Thursday, July 31, 2008
According To The Nature Of A Law..
Lotus Sutra
The Buddha addressed the Bodhisattva Great Adornment and the eighty thousand bodhisattvas: "Good sons, there is one doctrine which makes bodhisattvas accomplish Perfect Enlightenment quickly. If a bodhisattva learns this doctrine, then he will accomplish Perfect Enlightenment."
"World-honored One! what is this doctrine called? What is its meaning? How does a bodhisattva practice it?"
The Buddha said: "Good sons! This one doctrine is called the doctrine of Innumerable Meanings. A bodhisattva, if he wants to learn and master the doctrine of Innumerable Meanings, should observe that all laws were originally, will be, and are in themselves void in nature and form; they are neither great nor small, neither appearing nor disappearing, neither fixed nor movable, and neither advancing nor retreating; and they are non-dualistic, just emptiness. All living beings, however, discriminate falsely: 'It is this', or 'It is that' and 'It is advantageous' or 'It is disadvantageous'; they entertain evil thoughts, make various evil karma's, and [thus] transmigrate within the six realms of existence; and they suffer all manner of miseries, and cannot escape from there during infinite kotis of kalpas. Bodhisattva-mahasattvas, observing rightly like this, should raise the mind of compassion, display the great mercy desiring to relieve others of suffering, and once again penetrate deeply into all laws."
The Buddha addressed the Bodhisattva Great Adornment and the eighty thousand bodhisattvas: "Good sons, there is one doctrine which makes bodhisattvas accomplish Perfect Enlightenment quickly. If a bodhisattva learns this doctrine, then he will accomplish Perfect Enlightenment."
"World-honored One! what is this doctrine called? What is its meaning? How does a bodhisattva practice it?"
The Buddha said: "Good sons! This one doctrine is called the doctrine of Innumerable Meanings. A bodhisattva, if he wants to learn and master the doctrine of Innumerable Meanings, should observe that all laws were originally, will be, and are in themselves void in nature and form; they are neither great nor small, neither appearing nor disappearing, neither fixed nor movable, and neither advancing nor retreating; and they are non-dualistic, just emptiness. All living beings, however, discriminate falsely: 'It is this', or 'It is that' and 'It is advantageous' or 'It is disadvantageous'; they entertain evil thoughts, make various evil karma's, and [thus] transmigrate within the six realms of existence; and they suffer all manner of miseries, and cannot escape from there during infinite kotis of kalpas. Bodhisattva-mahasattvas, observing rightly like this, should raise the mind of compassion, display the great mercy desiring to relieve others of suffering, and once again penetrate deeply into all laws."
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Uninterrupted Streams Of Merit
Shantideva
From the moment that he takes on the Mind to release the limitless realm of beings, with a resolve that cannot be turned back.
From that moment on, though he may doze off or be distracted many times, uninterrupted streams of merit like the bursting sky continuously pour forth.
From the moment that he takes on the Mind to release the limitless realm of beings, with a resolve that cannot be turned back.
From that moment on, though he may doze off or be distracted many times, uninterrupted streams of merit like the bursting sky continuously pour forth.
Shantideva: The Horrible Student
Regarding Shantideva's Classmates Attempt To Sabotage Him
"The other monks decided to humiliate him by showing his lack of learning, and asked him to give a recitation before the monastery from the scriptures. Santideva initially refused, but assented when they insisted and agreed to erect a teaching-seat for him to sit on. The first stage of humiliation was to erect the seat so high that he could not reach it. One can imagine the monks whispering and giggling as he approached, but it is said that with one hand - plus the magical powers which seem to descend on saints - he lowered the seat, sat on it, and asked what they wanted him to recite, something old or something new. At the request for something new he began to recite the "Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life". when he reached Chapter 9 (perhaps it was verse 34) it is said that he ascended into the air and disappeared, although his voice could still be heard. Santideva then refused to return to a monastery which had not understood that spiritual depth may not always be obvious, and that we can never tell who may or may not be saints working in their own way for the benefit of others."
