Introduction to the Three Vehicles: His Holiness Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok

The following is an excerpt from a public talk given by His Holiness Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok:

​Recognizing suffering for what it is, understanding the causes that produce suffering, we are then able to engage on the path of true freedom and bliss which culminates in the experience of enlightenment or full awakening, the status of Buddhahood.  When the status of Buddhahood is realized we will know permanent happiness.  To be able to cessate all types of suffering in this way so that permanent happiness is achieved is totally dependent upon the spiritual path, the practice itself.  Therefore we must understand how to practice the pure path.

​The goal of liberating all beings from suffering is predominant in all vehicles, but in addition to that one would consider the thought of never harming others and of somehow being of benefit to others.  Anything that is harmful, in any way at all, is absolutely abandoned.  To practice on that level, of maintaining refuge and never harming others intentionally is the essence of the Hinayana pursuit.  In this world of ours these days the Hinayana vehicle of Buddhism is primarily practiced as the sole pursuit in countries such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries.

​The Mahayana pursuit, or the greater spiritual pursuit, more than focusing upon one’s own purpose one focuses upon the purpose and welfare of others.  One is always thinking how to be of benefit to others.  In fact, it becomes one’s sole concern to not only think about being of benefit to others, but to engage in activities which bring direct benefit to all other sentient beings impartially to the point where one is ultimately able to establish all other sentient beings in the status of Buddhahood.  That is done based on one’s altruistic attitude of love and compassion for all other beings.  So that type of motivation and practical application qualifies one as a practitioner of Mahayana.  The essence of the Hinayana is already incorporated into that because, if you’ll recall, in Hinayana the main focus is not to harm others, but as a Mahayanist, not only are you not harming others, but you are only doing that which benefits others.  So it is taken a step further.  In this word, those countries where the Mahayana doctrine is predominant include China and Japan and some others.

​In the context of Mahayana, as an inner division we find the vehicle of secret mantra, Vajrayana. What sets the secret mantra Vajrayana path apart from the others is that it is called the resultant vehicle.  This is because it produces results in a very short period of time.  It does not take a long time of practice to receive the results because method and wisdom are combined in such a way that in one short lifetime enlightenment can be realized.  The secret mantra path of Vajrayana combines the two yogic stages of generation stage — which is the practice of generating visualizations of self-nature as the deity — and the completion stage — which is the practice of dissolving visualizations and other types of elaborations into the fundamental nature of emptiness.  These two yogic stages are combined in such a way that the result is achieved in a very short period of time.

​This vehicle of secret mantra Vajrayana is the principal vehicle of Buddhism that is practiced in Tibet, and now we find it spreading throughout America and other countries.  There are many Dharma centers that have been established in America, primarily by Tibetan lamas who are upholders of the Vajrayana tradition.  This means that many of the American disciples are now becoming practitioners and upholders of this tradition.  In fact, throughout this world, Vajrayana Buddhism is already firmly established in some 32 countries.

​Within the secret mantra vehicle, the ultimate, absolute pinnacle, the enlightened mind of all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas condensed into one essence, the heart blood of all the dakinis, is the quintessential path known as the Clear Light Great Perfection, or Ati Yoga.  This Doctrine of the Great Perfection is dependent upon the receiving of what is termed pointing out instructions or pith essential instructions which can be passed from teacher to disciple in the form of just a word or two.  In fact, if everything is auspicious according to the way that the Clear Light Great Perfection is actually transmitted, it is taught that if those essential instructions are given in the evening, by sunrise one will be enlightened.  If they are given at sunrise, by evening one will be enlightened.  So this is considered to be the most expedient path to liberation.

​To meet with the Clear Light Great Perfection is something that is so precious and rare that it is taught that just to hear the words of the dzogchen teaching, the teachings on the level of Ati Yoga, closes the door to rebirth in the three lower realms and puts one safely and directly on the path to liberation as a Buddha.  So it is a Dharma that has the power to liberate just by contact, just by sight, just by recollection.  Even to recall the words of the dzogchen teachings is something that is so precious and profound that it is likened to having a wish-fulfilling jewel in the palms of your hands.  It is not a Dharma that is filled with elaborations and complexities that takes a lot of time to accomplish or establish.  It is a Dharma that, if it meets with the right individual or the perfect aspirant, is something that is easy to practice and that can be applied to every aspect of life in a very simple way producing very direct results.  However, this Dharma, this Doctrine, must only fall into the hands of those disciples who have the karmic affinity for it which is something that must be established due to karmic connections.  Otherwise it is a Dharma that is meant to be kept secret or to be guarded from any other type of situation.

