Thought for the Day: July 5, 2011
Troubling thoughts are like ghosts; they are only harmful if you believe in them. That is easier said than
done! But, through developing skill in meditation, we can strengthen our mind so that we don't dwell
unnecessarily or in an unhelpful way on thoughts that tire our mind and wear it down.
Thought for the Day: July 6, 2011
Happy 76th Birthday to HH Dali Lama.
Today at the Verizon Center in Washington DC, HH the Dali Lama's birthday was celebrated after the
morning opening ceremonies for the Kalachakra Empowerment, which is an eleven day event. He
pointed out in good humor that in the Tibetan tradition birthdays are a minor event and the big
celebration are death days. Afterwards, we all did long life prayers for HH !
One of the topics discussed by HH as he closed the morning program was his wish for world peace and
how each of us should do his or her part to contribute. He pointed out the importance of not being
concerned whether the deed seems big or small, that even if we can simply make a peaceful home for
ourselves and/or family, and bring happiness to our co workers, and maintain a peaceful and happy
attitude of mind, that is enough. It is the sincerity of the heart that is important and we should not look
on some deeds being more significant that others, and worry about doing what can be noticed by others.
He closed by saying that the important thing was knowing in our heart that we are making our best
effort.
Enlightened teachers are like fine restaurants, there may be the opportunity to study with many, but you
can only be nourisht by one at a time.
Troubling thoughts are like ghosts; they are only harmful if you believe in them. That is easier said than
done! But, through developing skill in meditation, we can strengthen our mind so that we don't dwell
unnecessarily or in an unhelpful way on thoughts that tire our mind and wear it down.
Thought for the Day: July 6, 2011
Happy 76th Birthday to HH Dali Lama.
Today at the Verizon Center in Washington DC, HH the Dali Lama's birthday was celebrated after the
morning opening ceremonies for the Kalachakra Empowerment, which is an eleven day event. He
pointed out in good humor that in the Tibetan tradition birthdays are a minor event and the big
celebration are death days. Afterwards, we all did long life prayers for HH !
One of the topics discussed by HH as he closed the morning program was his wish for world peace and
how each of us should do his or her part to contribute. He pointed out the importance of not being
concerned whether the deed seems big or small, that even if we can simply make a peaceful home for
ourselves and/or family, and bring happiness to our co workers, and maintain a peaceful and happy
attitude of mind, that is enough. It is the sincerity of the heart that is important and we should not look
on some deeds being more significant that others, and worry about doing what can be noticed by others.
He closed by saying that the important thing was knowing in our heart that we are making our best
effort.
Enlightened teachers are like fine restaurants, there may be the opportunity to study with many, but you
can only be nourisht by one at a time.
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Thought for the Day: July 7, 2011
Today I watched Tibetan monks set up a sand mandala, a process that will take perhaps twenty-four
hours to complete, with at least ten monks working on it. This particular sand mandala is for the
Kalachakra event in Washington DC, that is hosted by HH Dali Lama. The sand mandala will be
scattered after the eleven day ceremonies are completed.
Some wonder why this custom of building sand mandalas exist at all, given that they are built with the
everyday world? It is just something that we seldom consider, but everything we create will vanish, just
like the sand mandala. Nothing lasts and yet we place so much importance on our creations and become
so attached to them as real, when the only thing that is real is our very act of creating them, the process of
joining mind and body in the act of creating.
If we observe the monks who create sand mandalas, it is apparent that they are taking great joy in the
very act of creating the mandala with mindfulness and freedom of any selfish attachment to what is
being created, which is after all an offering to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. What is being offered? The
purity of mind in the act of creating that is reflected so well in the mandala itself. In observing the
monks today I was being reminded of the importance of performing actions as an offering, and doing
them well, with no thought of reward.
* * *
Today I watched Tibetan monks set up a sand mandala, a process that will take perhaps twenty-four
hours to complete, with at least ten monks working on it. This particular sand mandala is for the
Kalachakra event in Washington DC, that is hosted by HH Dali Lama. The sand mandala will be
scattered after the eleven day ceremonies are completed.
Some wonder why this custom of building sand mandalas exist at all, given that they are built with the
everyday world? It is just something that we seldom consider, but everything we create will vanish, just
like the sand mandala. Nothing lasts and yet we place so much importance on our creations and become
so attached to them as real, when the only thing that is real is our very act of creating them, the process of
joining mind and body in the act of creating.