"The other monks decided to humiliate him by showing his lack of learning, and asked him to give a recitation before the monastery from the scriptures. Santideva initially refused, but assented when they insisted and agreed to erect a teaching-seat for him to sit on. The first stage of humiliation was to erect the seat so high that he could not reach it. One can imagine the monks whispering and giggling as he approached, but it is said that with one hand - plus the magical powers which seem to descend on saints - he lowered the seat, sat on it, and asked what they wanted him to recite, something old or something new. At the request for something new he began to recite the "Guide to the Bodhisattvas Way of Life". when he reached Chapter 9 (perhaps it was verse 34) it is said that he ascended into the air and disappeared, although his voice could still be heard. Santideva then refused to return to a monastery which had not understood that spiritual depth may not always be obvious, and that we can never tell who may or may not be saints working in their own way for the benefit of others."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Guarding An Open Wound
Bodhicaryavatara
Just as those standing in the midst of boisterous people carefully guard their wounds, so those standing in the midst of evil people should always guard the wounds of their minds.
Fearing slight pain from a wound, I guard it with great care. Why don't I, fearing the crushing of the mountains of the Samghata hell, guard the wound of my mind?
Living with this attitude even among evil people and among maidens, with steadfast effort, a persevering sage will not be defeated.
Let my possessions freely vanish; let my honor, my body, livelihood, and everything else pass away. But may my virtuous mind never be lost.
Just as those standing in the midst of boisterous people carefully guard their wounds, so those standing in the midst of evil people should always guard the wounds of their minds.
Fearing slight pain from a wound, I guard it with great care. Why don't I, fearing the crushing of the mountains of the Samghata hell, guard the wound of my mind?
Living with this attitude even among evil people and among maidens, with steadfast effort, a persevering sage will not be defeated.
Let my possessions freely vanish; let my honor, my body, livelihood, and everything else pass away. But may my virtuous mind never be lost.
Do Not Be Proud
Immeasurable
The Yogi Way Of Life
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Emptiness Without Compassion?
H.H. The Dalai Lama
"Therefore, if as an individual meditator you have a sense that your realization of emptiness is deepening yet there is no corresponding increase in your compassion towards others, then this is an indication that your understanding of emptiness is not really profound or genuine. As I often say, meditation on emptiness alone is not something to be admired. It is also crucial, in our day-to-day interactions with others, to be able to relate in an ethical and compassionate way. So if your understanding of emptiness does not contribute positively in any way toward this goal, there is no worth in it at all. What is there to be so admired about a realization of emptiness that does not lead to greater compassion?"
"Therefore, if as an individual meditator you have a sense that your realization of emptiness is deepening yet there is no corresponding increase in your compassion towards others, then this is an indication that your understanding of emptiness is not really profound or genuine. As I often say, meditation on emptiness alone is not something to be admired. It is also crucial, in our day-to-day interactions with others, to be able to relate in an ethical and compassionate way. So if your understanding of emptiness does not contribute positively in any way toward this goal, there is no worth in it at all. What is there to be so admired about a realization of emptiness that does not lead to greater compassion?"
Labels: Quotes
Large Turquoise
Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
"He bowed at Milarepas feet and told him that he would be back to see him soon. Some time later, when he returned, he brought with him a large turquoise, but could not decide whether to offer it to Milarepa. Having a small present with him as well, he gave this to the Jetsun first.
Milarepa smiled and said, "Do not hesitate! You may offer me that turquoise, although I have little use for jewels, I will accept it to perfect your merits." The bandit leader realized that Milarepa possessed the perfect miraculous power of knowing others thoughts. He then offered him the turquoise. After accepting it, Milarepa said, "I now give you back this jewel, hoping that you will use it to sustain your devotion."
"He bowed at Milarepas feet and told him that he would be back to see him soon. Some time later, when he returned, he brought with him a large turquoise, but could not decide whether to offer it to Milarepa. Having a small present with him as well, he gave this to the Jetsun first.
Milarepa smiled and said, "Do not hesitate! You may offer me that turquoise, although I have little use for jewels, I will accept it to perfect your merits." The bandit leader realized that Milarepa possessed the perfect miraculous power of knowing others thoughts. He then offered him the turquoise. After accepting it, Milarepa said, "I now give you back this jewel, hoping that you will use it to sustain your devotion."
Labels: Quotes
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Non-Negation
H.H. The Dalai Lama
"Since they exist, what is the manner in which they exist? What is the status of their existence? We are forced to conclude that we can understand their existence and identity only in terms of interrelationships: something that is derived through interaction with others and in dependence upon other factors and labels and designations that we impose on reality. Then simply place your mind on that conclusion that things do not exist independently, inherently, and do not enjoy that intrinsic reality or intrinsic identity. That is what is meant by meditating on emptiness."
