Holly | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

The Nyingma Lineage

November 1, 2011May 3, 2010 by Holly

The following is a brief synopsis of the Nyingma lineage and some key terms:

“Nyingma” means “Ancient Ones” and is sometimes referred to as the Ancient Translation School. It is the oldest of the four remaining Buddhist lineages in Tibet, the others being Kagyu, Sakya and Gelugpa. There are different lineages because of different historical transmissions of the Dharma from India to Tibet. The Nyingma transmissions of the 8^th and 9^th c. came primarily through Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), Vimalamitra, and Shantarakshita (Khenpo Bodhisattva). Two characteristics distinguish the Nyingma from the other lineages: dividing the path into nine vehicles (the highest vehicle, Dzogchen, or the Great Perfection, is also unique to Nyingma), and the revelatory teachings of terma.

Terms to Know

Hinayana: The “lesser vehicle” compromising the overt teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha on ethics, concentration and meditation which produce the result of an Arhat or “enemy destroyer” (one who has overcome the enemies of hatred, greed, and ignorance)

Mahayana: The “greater vehicle,” or path of the bodhisattvas. This path comprises teachings both given by Shakyamuni Buddha both overtly and in more secret ways, which were later revealed by Nagarjuna and Asaga. Motivated by the compassionate intention to lead all sentient beings out of samsara, the bodhisattva follows a more profound set of ethics, concentration, and meditation according to the teachings on the six perfections: generosity, ethics, patience, perseverance, concentration, and meditation. This path leads ultimately to liberation as a fully enlightened Buddha.

Vajrayana: The “indestructible vehicle.” Sometimes called the path of secret mantra or the tantrayana. This is a path of meditation and yogic techniques designed to radically accelerate the time it takes to purify the mind of obscurations and karmic defilements. Those who accomplish this path are called siddhas – it also leads swiftly to the state of Buddhahood.

Tantra: Essentially the same as Vajrayana, but listed separately to remove some confusion. In the Western spiritual marketplace, tantra is sold as a method for achieving spiritual bliss through sexual union. Though such teachings exist in the anuyoga canon of the Nyingma, they are very rarely practiced, and require a yogi and yogini who have completely transcended ordinary desire, received the permission and proper transmissions from a qualified lama, and are for the purpose of subtle purification, not ordinary blissful feelings. Anything else is a corruption, and spiritually pointless.

The word tantra means “continuity” and refers to the continuous uninterrupted perfection inherent in all phenomena. It therefore refers to those teachings that take such a view as the basis for practice. Tantra is also used as a word for the actual text in which such teachings are written.

Kama: The orally transmitted teachings of sutra and tantra translated at the time of Padmasambhava and Vimalamitra.

Terma: Literally means “treasure.” It refers to the teachings and sacred objects hidden by Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshe Tsogyal to be discovered at the appropriate time for their beneficial use. They include both physical and non-physical treasures (“sa-ter,” or earth treasures, and “gong-ter,” or mind treasures).

Terton: Means “treasure revealer,” or one who discovers terma. All tertons are the prophesied incarnations of one of Guru Rinpoche’s 25 heart disciples. Tertons have been revealing terma from the 10^th c. to the present day.

Mahayoga: The “generation stage” of practice. This is the first level of inner tantra corresponding to the seventh of the nine Nyingma vehicles.

Anuyoga: The “completion stage” of practice. This is the second level of inner tantra, corresponding to the eighth of the nine Nyingma vehicles.

Atiyoga: The “great perfection stage” of practice, also known as Dzogchen (a contraction of dzogpa chenpo). This is the ninth of the nine Nyingma vehicles, which itself has three divisions. The third is called “mengagde,” or esoteric instructions. This is divided into two practice methods: trekchod and togyal.

Important Names

Padmasambhava: This means “the lotus-born.” He is also known as Guru Rinpoche. He was the emanation of Shakyamuni Buddha appearing for the purpose of propagating the Vajrayana teachings. Dwelling in India for 1,000 years, he went to Tibet at the invitation of King Trisong Deutsen, tamed all the negative non-physical forces, established the first monastery (Samye Ling), extensively taught a select few disciples, and left hidden spiritual teachings and objects (terma) for the benefit of future generations.

Trisong Deutsen: King of Tibet in the 8^th and 9^th c. who had unified the country. Wishing to establish the Dharma in Tibet, he invited many great masters from India, chief among them being Padmasambhava, Vimalamitra, and Shantarakshita. He sponsored the translation of the entire Buddhist canon from Sanskrit to Tibetan, thus ensuring its safety.