If we observe the monks who create sand mandalas, it is apparent that they are taking great joy in the
very act of creating the mandala with mindfulness and freedom of any selfish attachment to what is
being created, which is after all an offering to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. What is being offered? The
purity of mind in the act of creating that is reflected so well in the mandala itself. In observing the
monks today I was being reminded of the importance of performing actions as an offering, and doing
them well, with no thought of reward.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 8, 2011
My daughter Rachel was reading a book today by Lama Yeshe and read parts to me. One interesting
part was a question and answer. The questioner asked if it would not be a good idea to start a kind of
spiritual war and bring all religions together under a single umbrella. Lama Yeshe pointed out that even
themselves, let alone others. If everyone could get along with themselves, then there would not be any
social problems and it is completely irrelevant whether there are one or many religions.
* * *
My daughter Rachel was reading a book today by Lama Yeshe and read parts to me. One interesting
part was a question and answer. The questioner asked if it would not be a good idea to start a kind of
spiritual war and bring all religions together under a single umbrella. Lama Yeshe pointed out that even
themselves, let alone others. If everyone could get along with themselves, then there would not be any
social problems and it is completely irrelevant whether there are one or many religions.
* * *
Buddhism before beginning the actual Kalachakra Empowerment which will begin in about four days.
He emphasized the importance of building a foundation in basic human values and a sense of caring for
our fellow human beings and being ethically and morally disciplined. He explained that practicing the
Kalachakra without first building the foundation for it, or ignoring the foundation work completely,
HH also talked about the three questions that anyone practicing meditation should ask themselves: One:
whether there is a self, if there is, does it have a beginning, and does it have an end. He pointed out that
within the Buddhist tradition there is no self because everything is momentary. If, for example, we know
that a tree decays over a period of years, we can surmise that it also changes month by month, day by
day, hour by hour, minute by minute, and so on. Nothing passes from one moment to the next, in
anything that we see in this world that seems so substantial. Everything is mere appearances, with no
underlying substantial essence, or selfhood, that passes from one moment to the next.
HH also talked about the fact that it is impossible to describe the nature of reality. He quoted the words
spoken by the Buddha: "Each person creates his own hell, and each person is responsible for his own
salvation." A path can be shown, but each person must walk the path himself.
The Dali Lama also spoke of the importance of remaining true to one's own religious tradition and said
that generally change was not only unnecessary, but also counterproductive. He said the various
religious systems all have the same goal and are suited to a variety of temperaments and levels of
understanding. He pointed out that even within Buddhism there are many different systems. He gave
two examples, the Mind Only School and the Madyamaka School, both taught by the Buddha, and yet
seemingly contradictory. He said half jokingly that it wasn't because the Buddha was confused that he
taught two contradictory schools, but rather that each school addressed the level of the student's
understanding. Thus he said that all religious traditions are similar, that all lead to the same goal, but
some are more suitable than others depending on the understanding and temperament of the student.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 10, 2011
HH Dali Lama talked today about the fact that if we develop a strong moral basis for living we will be
much better suited to deal with life's problems as they arise; and that in the long run we are much
happier and free of fear. (Thank you Rachel for your input.) HH Dali lama also warned that wealth can
Wealthy people are accustomed to getting things their own way, so when things don't go their way,
even the smallest inconvenience, can lead to great excitement and frustration. He contrasted this with
the comparatively small wave that similar inconveniences, or mishaps will cause in the lives of the poor,
whose simpler lifestyle tend to create greater self-reliance, and therefore better coping abilities.
* * *
HH Dali Lama talked today about the fact that if we develop a strong moral basis for living we will be
much better suited to deal with life's problems as they arise; and that in the long run we are much
happier and free of fear. (Thank you Rachel for your input.) HH Dali lama also warned that wealth can
Wealthy people are accustomed to getting things their own way, so when things don't go their way,
even the smallest inconvenience, can lead to great excitement and frustration. He contrasted this with
the comparatively small wave that similar inconveniences, or mishaps will cause in the lives of the poor,
whose simpler lifestyle tend to create greater self-reliance, and therefore better coping abilities.