"Since they exist, what is the manner in which they exist? What is the status of their existence? We are forced to conclude that we can understand their existence and identity only in terms of interrelationships: something that is derived through interaction with others and in dependence upon other factors and labels and designations that we impose on reality. Then simply place your mind on that conclusion that things do not exist independently, inherently, and do not enjoy that intrinsic reality or intrinsic identity. That is what is meant by meditating on emptiness."
Labels: Quotes
Complex Nexus Of Apprehensions And Inhibitions
H.H. The Dalai Lama
"When one meditates on mindfulness of the body, reflecting upon the manner in which the body comes into being, and examining the casual conditions, then one will also see the impurities of the body. Then from that perspective, one will find that even those who seem successful in worldly terms are not really objects worthy of envy; they are still within the bondage of suffering and dissatisfaction. In fact, if we think about this more seriously, we find that the greater the success that one enjoys in worldly terms, the more complex the psychological make-up seems to be, because there is a much more complex nexus of hopes and fears and apprehensions and inhibitions."
"When one meditates on mindfulness of the body, reflecting upon the manner in which the body comes into being, and examining the casual conditions, then one will also see the impurities of the body. Then from that perspective, one will find that even those who seem successful in worldly terms are not really objects worthy of envy; they are still within the bondage of suffering and dissatisfaction. In fact, if we think about this more seriously, we find that the greater the success that one enjoys in worldly terms, the more complex the psychological make-up seems to be, because there is a much more complex nexus of hopes and fears and apprehensions and inhibitions."
Labels: Quotes
Friday, July 18, 2008
Clean Water
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Sound Like You?
Vimalakirta Nirdesa Sutra
Without having to be asked, they were the natural spiritual benefactors of all living beings. They maintained unbroken the succession of the Three Jewels, conquering devils and foes and overwhelming all critics.
Their mindfulness, intelligence, realization, meditation, incantation, and eloquence all were perfected. They had attained the intuitive tolerance of the ultimate incomprehensibility of all things. They turned the irreversible wheel of the Dharma. They were stamped with the insignia of signlessness.
They were expert in knowing the spiritual faculties of all living beings. They were brave with the confidence that overawes all assemblies. They had gathered the great stores of merit and of wisdom, and their bodies, beautiful without ornaments, were adorned with all the auspicious signs and marks. They were exalted in fame and glory, like the lofty summit of Mount Sumeru. Their high resolve as hard as diamond, unbreakable in their faith in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, they showered forth the rain of ambrosia that is released by the light rays of the jewel of the Dharma, which shines everywhere.
Their voices were perfect in diction and resonance, and versatile in speaking all languages. They had penetrated the profound principle of relativity and had destroyed the persistence of the instinctual mental habits underlying all convictions concerning finitude and infinitude. They spoke fearlessly, like lions, sounding the thunder of the magnificent teaching. Unequaled, they surpassed all measure. They were the best captains for the voyage of discovery of the treasures of the Dharma, the stores of merit and wisdom.
They were expert in the way of the Dharma, which is straight, peaceful, subtle, gentle, hard to see, and difficult to realize.
They were endowed with the wisdom that is able to understand the thoughts of living beings, as well as their comings and goings. They had been consecrated with the anointment of the peerless gnosis of the Buddha. With their high resolve, they approached the ten powers, the four fearlessnesses, and the eighteen special qualities of the Buddha.
They had crossed the terrifying abyss of the bad migrations, and yet they assumed reincarnation voluntarily in all migrations for the sake of disciplining living beings. Great Kings of medicine, understanding all the sicknesses of passions, they could apply the medicine of the Dharma appropriately.
They were inexhaustible mines of limitless virtues, and they glorified innumerable buddha-fields with the splendor of these virtues. They conferred great benefit when seen, heard, or even approached. Were one to extol them for innumerable hundreds of thousands of myriads of aeons, one still could not exhaust their mighty flood of virtues.
Without having to be asked, they were the natural spiritual benefactors of all living beings. They maintained unbroken the succession of the Three Jewels, conquering devils and foes and overwhelming all critics.
Their mindfulness, intelligence, realization, meditation, incantation, and eloquence all were perfected. They had attained the intuitive tolerance of the ultimate incomprehensibility of all things. They turned the irreversible wheel of the Dharma. They were stamped with the insignia of signlessness.