Vimalamitra: Invited by Trisong Deutsen specifically to bring the inner tantra teachings, in particular Dzogchen. This body of teachings is known as the Vima Nyingthig, or “heart essence of Vimalamitra.”

Shantarakshita: Abbot of Nalanda, the greatest Buddhist University in India, invited by King Trisong Deutsen to establish Tibet’s first monastery. When he could not accomplish this, he was the one who recommended inviting Padmashambhava. He established the hinayana and Mahayana teachings, giving profound guidance to the first Tibetan monks, as well as the general lay population.

Yeshe Tsogyal: Daughter of Trisong Deutsen, a wisdom Dakini who was given to Padmasambhava by the king. She became Padmasambhava’s chief consort and closest disciple. Having perfect recall, she recorded all his teachings and helped conceal them as terma for future generations.

For more information about Buddhism, visit tara.org.

Recommended Reading:

The Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche
Lineage of Diamond Light, Crystal Mirror 5, Dharma Publishing
Masters of the Nyingma Lineage, Crystal Mirror 11, Dharma Publishing
The Lotus-Born, Yeshe Tsogyal
Guru Rinpoche: His Life and Times, Ngawang Zangpo
Masters of Meditation and Miracles, Tulku Thondup
Crazy Wisdom, Chogyam Trungpa
Sky Dancer, Keith Dowman
Buddhist Masters of Enchantment, Keith Dowman
Dakini Teachings, Yeshe Tsogyal
Advice from the Lotus Born, Padmasambhava
The Lives and Liberation of Princess Mandarava, Sangye Khandro

Be the Hope of the World

October 27, 2011March 13, 2010 by Holly

An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo from the Vow of Love series

I have listened to some of the teachings on Buddhist cosmology, and heard the prophecy that there will be a time when there is no Buddha in this world – no teaching, no help, and no light. When things will be so dark there will be nothing, no hope. As a Buddhist I am supposed to believe this teaching, and I try. But I refuse to accept it, I won’t accept it, and if that makes me a bad Buddhist, then I am. But rather than think in a prideful way that I refuse to accept this teaching, I hope instead to cultivate an endless amount of energy to continue to practice for the benefit of others, no matter what the odds are. To consider that it is worthwhile if even one person can be benefited.

I wish we would all think in this way – that nothing will stop us. I find it necessary to believe that compassion is the strongest power anywhere, that love is stronger than prophecy. Believing this, we must continue as we are. Every day we must be stronger and continue in a more determined way.

When I see those of you who have taken ordination, I think you are the hope of the world. If you can remain emanating in the world always, even after attaining supreme realization, if your love is that strong that you change the prophecies, we have hope.

I also think of those who are newly starting, and those of you who are intermediate, and those of you who are choosing whatever particular path you choose. If you use the Buddha’s understanding, and come to a point of profound commitment and practice – if you consider love is your life, so that it will increase throughout every future incarnation – then you, too, are the hope of the world.

We must take this vocation very seriously. I don’t mean we have to walk around like somber people, with a terrible, woeful expression on our faces, or that we never get to have any fun anymore. It’s not like that. But our sense of joy is the kind of joy that is born of the mind of compassion, the kind of joy that appears in the mind with the commitment to benefit beings at any cost, the kind of joy that knows there is an antidote to suffering. That kind of joy is stronger than human joy and human sadness, because those things come and go, day to day, up and down, in and out.

I suggest you choose to live a lasting life of love, rather than one that is impermanent and superficial. In doing so, come to know something that doesn’t vary. Know something that grows from a tiny seed into a profound sense of bliss, which, as it grows, produces the kind of realization that can let you at last be someone who can truly help sentient beings with the right medicine.

You are at a crossroads in time now. Tremendous opportunities are coming your way. They have come your way. You are at a point very rare in cyclic existence. It is now possible for you to make this choice. It was not possible before. You should take this time very seriously, and consider deeply whether you will cultivate the mind of compassion every moment from now on for the rest of your life, and in all future lives to come, knowing that this is the only end to suffering.

Homage to His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

March 3, 2010 by Holly

242305288_yRxfk-S — His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

A series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

I woke up today sobbing over the loss of Kyabje HH Penor Rinpoche. How devastating to Palyul, and to me.

Never having seen the loss of the head of a Lineage before I was completely unprepared for it. Seems every day His absence is felt more.

He was the wellspring, the builder, the guardian, font of wisdom and compassion. He was unfailingly kind to me. I could always turn to Him.

Now that things have changed I see His Purity, Power, Intention, Selflessness, Loving Concern and Imperturbable Heart. He is Peerless!

