Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Astrology for 2/3/2015

February 3, 2015 by Norma

2/3/2015 Tuesday by Norma

A difference of opinion occurs, and the way out is sideways. Ask an expert or a qualified friend to mediate and things work out well. Leaders and managers are feeling successful and happy, but groups and organizations disagree with this assessment. Don’t have a party celebrating your accomplishments; the riffraff will crash and cause trouble. Keep your eyes open and be aware of the plight and opinions of others. An incredibly wonderful event transpires today, so smile, do your happy dance, and enjoy it. Mark Twin said, “On with the dance, let the joy be unconfined!” In a different arena, sensitive souls are creating works of art, diagnosing maladies and curing plagues, never dreaming they are doing something worth dancing about. Consider including them in your dance. What’s good today? Happiness, progress, healing, and coalition building.

The daily astrology post affects everyone. Because individual charts
vary, the circumstances outlined in the post will affect people differently.
Some will feel this energy in the personal arena, some in finances, some
with family or children, some in work, and so forth. There are many
departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

The Foundation of Compassion

February 2, 2015 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

The following is an excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called “The Foundation of Bodhicitta”

You have to understand the faults of cyclic existence in order to practice the ultimate bodhicitta. One must truly come to understand and be able to make the commitment that there is a cessation to suffering, but it is not found in revolving endlessly in cyclic existence. It is found in achieving enlightenment. In the state of enlightenment, having abandoned the faults of cyclic existence, the hatred, greed and ignorance and all of those qualities that produce the suffering of cyclic existence, one has effectively ended their involvement with cyclic existence and can come back by choice as a returner in order to be of benefit to others. This is the ultimate bodhicitta, the ultimate kindness.

I think about my teachers and I cannot believe their kindness. . For instance, when I was recognized as a reincarnate lama,people asked me how I felt about my own recognition.

I said to them, “There are days when I’m not too thrilled with it. To tell you the truth, I wish it could have some other way. It is not what it is cracked up to be.” When I think about my recognition, I think about one thing that amazes me. I think about my guru. How in the world did he pull the strings to make it happen? I had never heard of him before. He comes from the other side of the world, from India, into my living room and recognizes me. How did he find me? How did he do that? What kind of compassion would make that possible?

The story that I hear is that when he was a little boy and a young lama engaging in certain practices in the temple in Tibet, he actually said prayers that he could find this incarnation because he witnessed one of the relics from the predecessor of this incarnation. Just due to that prayer because he has such enlightenment, this amazing thing happened. How could I have met him? How could that have happened? It’s a miracle. I think about the kindness of such an effort as that. I think of this incredible kindness to be of such a mind that can do something in such an effortless way and have it benefit sentient beings. What practice he must have engaged in! How pure that mind must be! How amazing that he would go through the trouble—ultimate compassion, incredible, ultimate compassion. Unbelievable. He is the only one that could have done that, and he didn’t fault on that responsibility. He did that. That is what I think about that recognition: It is proof of his kindness. Only with the mind of enlightenment can we affect cyclic existence in such a way as to produce enlightenment for others. That is the kind of kindness that I wish to emulate. I wish to throw myself into that. I hope that you do. I hope that you can see the value of that.

This doesn’t mean that you have to wear robes or hole yourself up in a cave somewhere. You practice as you can, the best way that you can. Just give it your best shot. But in order to make your decision you must first understand the faults of cyclic existence. You must understand how cyclic existence develops. And you must understand what the end of suffering actually is and the meaning of ultimate bodhicitta. It means the end of all of it. It means the end of all the cause and effect relationships that create this phenomena.

Astrology for 2/2/2015

February 2, 2015 by Norma

2/2/2015 Monday by Norma

An early moody start to the day is replaced by flash and confidence as the day progresses! A leader or man comes up with an exciting idea that sounds unique and is a winner. This opportunity relates to numbers and groups, comes and goes quickly, and you must take prompt acton or watch it fly away fast. A domestic situation is stabilized, and family matters move along nicely. Avoid disagreements with others; pride is on the line, and what seems like an intellectual discussion is closer to the heart than you think. Be aware of a backward pull, an urge to return to a prior comfort level, that is unworkable now. Vernon Law said, “When you’re through learning, you’re through.” Yes, it’s time to clean up past issues; you can visit the past but don’t take up residence there. What’s good today? Smart thinking, quick action, dreamy creative vision, medical treatments of all sorts, and happiness!

Astrology for 2/1/2015

February 1, 2015 by Norma

2/1/2015 Sunday by Norma

A friend or important person drops by unexpectedly, or you can meet someone who electrifies and charms you. Listen up and pay attention, this person isn’t staying long. Afterwards, you’ll feel as though a comet just streaked past, leaving you surprised and inspired. Tuck the unusual experience into your memory bank, it will help you in the future. Today was meant for relaxation and scientific, inquisitive thought. An unusual combination of physical relaxation and mental acuity make this a great day to rest the body and exercise the brain. Rethink your theories and poke holes in the weak parts. Mary Kay said, “Beware of your blind spots, as what you don’t know that you don’t know will keep you from developing.” Try not to do the opposite: work the body and let the mind lie fallow. Food is still important, along with emotional security. Ask for both and offer both to those you meet. What’s good today? Relaxation combined with interesting input from others, and carefully rethinking the principles you live by. Happiness too, of course.