They were expert in knowing the spiritual faculties of all living beings. They were brave with the confidence that overawes all assemblies. They had gathered the great stores of merit and of wisdom, and their bodies, beautiful without ornaments, were adorned with all the auspicious signs and marks. They were exalted in fame and glory, like the lofty summit of Mount Sumeru. Their high resolve as hard as diamond, unbreakable in their faith in Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, they showered forth the rain of ambrosia that is released by the light rays of the jewel of the Dharma, which shines everywhere.
Their voices were perfect in diction and resonance, and versatile in speaking all languages. They had penetrated the profound principle of relativity and had destroyed the persistence of the instinctual mental habits underlying all convictions concerning finitude and infinitude. They spoke fearlessly, like lions, sounding the thunder of the magnificent teaching. Unequaled, they surpassed all measure. They were the best captains for the voyage of discovery of the treasures of the Dharma, the stores of merit and wisdom.
They were expert in the way of the Dharma, which is straight, peaceful, subtle, gentle, hard to see, and difficult to realize.
They were endowed with the wisdom that is able to understand the thoughts of living beings, as well as their comings and goings. They had been consecrated with the anointment of the peerless gnosis of the Buddha. With their high resolve, they approached the ten powers, the four fearlessnesses, and the eighteen special qualities of the Buddha.
They had crossed the terrifying abyss of the bad migrations, and yet they assumed reincarnation voluntarily in all migrations for the sake of disciplining living beings. Great Kings of medicine, understanding all the sicknesses of passions, they could apply the medicine of the Dharma appropriately.
They were inexhaustible mines of limitless virtues, and they glorified innumerable buddha-fields with the splendor of these virtues. They conferred great benefit when seen, heard, or even approached. Were one to extol them for innumerable hundreds of thousands of myriads of aeons, one still could not exhaust their mighty flood of virtues.
Labels: Quotes
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sacred Mandala Seal Of Avalokiteshvara
Nothing To Admire Or Be Surprised About
H.H. The 14th Dalai Lama
"From another point of view, we can see that the Buddhas, the fully enlightened beings, have completely perfected their own self-realization. Therefore, to put it bluntly, they have nothing to do other than serve sentient beings. In a way, it's their duty. In some sense it's nothing to be admired or be surprised about: Buddhas work for the benefit of sentient beings. However, when we consider sentient beings, with all their weaknesses, faults, and intact delusory states of mind, afflictive emotion, and so on, even with these limitations their contribution toward our well-being cannot be underestimated. Therefore, we should feel all the more grateful to them."
"From another point of view, we can see that the Buddhas, the fully enlightened beings, have completely perfected their own self-realization. Therefore, to put it bluntly, they have nothing to do other than serve sentient beings. In a way, it's their duty. In some sense it's nothing to be admired or be surprised about: Buddhas work for the benefit of sentient beings. However, when we consider sentient beings, with all their weaknesses, faults, and intact delusory states of mind, afflictive emotion, and so on, even with these limitations their contribution toward our well-being cannot be underestimated. Therefore, we should feel all the more grateful to them."
Labels: Quotes
Monday, July 14, 2008
What Could Be More Wretched?
Shantideva: Commenting on 'revenge'
Even if your enemy is made unhappy
What is there for you to be joyful about?
You merely wishing for him to be hurt
Did not cause him to be injured.
And even if he does suffer as you wished,
What is there for you to be joyful about?
If you say, "For I shall be satisfied,"
How could there be anything more wretched than that?
Even if your enemy is made unhappy
What is there for you to be joyful about?
You merely wishing for him to be hurt
Did not cause him to be injured.
And even if he does suffer as you wished,
What is there for you to be joyful about?
If you say, "For I shall be satisfied,"
How could there be anything more wretched than that?
Labels: Quotes
When You Meet With Enticing Wealth...
Milarepa
Oh, bear in mind this remedy for external involvement!
With self-composure and mindfulness, you should remain serene.
Glory is the equanimity of mind and speech!
Glory is the resignation from many actions!
Should you meet with disagreeable conditions,
Disturbing to your mind,
Keep watch upon yourself and be alert;
Keep warning yourself:
"The danger of anger is on its way."
When you meet with enticing wealth,
Keep watch upon yourself and be alert;
Keep a check upon yourself:
"The danger of craving is on its way"
Oh, bear in mind this remedy for external involvement!
With self-composure and mindfulness, you should remain serene.