May I follow Him in this and every future lifetime. And always be reborn in His entourage! May my storehouse of Merit in the three times please!

And return Him to us, Palyul swiftly, and His activity be endless. Kye Ho! Beloved Guru return to us for the sake of Palyul and ALL beings.

Online Support for Dharma Practice

September 5, 2011January 23, 2010 by Holly

Here are some online practice supports for Dharma students

Twitter

@ahkonlhamo – Musings and tweachings by Jetsunma

@kunzangpalyul – Kunzang Palyul Choling updates on practices, events, and other news

@palyulmedia – Updates about webcast teachings and teachings available at palyulproductions.org

@kpcstore – updates on new Dharma product arrivals at the Mani Jewel Store

www.tara.org – Find out about Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, Kunzang Palyul Choling and its many activities and schedule of events, the Palyul Lineage, Buddhism and Buddhist Practices, and live broadcasts

www.PalyulMedia.Smugmug.com – A photo gallery of Lamas, Deities, and activities around Kunzang Palyul Choling and the Palyul family. Downloads are free. You can also order prints.

www.Ustream.tv/PalyulMedia – watch video teachings

www.youTube.com/KunzangPalyulCholing – watch short teachings and music clips

www.PalyulProductions.org – an online source for video DVDs, audio MP3s, audio CDs of teachings, practice books in book form or downloadable PDFs, as well as other Dharma supports.

www.JetsunmaMusic.com – Listen to Jetsunma’s music, read her poetic lyrics, and enjoy the music blog

Mandala Messenger – Sign up for KPC’s regular newsletter to find out about upcoming events and sangha news

www.kpcstore.org/– Online store for Dharma supports

KPC’s bookstore – Dharma books

www.stupas.org – beautiful images and descriptions of Stupas

Method

September 5, 2011January 22, 2010 by Holly

A teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

It is essential to keep at one’s practice daily. But also keep progressing, accomplishing each stage before moving to the next.

Starting with contemplation of the Four Thoughts, Ngundro, Three Roots, Tsa-Lung, Togyal and Trekchod. This method assures progress and good rebirth. All these, the Treasures of the path, are best learned within one’s Lineage, under the guidance of a truly accomplished Master.

All these teachings and more are conferred at the Palyul Retreat Center in New York. Soup to nuts! And we are guided now by His Holiness Karma Kuchen and the Heart Sons.

It is difficult to have these profound teachings all in one place. The month long retreat in New York every Summer is not to be missed. Concise!

And there we have fully accomplished Masters to teach and ripen our minds. How extraordinary, pure Lineage transmission here in the US for all!

For more information about Palyul Summer Retreat, visit Palyul.org

Lunar Calendar Observances

September 5, 2011January 18, 2010 by Holly

The following are the principal days in the Tibetan Lunar Calendar and the practices associated with those days:

8th Day- Medicine Buddha Practice

1st Qtr moon – White Tara Practice

10th Day – Guru Rinpoche Day / Shower of Blessings Tsog

15th Day – Amitabha Practice

Full Moon – Practitioner renews their vows and precepts. A time to reaffirm and make confession. So Jong for the Ordained

2nd Qtr Moon – Green Tara Practice

25th Day – Dakini Day, Tsog Feast

29th Day – Dharma Protector Day

30th Day – Shakyamuni Buddha Practice

New Moon – Practitioner renews their vows and precepts. A time to reaffirm and make confession. So Jong for the Ordained.

“From the Vajrayana or tantric point of view, the changes of the Sun and Mon produce a shift or change in the elements. While there is a shift on the more physical or gross level (the physical elements of the body), there is also a shift on a more subtle level – a shift in the wisdom mind (potential enlightened mind). This is sometimes referred to as the wind energy. This subtle system, which is not material or physical, is related to the mind. According to the Vajrayana practice, as we will gradually and eventually learn as we progress on the path, when all the different wind energies are channeled into what is known as the central or life channel, there is the experience of enlightened mind. That is how practitioners enter into the state of indestructible Samadhi and other meditative states. Related to that, on the occasion of the Full Moon, the 15th Moon, the 15th day, the right peripheral wind energy (also known as the white element) moves closest to the central channel. On the day of the New Moon, the wind energy of the left peripheral channel (also known as the red element) comes closest to the central channel. In general then, the lunar calendar is based on the motion of the Sun, Moon, and planets, and there is a definite relation of these cycles to the functioning of our subtle internal system.”