* * *
Today during the preliminary teachings for the Kalachakra Empowerment in Washington DC, HH
Dali Lama said that Buddhists should not always remain quiet when others are abusing them; that there
are times when the Buddhist ideal of peaceful, tolerant dharma practitioners should not be clung to and
that Buddhists should react to defend themselves when appropriate. He pointed out however, that the
motivation should be more a concern for the well being of the abuser than oneself, and the importance
of not allowing one's response to abuse arise from overwhelming emotions such as anger or jealousy.
one may have to endure it for some time before the right moment comes to act.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 12, 2011
Much of the Kalachakra philosophy and practice is aimed at realizing that our every thought and
action has an effect on our entire world system and other world systems beyond our own.
Understanding the interconnectedness of all that is brings to mind a sense of moral responsibility that
encourages us to act positively. This stands in stark contrast to our habitual individualistic manner of
thinking and acting, which is basically the source of all social ills and personal problems.
* * *
Much of the Kalachakra philosophy and practice is aimed at realizing that our every thought and
action has an effect on our entire world system and other world systems beyond our own.
Understanding the interconnectedness of all that is brings to mind a sense of moral responsibility that
encourages us to act positively. This stands in stark contrast to our habitual individualistic manner of
thinking and acting, which is basically the source of all social ills and personal problems.
* * *
Everyday after the main Kalachakra program there have been talks by some of the great Buddhist
scholars of the world. Today, however, we were honored by a teaching by a renowned Dakini,
Her Eminence Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche, who spoke on Bodhicitta (altruistic compassion.) It was
perhaps the best talk I have heard on the subject. The underlying theme that pervaded her talk was the
importance of compassion and loving kindness not being just a lot of "hot air." She said that the way
to accomplish this was through deep meditation which will enable one to recognize one's own real
niceties that many of us as dharma practitioners know enough to know are important, but often utter
without genuine heartfelt feeling.
She gave a real life example to illustrate the importance of giving depth to our learned "good dharma"
behavior. She told a story from her own monastery, about how when the nuns would go to hear a
renowned master teach on kindness and generosity, upon returning to the monastery they would all be
giving there things to each other and being extra kind. But, after a few weeks, the nuns would be
looking around for their things and wanting them back. The monastery finally had to make a rule that
after such talk, no one would be allowed to give away anything unless they were absolutely sure they
would not it want back.
The point is clear, being sincere requires a lot of hard inner work. If we don't want to be just blowing
a lot of "hot air" on everyone and instead act and speak with sincerity of heart, we must work hard to
develop our own understanding of the human condition and see clearly the suffering of others and truly
feel their suffering as our own. In this way our speech and heart will be in harmony and our kind
words will be backed by a kind heart and not just be a learned behaviour. Moreover, we will be much
happier ourselves for our effort.
* * *
scholars of the world. Today, however, we were honored by a teaching by Robert Thurman, one of
Kalachakra.
"Don't believe everything you think" he said, in connection with the development of wisdom.
Impulses of the mind should always be questioned, "who said? This is very important, for we are often
slaves of our thinking, rather than thinking being a tool that we use. Freeing oneself from the
enslavement of our thinking requires a three pronged effort: meditation, faith, and wisdom. These
three are all connected, intertwined, in our performance of the dharma, bringing about the realization
of the perfect nature of the mind.
Robert Thurman also spoke of the importance of learning to get along with everyone else because we
are really and truly all one and there is no escape in Nirvana or anywhere else, that even Buddhas
come back to work for the salvation of those who are not yet free.
Kalachakra.
"Don't believe everything you think" he said, in connection with the development of wisdom.
Impulses of the mind should always be questioned, "who said? This is very important, for we are often
slaves of our thinking, rather than thinking being a tool that we use. Freeing oneself from the
enslavement of our thinking requires a three pronged effort: meditation, faith, and wisdom. These
three are all connected, intertwined, in our performance of the dharma, bringing about the realization
of the perfect nature of the mind.
Robert Thurman also spoke of the importance of learning to get along with everyone else because we
are really and truly all one and there is no escape in Nirvana or anywhere else, that even Buddhas
come back to work for the salvation of those who are not yet free.
Today completed the initiation of the Kalachakra Tantra in Washington DC, by HH Dali Lama.