Glory is the equanimity of mind and speech!
Glory is the resignation from many actions!
Should you meet with disagreeable conditions,
Disturbing to your mind,
Keep watch upon yourself and be alert;
Keep warning yourself:
"The danger of anger is on its way."
When you meet with enticing wealth,
Keep watch upon yourself and be alert;
Keep a check upon yourself:
"The danger of craving is on its way"
Labels: Quotes
Heaven Is Not Necessarily A Wonderful Thing
Milarepas response to the devas begging him to come teach in heaven..
"As long as life last, I shall remain in this world to benefit sentient beings here. You must know that Heaven is far from dependable; it is not eternal, and one should not rely on it. To be born in Heaven is not necessarily a wonderful thing. You should pay heed and follow these instructions"
I bow down at the feet of Marpa Lho Draug.
Oh, Father Guru! Pray grant me your
grace-wave and accomplishment.
You, eight beauties of the Deva-realm,
Have offered me white rice, the wondrous fruit of Dhyana.
Eating it my body is strengthened, and my mind enlivened.
As a token of my gratitude, I sing this song of Dharma to you.
Now, lift up your ears, and listen carefully.
Even though one reaches the highest Heaven of the White Devas,
It has no permanent value and meaning!
Lovable and touching are those flowers of youth in Heaven.
But however pleasant it may seem to be,
In the end comes separation.
Although the bliss in Heaven seems to be very great,
It is merely a deceitful mirage, a bewildering hallucination;
In fact, it is the very cause of the return to suffering!
"As long as life last, I shall remain in this world to benefit sentient beings here. You must know that Heaven is far from dependable; it is not eternal, and one should not rely on it. To be born in Heaven is not necessarily a wonderful thing. You should pay heed and follow these instructions"
I bow down at the feet of Marpa Lho Draug.
Oh, Father Guru! Pray grant me your
grace-wave and accomplishment.
You, eight beauties of the Deva-realm,
Have offered me white rice, the wondrous fruit of Dhyana.
Eating it my body is strengthened, and my mind enlivened.
As a token of my gratitude, I sing this song of Dharma to you.
Now, lift up your ears, and listen carefully.
Even though one reaches the highest Heaven of the White Devas,
It has no permanent value and meaning!
Lovable and touching are those flowers of youth in Heaven.
But however pleasant it may seem to be,
In the end comes separation.
Although the bliss in Heaven seems to be very great,
It is merely a deceitful mirage, a bewildering hallucination;
In fact, it is the very cause of the return to suffering!
Labels: Quotes
Friday, July 11, 2008
7 Deadly Sins According to Ghandi
Arouse Your Aspiration!!
Those Who Strive Labor Without Accomplishment
Li Tongxuan - Commentary on Avatamsaka Sutra
"That which is contrived can hardly accomplish adaptation to conditions, whereas the uncontrived has nothing to do. Those who strive labor without accomplishment, while nonstriving, according with conditions, naturally succeeds. In effortless accomplishment, effort is not wasted; in accomplishment by effort, all effort is impermanent, and many eons of accumulated cultivation eventually decays. It is better to instantly realize the birthlessness of interdependent origination, transcending the views of the temporary studies of the three vehicles."
"That which is contrived can hardly accomplish adaptation to conditions, whereas the uncontrived has nothing to do. Those who strive labor without accomplishment, while nonstriving, according with conditions, naturally succeeds. In effortless accomplishment, effort is not wasted; in accomplishment by effort, all effort is impermanent, and many eons of accumulated cultivation eventually decays. It is better to instantly realize the birthlessness of interdependent origination, transcending the views of the temporary studies of the three vehicles."
Labels: Aspiration
When The Thorn Of Hatred Dwells On The Heart
Shantideva
There is no vice like hatred, and there is no
austerity like patience. Therefore, one should
earnestly cultivate patience in various ways.
The mind does not find peace, nor does it enjoy
pleasure and joy, nor does it find sleep or fortitude
when the thorn of hatred dwells on the heart.
Even dependents whom one rewards with wealth and
honors wish to harm the master who is repugnant due to
his anger.
There is no vice like hatred, and there is no
austerity like patience. Therefore, one should
earnestly cultivate patience in various ways.
The mind does not find peace, nor does it enjoy
pleasure and joy, nor does it find sleep or fortitude
when the thorn of hatred dwells on the heart.