Above quote is from a teaching given by Ven. Khenpo Karthar Rinpoche

How to Make Offerings

September 5, 2011January 17, 2010 by Holly

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Meaning and Purpose

The basis for offering is the practice of “Generosity.” Generosity helps us to be less self-cherishing and thereby more loving to others. In the Buddhist tradition one makes offerings to the Three Precious Jewels, which are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha, and the Lama who embodies all three. Offerings are a way of honoring the mind of Enlightenment and the seed potential within all of us to awaken to our true nature. Also one makes offerings with joy and sincere appreciation for the countless blessings one has been given by one’s teachers who by their supreme generosity have given one the Path and a way to end one’s suffering. The practice of offering is another way to acknowledge the boundless love and infinite compassion shown to us by all those who have attained Enlightenment solely for the benefit of sentient beings.

On a deeper level, the practice of offering can be done mentally where one offers everything one sees and experiences such as the beauty of fresh flowers, the wonderful scents in our world like freshly baked bread, the comfort one feels from being warm when it is cold outside, the taste of delicious food, and the happiness we feel when we see a friend we haven’t seen in a while. As we walk through the mall, we can offer everything we see and experience, clothes, furniture, etc. When one is practicing generosity in this way, it is also viewed as a way of renouncing our attachment to these worldly things that are impermanent anyway and only give us temporary happiness. This method of practice if cultivated becomes a potent way of accumulating merit and virtue that can then be offered for the benefit of sentient beings.

What to Offer

Generally, one offers the very best that can be obtained or that one has the means to offer. If the offering is given sincerely from the heart, then even water that is offered becomes a treasure. Flowers, light, incense, perfume or sweet scent, pure water, a conch shell (symbolizes music), and food are traditional offerings. Crystals, jewelry, malas, and money are also suitable offerings.

How to Make the Offering

As a Buddhist, upon entering the shrine room one makes three prostrations towards the altar. Then one arouses the thought of Bodhicitta, which is the sincere wish or motivation to be of benefit to sentient beings by working to achieve enlightenment. The offering is made on the lowest level of the altar or could be placed at the base or foot of the altar. In the case of offering a mala, the mala should be placed on the foot of the image of the Buddha but never around the neck. If offering a BLESSED mala, please note that once offered, the mala can never again be used for personal use. The practice of offering is considered to be a virtuous act, so remember to dedicate the merit and offer it as well for the benefit of all sentient beings.

What Not to Offer

Generally it is best not to offer anything sour or bitter like lemons or limes. Also one would not offer an image of the Buddha such as a statue or a photograph of the Buddha.

When to Make an Offering

Offerings can be made at anytime, however in the Tibetan lunar calendar, there are auspicious days when merit is increased that are traditionally observed by making offerings. For example, the 10^th Day or Guru Rinpoche Day, the 25^th Day or Dakini Day, 10 Million Days (there are four during the year) which mark different events in the life of Shakyamuni Buddha, and Losar the Tibetan New Year.

Introduction to Buddhism – A Reading List

September 5, 2011January 3, 2010 by Holly

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There are many excellent books about Buddhism. Here is a selection that provides an introductory foundation to Buddhism. Other introductory books on Buddhism can be found here.

An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday – HH the Dalai Lama

Buddha – Karen Armstrong

Buddha: His Life and His Teachings – Walter Henry Nelson

Cave in the Snow – Vicki McKenzie

The Clouds Should Know Me By Now: Buddhist Poet Monks of China – Pine & O’Connor

Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism – Chogyam Trungpa

Daily Wisdom: 365 Buddhist Inspirations – Josh Bartok

Dhammapada: The Sayings of the Buddha – Thomas Cleary

Enlightened Journey, Buddhist Practice As Daily Life– Tulku Thondup

A Flash of Lightning in the Dark of Night: A Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life – Dalai Lama

Gates to Buddhist Practice– Chagdud Tulku

Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life – Santideva

Healing Power of the Mind – Tulku Thondup

Hidden Teachings of Tibet: An Explanation of the Terma Tradition of Tibetan Buddhism – Tulku Thondup

Introduction to Tantra – Lama Yeshe

Open Heart, Clear Mind – Thubten Chodron

Opening of the Lotus: Developing Clarity and Kindness– Sherab Gyaltsen Amipa

Relating to a Spiritual Teacher – Alexander Berzin

Start Where You Are – Pema Chodron

Taking the Bodhisattva Vow – Bokar Rinpoche

Teachings of the Compassionate Buddha – E.A. Burtt

Tibetan Buddhism from the Ground Up – Allan Wallace

Transforming Problems Into Happiness – Lama Zopa

When Things Fall Apart: heart Advice for Difficult Times – Pema Chodron

Words of My Perfect Teacher– Paltrul Rinpoche

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind – Shunryu Suzuki

Enlightened Activity

September 5, 2011January 1, 2010 by Holly

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An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo from the Dakini Workshop

Enlightened activity is considered consistent with the nature of the dakini in that it arises from pure spaciousness and does not remain fixed or absorbed in the mind of duality. What arises, arises effortlessly and spontaneously and is spontaneously complete because the basis of that emanation is the Buddha nature, free of distinction, free of contrivance, free of duality, free of ego clinging.