Tomorrow will be concluding ceremonies, including long life prayers and the dissolution of the sand
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
mandala in the Potomac River. It has been so inspiring to see the Dali Lama everyday for the last ten
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
Tomorrow will be concluding ceremonies, including long life prayers and the dissolution of the sand
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing real
journey listening to him. He is also very good humored and very gentle and considerate of the
mandala in the Potomac River. It has been so inspiring to see the Dali Lama everyday for the last ten
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
have continuous flash backs of what you just understood and wonder how you understood it. It is a
customs of the people he is addressing. For example, when transmitting the five precepts, one of
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
deep philosophical principles down to earth, it is difficult to describe. When you listen to him you
deep philosophical principles down to earth, it is difficult to describe. When you listen to him you
have continuous flash backs of what you just understood and wonder how you understood it. It is a
real journey listening to him. He is also very good humored and very gentle and considerate of the
customs of the people he is addressing. For example, when transmitting the five precepts, one of
which is "no intoxicants," he said a little wine with dinner is "OK" and then joked that he was actually
transmitting four and a half precepts. He seems like a Happy Buddha on stage, laughing often as he
dives into deep philosophy that would, if not coming from him, be very sobering.
Tomorrow will be concluding ceremonies, including long life prayers and the dissolution of the sand
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
mandala in the Potomac River. It has been so inspiring to see the Dali Lama everyday for the last ten
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
Tomorrow will be concluding ceremonies, including long life prayers and the dissolution of the sand
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing real
journey listening to him. He is also very good humored and very gentle and considerate of the
mandala in the Potomac River. It has been so inspiring to see the Dali Lama everyday for the last ten
days, as he tirelessly taught a gathering of about twenty thousand students. He radiates all the good
have continuous flash backs of what you just understood and wonder how you understood it. It is a
customs of the people he is addressing. For example, when transmitting the five precepts, one of
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
qualities of a saint that is truly connected with the common person and has such a gift of bringing
deep philosophical principles down to earth, it is difficult to describe. When you listen to him you
deep philosophical principles down to earth, it is difficult to describe. When you listen to him you
have continuous flash backs of what you just understood and wonder how you understood it. It is a
real journey listening to him. He is also very good humored and very gentle and considerate of the
customs of the people he is addressing. For example, when transmitting the five precepts, one of
which is "no intoxicants," he said a little wine with dinner is "OK" and then joked that he was actually
transmitting four and a half precepts. He seems like a Happy Buddha on stage, laughing often as he
dives into deep philosophy that would, if not coming from him, be very sobering.
Thought for the Day: July 16, 2011
something I have often thought about, that is the fact that any particular dharma practice we decide to
make our own, will gradually reveal a path that is personal to each individual practicing it. The Dali
work, we should not be bothered by the fact that the way we engage with the path is different from the
way someone else does. We should be unique, that shows we are working hard and plugging in to the
hidden dharma beneath the surface of the teachings we receive.
* * *
something I have often thought about, that is the fact that any particular dharma practice we decide to
make our own, will gradually reveal a path that is personal to each individual practicing it. The Dali
work, we should not be bothered by the fact that the way we engage with the path is different from the
way someone else does. We should be unique, that shows we are working hard and plugging in to the
hidden dharma beneath the surface of the teachings we receive.
* * *
Peace" which ended yesterday in Washington, DC. HH Dali Lama covered some of the most
advanced concepts in Buddhist philosophy, all of which has the principle aim of unlocking the hidden
resources of our natural mind, yet he frequently reminded us that however deep our meditative
experience may be, or the depth of our understanding of the treatises, any accomplishment we may
with friends.
I have said that meditation is like shadow boxing; and post meditation the real thing. HH Dali Lama
made it more clear to me than ever the importance of social responsibility and a genuine heart felt
ourselves in deep meditation and study, but when we get off our cushion we should naturally
engageourselves in deep meditation and study, but when we get off our cushion we should naturally
engage
* * *
advanced concepts in Buddhist philosophy, all of which has the principle aim of unlocking the hidden
resources of our natural mind, yet he frequently reminded us that however deep our meditative
experience may be, or the depth of our understanding of the treatises, any accomplishment we may
with friends.
I have said that meditation is like shadow boxing; and post meditation the real thing. HH Dali Lama
made it more clear to me than ever the importance of social responsibility and a genuine heart felt
ourselves in deep meditation and study, but when we get off our cushion we should naturally
engageourselves in deep meditation and study, but when we get off our cushion we should naturally
engage
* * *
Often in the news we see people in very high place brought down by a political scandal most often
connected with sex or money. In Buddhist and Hindu scriptures there too are many examples of
hours before his enlightenment, was tempted not only by seductive maidens whom Mara caused to
bring down his meditation.