Even dependents whom one rewards with wealth and
honors wish to harm the master who is repugnant due to
his anger.
Labels: Quotes
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Like A Dream...
Set Forth On The Bodhisattva Path
From the Diamond Sutra.
"Even so, Bhagavan, is a noble son or daughter should set forth on the bodhisattva path, how should they stand, how should they walk, and how should they control their thoughts?"
The Buddha told the venerable Subhuti, "Well said, Subhuti. Well said. So it is, Subhuti. It is exactly as you say. The Tathagata blesses fearless bodhisattvas with the best of blessings and entrust fearless bodhisattvas with the greatest of trust. You should therefore truly listen, Subhuti, and consider this well. I shall tell you how those who set forth on the bodhisattva path should stand, how they should walk, and how they should control their thoughts."
The venerable Subhuti answered, "May it be so, Bhagavan." and gave his full attention.
The Buddha said to him, "Subhuti, those who would now set forth on the bodhisattva path should thus give birth to this though, 'However many beings there are in whatever realms of being might exist, whether they are born from an egg, or born from a womb, born from the water or born from the air, whether they have form or no form, whether they have perception or no perception or neither perception nor non perception, in whatever conceivable realm of being one might conceive of beings, in the realm of complete nirvana I shall liberate them all. And though I thus liberate countless beings, not a single being is liberated.'
And why not? Subhuti, a bodhisattva who creates the perception of a being cannot be called a 'bodhisattva'. And why not? Subhuti, no one can be called a bodhisattva who creates the perception of a self or who creates the perception of a being, a life, or a soul."
"Even so, Bhagavan, is a noble son or daughter should set forth on the bodhisattva path, how should they stand, how should they walk, and how should they control their thoughts?"
The Buddha told the venerable Subhuti, "Well said, Subhuti. Well said. So it is, Subhuti. It is exactly as you say. The Tathagata blesses fearless bodhisattvas with the best of blessings and entrust fearless bodhisattvas with the greatest of trust. You should therefore truly listen, Subhuti, and consider this well. I shall tell you how those who set forth on the bodhisattva path should stand, how they should walk, and how they should control their thoughts."
The venerable Subhuti answered, "May it be so, Bhagavan." and gave his full attention.
The Buddha said to him, "Subhuti, those who would now set forth on the bodhisattva path should thus give birth to this though, 'However many beings there are in whatever realms of being might exist, whether they are born from an egg, or born from a womb, born from the water or born from the air, whether they have form or no form, whether they have perception or no perception or neither perception nor non perception, in whatever conceivable realm of being one might conceive of beings, in the realm of complete nirvana I shall liberate them all. And though I thus liberate countless beings, not a single being is liberated.'
And why not? Subhuti, a bodhisattva who creates the perception of a being cannot be called a 'bodhisattva'. And why not? Subhuti, no one can be called a bodhisattva who creates the perception of a self or who creates the perception of a being, a life, or a soul."
Labels: Quotes
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
The Source Of All Wrong Views
Milarepa
"Discrimination between "the two" is the source of all wrong views.
From the ultimate viewpoint there is no view whatsoever
This is the nature of Mind
The teachings of observation of
The Dharma-nature is illustrated through the simile of space.
You, Draug Srin Mo, should look into the meaning beyond thoughts;
You should enter the non-distracted realm in meditation:
You should act naturally and spontaneously,
Ever conscious of the essence."
"Discrimination between "the two" is the source of all wrong views.
From the ultimate viewpoint there is no view whatsoever
This is the nature of Mind
The teachings of observation of
The Dharma-nature is illustrated through the simile of space.
You, Draug Srin Mo, should look into the meaning beyond thoughts;
You should enter the non-distracted realm in meditation:
You should act naturally and spontaneously,
Ever conscious of the essence."
Labels: Quotes
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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Glories of a Yogis Mind
Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
"The Demons then scoffed at Milarepa: "Your rambling talk will not deceive us. We refuse to cease our magic and set you free." They then multiplied their supernatural weapons and increased the force of their demonic army to afflict him. Milarepa pondered a while and then said "Hearken to me, you army of demons! By the grace of my Guru I have become a yogi who has fully realized the Ultimate Truth. To me, the afflictions and obstructions caused by demons are the glories of a yogis mind. The greater such afflictions, the more I gain in the Path of Bodhi."