What arises in an uncontrived way from the sphere of truth without clinging, without fixation is pure enlightened activity. Pure enlightened activity always results in perfect result, perfect meaning or enlightened result. From the point of view of practitioners, from the point of view of those who have not established themselves firmly in the view, activity appears in a myriad of ways and we attach meaning to that activity. What we see then, when we see that activity, is only our meaning. We do not see the activity. Therefore, when one holds to and one views the enlightened activity that is consistent with the dakini nature and when one sees that compassionate activity from the point of view of duality and distinction, one will always see ones own mind. Therefore that activity will be seductive in the way that our minds seduce us, that activity will be meaningful in the way that our minds deduce meaning, that activity will be objectionable in the way that our minds object and that activity will be confusing in the way that our minds are confused. That is what we see.

Yet, in striving to attain a deeper understanding of this enlightened activity we have no other recourse other than to achieve realization ourselves. We have to. That is the only way to reach any kind of understanding. And we are beaten over the head with our own minds because our own minds are flashed back at us. We see our mind constantly. We are relentlessly seduced with our own stupidity. We are browbeaten with our own inconsistencies until at some point, eventually, because this is an effortless process, because it is natural, because it arises from the uncontrived state, because it is our nature, this intensified process of putrefaction will putrefy itself into pureness effortlessly.

Well, it will not seem effortless on your part, exactly. But that is because the mind is still clinging to perceptual experience. The mind is in that continuum. The consciousness is there. That is what the perception is. But try to remember that all that is being viewed is our own confusion. That is all that is being seen. It is very much like the symbolic image of the peacock – the bird with big feathers –who eats poisoned things and ends up with this beautiful plumage. To some degree, that is what our practice looks like. We just eat ourselves and eat ourselves and keep on consuming this thing that we see that arises only from our mind until finally at some point we can achieve a glimpse of the pure basis of that. At that point, the pure basis of that is understood to be effortless. It is understood to arise from the sphere of truth and complete itself instantly. It is understood in its nature, but while we revolve in confusion we cannot feel that way.

Be a Smart Shopper in Today’s Spiritual Supermarket

December 7, 2009 by Holly

The following are tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo from December 7, 2009 on the importance of lineage

The dumbest thing you can do is build the ego by claiming spiritual capacity about oneself. Better others to say from experience.

The Buddha taught that to claim enlightenment without attaining it is a heinous fault. A lie to others + oneself, harmful.

I have never claimed for myself anything other than what my Tsawei Lama and our Lineage has said. What would be the benefit?

Be extremely careful with a “teacher” who recognizes themselves without the benefit of Guru and Lineage. They may be harmful to you.

Most important to know- who is their Guru! What is their lineage? Where is their Sangha? Where is their accomplishment of benefit?

And certainly one should examine their qualities. Are they truly compassionate, care for others? How? Do they have wisdom? Or just B.S.?

When we think we have found a suitable Lama/Guru we should take time to examine them, their activities. Check- today we have Google!

When walking the path to Liberation the last thing we need is a snake-oil salesman. And they are out there. I know of some.

You have to be a major CREEP to seduce innocent spiritual seekers when you have nothing true to offer. A con artist!

If the need to be a Guru is so strong that one is compelled to invent one’s status then one is Not a Guru, but is an egomaniac.

If you meet such a one as that RUN for your #spiritual life! Fast! Never put your #PATH in the hands of a charlatan!

There are many pure Lamas who willingly show their credentials and teach from a purely preserved line of accomplished Masters, or Lineage.

It is through that unbroken line of accomplished Masters that the essential mind ripening blessings are passed. Not from ego.

So be careful out there! In today’s spiritual supermarket they are selling a LOT of BALONEY! Google, search, watch, be sure.

You can find out more about Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on the About Us page, and also on Tara.org. A Garland of Immortal Wish-Fulfilling Trees: The Palyul Tradition of Nyingmapa provides a more complete discussion of the Palyul lineage and the lives of the extraordinary Palyul lineage holders.