember attending one of his retreats at least 10 years ago. And when I went forward to receive blessings, I cried and cried and cried uncontrollably.
He was one of those who let me magically experience the powerful emotions of acceptance and what that can feel like.
We all know these emotions but can we feel them?
He made me feel them. Gratitude towards life and having myself. Acceptance of the past.
He distilled the essence of meditation down to one word: awareness. That is the most important thing——- not the experiences of mediation.
I come to understand this again as I have recently been working on myself. And can get sidetracked when I feel energy or talk to myself while lying down on my bed.
But Rinpoche put it in perspective and guided me again—–from afar. How wonderful how blissful how blessed to have Teacher ! And to have these little tips!
My you be well and happy Teacher and may your teachings reach all realms of the universe, just by hearing these, teachings like nectar can heal and deliver all in need.
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