"The Demons then scoffed at Milarepa: "Your rambling talk will not deceive us. We refuse to cease our magic and set you free." They then multiplied their supernatural weapons and increased the force of their demonic army to afflict him. Milarepa pondered a while and then said "Hearken to me, you army of demons! By the grace of my Guru I have become a yogi who has fully realized the Ultimate Truth. To me, the afflictions and obstructions caused by demons are the glories of a yogis mind. The greater such afflictions, the more I gain in the Path of Bodhi."
Labels: Quotes
The Ultimate Enemy: Hatred
From "Healing Anger" - Dalai Lamas commentary on the patience chapter of "Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life"
Shantideva:
"Therefore I should totally eradicate
The fuel of this enemy,
For this enemy has no other function
Than that of causing me harm."
HH Comment
Here the "enemy" is this internal enemy which is our true enemy, the ultimate enemy: hatred. This feeling of hatred not only destroys our immediate calmness and peace of mind, but also throws us into a state of confusion. It throws us into a very complicated situation in which we are constantly confronted with confusion, problems and difficulties.
So what is stated here is that, in fact, hatred, this inner enemy, has no function other than causing us harm. It has no other function than simply destroying us, both in the present and in the future.
This is very different from an ordinary enemy. Although a person whom we regard as an enemy may engage in activities which are harmful to us, at least he or she has other functions: that person has to eat, that person has to sleep. So he or she has many other functions, and therefore cannot devote twenty-four hours a day to this project of destroying us. On the other hand, hatred has no other function, no other purpose, than destroying us. Realizing this fact, one should resolve as a practitioner to never allow an opportunity for this enemy, hatred, to arise.
Shantideva:
"Therefore I should totally eradicate
The fuel of this enemy,
For this enemy has no other function
Than that of causing me harm."
HH Comment
Here the "enemy" is this internal enemy which is our true enemy, the ultimate enemy: hatred. This feeling of hatred not only destroys our immediate calmness and peace of mind, but also throws us into a state of confusion. It throws us into a very complicated situation in which we are constantly confronted with confusion, problems and difficulties.
So what is stated here is that, in fact, hatred, this inner enemy, has no function other than causing us harm. It has no other function than simply destroying us, both in the present and in the future.
This is very different from an ordinary enemy. Although a person whom we regard as an enemy may engage in activities which are harmful to us, at least he or she has other functions: that person has to eat, that person has to sleep. So he or she has many other functions, and therefore cannot devote twenty-four hours a day to this project of destroying us. On the other hand, hatred has no other function, no other purpose, than destroying us. Realizing this fact, one should resolve as a practitioner to never allow an opportunity for this enemy, hatred, to arise.
What Is A Home?
Monday, July 7, 2008
It Is Foolish Not To Practice Dharma
Milarepa
At the feet of the Translator Marpa, I prostrate myself,
And sing to you, my faithful patrons.
How stupid it is to sin with recklessness
While the pure Dharma spreads all about you.
How foolish to spend your lifetime without meaning,
When a precious human body is so rare a gift.
How ridiculous to cling to prison-like
cities and remain there.
How laughable to fight and quarrel with your
wives and relatives,
Who do but visit you.
How senseless to cherish sweet and tender words
Which are but empty echoes in a dream.
How silly to disregard one's life by fighting foes
Who are but frail flowers.
How foolish it is when dying to torment
oneself with thoughts of family,
Which bind one to Maya's mansion.
How stupid to stint on property and money,
Which are debt on loan from others.
How ridiculous it is to beautify and deck the body,
Which is a vessel full of filth.
How silly to strain each nerve for wealth and goods,
And neglect the nectar of the inner teachings!
In a crowd of fools, the clever and sensible
Should practice the Dharma, as I do.
At the feet of the Translator Marpa, I prostrate myself,
And sing to you, my faithful patrons.
How stupid it is to sin with recklessness
While the pure Dharma spreads all about you.
How foolish to spend your lifetime without meaning,
When a precious human body is so rare a gift.
How ridiculous to cling to prison-like
cities and remain there.
How laughable to fight and quarrel with your
wives and relatives,
Who do but visit you.
How senseless to cherish sweet and tender words
Which are but empty echoes in a dream.
How silly to disregard one's life by fighting foes
Who are but frail flowers.
How foolish it is when dying to torment
oneself with thoughts of family,
Which bind one to Maya's mansion.
How stupid to stint on property and money,
Which are debt on loan from others.