Astrology for 1/31/2015

January 31, 2015 by Norma

1/31/2015 Saturday by Norma

Happy day! Emotional satisfaction characterizes this day. Someone loves you and wants to tell you about it. Expanded sensitivity gives x-ray vision into what’s
needed at any given time, and you are able to say and do exactly the right thing for others. Something lost yesterday comes back today. Food is of utmost importance; take some wherever you go, comfort food, not broccoli (unless that’s your comfort food)! Fix a special meal, have a brunch, lunch or fancy dinner. Munch your way through the day. Peter Marshall said, “Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” What’s good today? Apart from food and feel good moments, intelligent friends who help you, machines that are on your side, and a superman-like ability to instantly clarify hidden matters. You can see around corners and through walls, use your power well!

Astrology for 1/30/2015

January 30, 2015 by Norma

1/30/2015 Friday by Norma

A sudden perception offers the solution to a problem with business, professional standing or older people. It’s hard to say where the idea came from, but it’s a good one.
You’re making progress, although with Mercury in retrograde you feel like you’re in Reverse, not Drive! Everyone wants to go back to bed and escape all the turmoil! Say hello to what life looks to Pisceans; they have to do this all the time! Do what? Feel continually bombarded by problems; want to get off the merry-go-round that keeps on turning. Your solution is to do what Pisceans do: set a noble goal and work toward it; heal everyone’s problems; fight for a better world; make others happy. Mary Kay said, “For every setback, there’s an alternative course of action. You just have to find it.” What’s good today? Re-setting a goal, using different tactics, rather than giving up on it; asking others for advice and taking action on what you hear (if it’s reasonable);
intelligent conversation, and a happy, joyous attitude that depends on nothing.

Astrology for 1/29/2015

January 29, 2015 by Norma

1/29/2015 Thursday by Norma

Talk things over with people and gather information, something’s in the air! At the same time, avoid the temptation to lash out or become irritated with others. Lack of sleep may be an issue, or the dawning awareness of a hidden matter. If you suddenly feel like a fool, don’t blow your stack, learn something new! The Dalai Lama said, “Without inner peace, it is impossible to have world peace.” A troubling bit of news must be absorbed. Something or someone you looked to for happiness is disappointing, or is it? Remember the hyper-sensitivity! What’s good today? Investigation, learning, sensitivity to secret matters, a sudden friendship that appears from nowhere, and happiness!

Astrology for 1/28/2015

January 28, 2015 by Norma

1/28/2015 Wednesday by Norma

Financial matters must be tended to, it seems, but no definite course of action appears. Stick to your regular work for most of the day, since nothing much takes place until later. You’ll know when the change comes; everyone starts talking, calling, dropping by, texting, etc. There’s a chance of hurt feelings, and you may need to go back and apologize for something you said. Remember that three planets in Pisces reflect the hyper-sensitivity of the times; everyone has thin skin! Tell a joke and watch the hurt in the eyes of your friend. Apologize, and resist the temptation to comment about “too sensitive.” You’ll be bawling soon! Byrd Baggett said, “Filter all thoughts through your heart before they become words.” A situation arises late in the day that causes you to keep making adjustments, but the true solution is careful thought and discrimination. A bit of work solves the problem. What’s good today? Artistry, sensitivity, marine and water-related matters, healing, detective work and happiness!

Astrology for 12/27/2015

January 27, 2015 by Norma

1/27/2015 Tuesday by Norma

Ignore the advice of a friend or group today, and accept the counsel of your deepest wisdom. Enormous sensitivity permeates the scene, and natural knowing trumps book learning and science. Go with your hunches and watch new vistas open before you. Three planets in Pisces, sign of the mystic, heighten perceptions. Healers are on a roll, fixing everything! At the same time, criminals, charlatans and all manner of self serving frauds are out and about. Claudia Elliott said, “He was looking for a deal, and he got one – he got skinned!” If something sounds too good to be true, it is, right? Believe it. Still, the real deal is here, right in the middle of all the fakes. Your job is to tell them apart. What’s good today? True love, the best doctor or healer on the planet, and happiness!

Astrology for 1/26/2015

January 26, 2015 by Norma

1/26/2015 Monday by Norma

A discrete conversation with an important person stabilizes matters. Use the heightened sensitivity of the times to work things out in private, to make deals with important people. No need to trumpet what’s happening, keep it under your hat. A woman makes a financial decision or purchase that bothers the boss. Things might have to be returned, so save the receipt! Remember to avoid buying mechanical items, unless you have planned in advance; impulse purchases are a disaster. However, a woman can accurately diagnose a major problem, which becomes quickly solved. Health matters are improving at the speed of light these days. Theodor Seuss said, “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if only you try!” What’s good today? Problem solving, imagination, love of friends, and improvement in health and work.