Astrology

A generous man is in the picture, and he wants to help.  Let him.  Someone from the past is coming back into your life, and many happy emotions are triggered.  This is a wonderful time to organize your things – clean out the cabinets, alphabetize the canned food, up-date your address book.  Anything that involves detail, concentration and thought is just wonderful.  Slow, incremental steps improve health matters.  A sudden disagreement can be sidestepped, if you remember that someone else holds all the cards.  Pride is still an issue, the desire to hurry things that can’t be rushed.  Problems don’t get solved just because you are tired of dealing with them!  Philip K. Dick said, “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.”  Be realistic.

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

A new beginning is here and it offers hope.  Do your job and work on beautifying your home.  Food is important, and emotional satisfaction is obvious in your work and your projects.  If you forgot to be happy recently because life is so busy, today is the day to remember that the attitude you bring is reflected in everything you do.  Natalie Goldberg said, “Stress is an ignorant state.  It believes that everything is an emergency.  Nothing is that important.  Just lie down.”  Food and family are important during this time.  A decision is coming that joins the two.  Have the family in for dinner or eat out in a restaurant!

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

A new way of doing things appears and it’s a winner!  An offer comes that is the direct result of everything you’ve done before.  Accept it gratefully.  You deserve it.  Health matters go well.  Beware of the tendency to think you understand something better than the expert.  Don’t try to push someone into doing things your way, it will undercut your progress and annoy the wrong person.  Success is sneaking up on you slowly.  Your job is to continue working hard and resist the temptation to rush things.  The desire to escape is very powerful today.  Robert Frost said, “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

If you aren’t working hard on a project you’re wasting the best energy of this time.  Problems are being diagnosed and solved quickly.  A pleasant meeting with a woman or child makes for happiness.  Look your best.  If you’ve gotten careless with your wardrobe, spiff up!  Something beautiful magnetizes you and gives you encouragement.  Notice your accomplishments and feel proud of them and of yourself.   A secret may be suddenly uncovered, or someone may snipe at you.  Laugh it off, it’s not serious.  Epictetus, on hearing someone was speaking ill of him, said, “He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.”  A cheerful mood dispels problems.

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Jewel of the Dharma in the West

Prayer Room In Progress

The following is from a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I am racking my brain to think of more ways to fund raise. It feels like crying in the darkness. His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche tells me KPC is absolutely necessary, as did His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. Palyul needs us to be strong for the sake of all beings and for western Dharma.

We are not on time, we are lagging. Please wake up and march forward with me and make the world a better, kinder place.

Support the Renovation

 

Astrology

A magnetic attraction appears today.  Follow your hunches and you’ll move in the right direction.  Sudden action is best. You’re smarting from a disappointment, but it’s over.  Relax.  A work friendship is nice.  People involved in building a business find that things are going well.  Health matters are resolved today, and the biggest issue relates to your ability to accept what has happened to you healthwise or problemwise.  Be realistic and you will recover.  Take your medicine and it works!  Reject or deny your problem and it will get worse.  Humility saves the day today, the acceptance that you are just like everybody else, vulnerable to the problems of life. Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”  Get up!

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

Astrology

A major transformation is underway.  Your job is to stand back and allow it to happen, without interfering in any way.  Trust that all the necessary actions have been completed.  Inaction is more important than action today. Avoid a sudden burst of emotion or a feeling of assault on your pride. Stand back and do nothing.  Tend to small tasks – weed, garden, tighten loose screws; compliment your partner.  Go on a diet, visit sick people.  Smallness succeeds and large gestures fail.  Spend time cooking, eating and being with loved ones.  Mohandas Gandhi said, “Almost anything you do will seem insignificant, but it is very important that you do it.”

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 children or family, some in work and so forth. There are many departments of life. Look to see where the dynamic affects you!

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