How ridiculous it is to beautify and deck the body,
Which is a vessel full of filth.
How silly to strain each nerve for wealth and goods,
And neglect the nectar of the inner teachings!
In a crowd of fools, the clever and sensible
Should practice the Dharma, as I do.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Are You Afraid of Ghost? Milarepa is Not
Hundred Thousand Songs of Milarepa
"Ye ghost and demons, enemies of the Dharma, I welcome you today!
It is my pleasure to receive you!
I pray you stay; do not hasten to leave.
We will discourse and play together.
Although you would be gone, stay the night:
We will put the black against the White Dharma,
And see who plays the best."
"Ye ghost and demons, enemies of the Dharma, I welcome you today!
It is my pleasure to receive you!
I pray you stay; do not hasten to leave.
We will discourse and play together.
Although you would be gone, stay the night:
We will put the black against the White Dharma,
And see who plays the best."
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Whether Defiled of Pure...
"Their bodies fill the cosmos and space
For all to see according to their mentalities
Both distinctions of subject and object they have left behind
Whether defiled or pure, nothing do they grasp;
Cognition of bondage or of liberation they entirely forget,
Only vowing to grant bliss to all sentient beings.
All worlds being only the force of ideation,
They enter them by knowledge with minds free from fear.
Their contemplation of all things is also thus;
Investigating their past, present and future, they cannot be apprehended.
Able to enter into the whole of the past,
Able to enter into the whole of the future
Able to enter into all places in the present
They also observe diligently how nothing exist."
For all to see according to their mentalities
Both distinctions of subject and object they have left behind
Whether defiled or pure, nothing do they grasp;
Cognition of bondage or of liberation they entirely forget,
Only vowing to grant bliss to all sentient beings.
All worlds being only the force of ideation,
They enter them by knowledge with minds free from fear.
Their contemplation of all things is also thus;
Investigating their past, present and future, they cannot be apprehended.
Able to enter into the whole of the past,
Able to enter into the whole of the future
Able to enter into all places in the present
They also observe diligently how nothing exist."
Great Ocean of Complete Omniscience
Avatamsaka
"It is like water flowing from lake heat-less; by four great river currents it suffices the continent, inexhaustible, ever increasing, benefiting infinite beings, and finally pours into the great ocean: that water from the very beginning is headed for the ocean. In the same way, the water of roots of goodness flowing from the great lake of the will for enlightenment, by the currents of four great vows and integrative methods of salvation, suffice all realms of beings, inexhaustible, ever increasing, benefiting infinite beings , and finally pours into the great ocean of complete omniscience: that water, roots of goodness, from the very beginning is headed for the ocean of omniscience"
"It is like water flowing from lake heat-less; by four great river currents it suffices the continent, inexhaustible, ever increasing, benefiting infinite beings, and finally pours into the great ocean: that water from the very beginning is headed for the ocean. In the same way, the water of roots of goodness flowing from the great lake of the will for enlightenment, by the currents of four great vows and integrative methods of salvation, suffice all realms of beings, inexhaustible, ever increasing, benefiting infinite beings , and finally pours into the great ocean of complete omniscience: that water, roots of goodness, from the very beginning is headed for the ocean of omniscience"
Plunging into the Profound
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Just Having Set Their Hearts on Enlightenment
Avatamsaka
"Great enlightening beings have already practiced the way of enlightening beings diligently for immeasurable eons in quest of unexcelled, complete perfect enlightenment, yet they still think of themselves as just having set their hearts on enlightenment and carry out the acts of enlightening beings without fright or fear."
"Great enlightening beings have already practiced the way of enlightening beings diligently for immeasurable eons in quest of unexcelled, complete perfect enlightenment, yet they still think of themselves as just having set their hearts on enlightenment and carry out the acts of enlightening beings without fright or fear."
Renunciation is Easy !! :)
Never Angered
Avatamsaka
"Because enlightening beings enter the equal nature of all things, they do not conceive a single thought of not being relatives or friends. Even if there be sentient beings who have malicious or hostile intentions towards the enlightening beings, still the enlightening beings also regard them with the eye of compassion and are never angered."
"Because enlightening beings enter the equal nature of all things, they do not conceive a single thought of not being relatives or friends. Even if there be sentient beings who have malicious or hostile intentions towards the enlightening beings, still the enlightening beings also regard them with the eye of compassion and are never angered."
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