There is a Buddhist saying: "When the Buddha grows a foot, the demon is already ten feet tall."
As we develop skill after years of dharma practice, we should never take our gains for granted. My
own teacher, Master Hsuan Hua, constantly reminded his monks and nuns to be ever vigilant and
guard their practice. As we grow spiritually, our awareness becomes increasingly subtle; and we are
constantly being tested. It is easy to make costly mistakes. We can protect ourselves by surrounding
ourselves with people who genuinely care for us and have our welfare at heart and avoid situations
that trigger emotions and thoughts that we have to battle against. We should guard our mind not only
against the threat of desire subverting our practice and draining our energy, but also fear making us
too timid to make a greater commitment to our spiritual goal.
* * *
connected with sex or money. In Buddhist and Hindu scriptures there too are many examples of
hours before his enlightenment, was tempted not only by seductive maidens whom Mara caused to
bring down his meditation.
There is a Buddhist saying: "When the Buddha grows a foot, the demon is already ten feet tall."
As we develop skill after years of dharma practice, we should never take our gains for granted. My
own teacher, Master Hsuan Hua, constantly reminded his monks and nuns to be ever vigilant and
guard their practice. As we grow spiritually, our awareness becomes increasingly subtle; and we are
constantly being tested. It is easy to make costly mistakes. We can protect ourselves by surrounding
ourselves with people who genuinely care for us and have our welfare at heart and avoid situations
that trigger emotions and thoughts that we have to battle against. We should guard our mind not only
against the threat of desire subverting our practice and draining our energy, but also fear making us
too timid to make a greater commitment to our spiritual goal.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 19, 2011
My teacher Master Hsuan Hua often said "Try your best." These three words continually echo in my
mind. My regrets in life are more about opportunities that slipped by because I allowed them to, than
by things I failed to accomplish, though I tried.
My teacher Master Hsuan Hua often said "Try your best." These three words continually echo in my
mind. My regrets in life are more about opportunities that slipped by because I allowed them to, than
by things I failed to accomplish, though I tried.
The unexpected is what makes life worth living.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 21, 2011
If everything is going your way, you're not using your imagination.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 22, 2011
Obstacles are the doors of growth.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 21, 2011
If everything is going your way, you're not using your imagination.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 22, 2011
Obstacles are the doors of growth.
While faults should not be a source of pride, they should not be hidden or concealed.
* * *
* * *
If we are constantly seeking the newest and best, we will never be content; and where contentment is
enables us to accumulate merit through being sensitive to others' needs and fulfilling them as best we
can through actions of body, speech, and mind.
* * *
enables us to accumulate merit through being sensitive to others' needs and fulfilling them as best we
can through actions of body, speech, and mind.
* * *
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 26, 2011
Our own desires are poorly understood because we allow ourselves to casually fulfil our whims,
which are often not fulfilling. If we wish to understand our desires better, we can do so by exercising
restraint in our lives and conducting ourselves in a disciplined manner. A simpler lifestyle is always
more fulfilling than a cluttered one.
* * *
Our own desires are poorly understood because we allow ourselves to casually fulfil our whims,
which are often not fulfilling. If we wish to understand our desires better, we can do so by exercising
restraint in our lives and conducting ourselves in a disciplined manner. A simpler lifestyle is always
more fulfilling than a cluttered one.
* * *
thoughts we imprint in our consciousness. "Mind training" is the effort to break free of habitual
thought patterns and actions through consciously thinking about and contemplating the spontaneous
and unconditioned nature of our true mind.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 28, 2011
Never worry about the loss of something you created, for that which created it is not lost. Guard
your gains; but if they slip away, don't slip away with them.
* * *
Never worry about the loss of something you created, for that which created it is not lost. Guard
your gains; but if they slip away, don't slip away with them.
* * *
Thought for the Day: July 29, 2011
If bugs bug you there is more than just bugs bugging you.
* * *
If bugs bug you there is more than just bugs bugging you.
* * *
a Harvard student,” I am “a” human,” are all examples of how we conceptualize ourselves. Our naive
(unexamined) sense of self is not possible in isolation and yet we instinctively think it is. Self Inquiry targets
these assumptions and is a powerful form of meditation that looks beneath the covers to see what lies there.