Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Why do people lie, and what is the result? People lie because they are insecure, and their intention is at best to buoy themselves up or to pull others down. Often they feel they are unsuccessful, or haven’t had enough love, praise, etc. They feel the only way to break through is to break others down. In the end no one wins, least of all the liar. The liar gets the bad karma, the victim just gets hurt. What’s the point? There is no use.

Once a liar starts the lie, there is small chance that they will be able to turn it around. When one’s life, then becomes a web of lies it will occur not only now in this life, but the habit remains until it is purified. The work will remain to do until it is complete. Lies are wrong speech, meant to do harm and benefit only oneself. A liar can never be trusted until they purify.

Of course the bottom line is intention and compassion. If one lies continually there is no compassion. The intention is to harm others and distort or destroy truth. Lies can be debilitating. One develops a habit they cannot break and it eventually destroys them, ruins life after life and all wholesome happiness. A liar does not have Bodhicitta. They cannot attain enlightenment until the very habit is cleaned up.

The saddest thing about lying is that one eventually believes their own con, and then lifelong confusion results, a broken personality that lives in their own glass house, locked in a sea of relentless sickness. The more they lie the sicker they get. All to boost ego!!!

The jail house of their own making is all-pervasive. There is no love, no freedom, no comfort or happiness because the liar has only lied. That terrible weight will be theirs to bear alone. But there are no winners. That is because a seed rotten to the core cannot grow good fruit. And because we are all one in nature, everyone gets hurt. What a ridiculous way to live this short life. How senseless to live in one’s own lies. Like a baby condemned to live in its filthy diaper, no hope for change, and the pain never ends. So unnecessary when we have such great capacity! I choose love, life, a wholesome mind, pure speech, forgiveness and peace! And I wish you all the same.

Liars lie – let it go!

©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo

Tsawei Lama 2

November 26, 2011December 17, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Jetsunma greeting His Holiness Karma Kuchen

It’s raining now, but I can see
That soon the sun will be with me.
It’s pouring now, but I can tell
That soon the bliss will come, as well.

That kiss of sunlight, a warming spell
Reminds me that when darkness fell
It seemed I’d lost you for a while
But then the gift- your blessing smile.

I knew that it would take some time
That soon the glory that is your Mind
Will come again, and in a while
You will come as a precious child.

Oh, lead me swiftly to that day
When I can close my eyes and pray
When I will know in that secret way
He has come! He is here! The great display!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Roar of the Dakini

November 26, 2011December 16, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

It is not for ordinary sentient beings to alter Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. It has been in this country, USA, only a short while. To decry the gifts of our great founding Lamas, Tulkus, also called Nirmanakaya Buddhas, these are jewels to gradually assimilate and practice, not to destroy with arrogance and pride. We may end up seeing some things differently here. But it should be gently and with loving concern.

Some people suggest we should destroy all Tulkus. And, naturally the woman who doesn’t play patriarchy goes first. If we have just ordinary people teaching, even from texts, is like the blind leading the blind. One can see easily that these folks have no profound wisdom, being so rude, hurtful and stuffed with pride. If sincere people follow ordinary people with no particular good qualities they will end up the same as them. These ordinary people claim supreme Enlightenment just because they believe it in a deluded way. If these people lead Vajrayana it is finished. They have no wisdom, do not know the pith instructions, and cannot give empowerment from a stainless source. Then we have nothing but a Tibetan flavored new age composite. Completely worthless. Some westerners don’t even do sadhana, or bother with empowerment. They just make up their own. Like a coloring book and crayons. Draw Superman and you can be him! No, really! Write it with the purple crayon so you can be on the purple ray!! Write “I AM THE SHYT! I am a Guru!” Then hand it in to your actual teacher and she/he may write “very creative!” Yet it is not correct.

Maybe someday there will be realization, when the pride is overcome, the arrogance, and maybe when the Bodhicitta is developed. No, it does not appear naturally without effort. You can’t do a little dance and Viola’ there it is. One must practice every day! Effort is essential. Intention must also be pure. Not to destroy, but to heal. I know of someone who says he/she has practiced for 30yrs and feels they don’t need any more but when you see them you know different. You see the hate, whining, selfishness and self absorption right away. No kindness. If we accept this as American Tibetan (?) Buddhism it is Kaliyuga for sure. The end. I have practiced and studied with great Masters for 30yrs also, and still do because of the intention to benefit beings, to dedicate the merit, and because I have faith and the wish to see all beings free of suffering. Until the bloated ego is pacified it is not truly possible to liberate and benefit beings. I am properly recognized, properly enthroned, and fully capable of teaching and helping sentient beings. But western wannabees crucify me every day. They will not stop this woman. And I will continue to keep my Lineage, and all Nyingmapa, the ancient ones sacred. I will protect my own and all beings.

And, yes this is the work if a woman! I will not crumble. And I am terribly sad for those who cannot see that wisdom. Yes, I am woman, watch me roar!!! Deal with it or not – your choice.

OM MANI PEDME HUNG! OM BENZAR SATO HUNG!

©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo

Unwind Obsessive Behavior

November 26, 2011December 15, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

If you can do nothing else, at least be kind and tolerant. You can do that. There is no excuse for being rude. Often, people are rude and hateful on twitter. I have pondered this for a while. I think it is that people hide behind computers, saying rude and terrible, hurting things because they cannot be seen. Even with skype, not the same. It is a kind of cowardice as one does not have to look their victim in the eye. To tweet, we may not be able to recognize them as human. Even if there are conversations, still we hide behind computer screens. This is both bad and good. We can use this format to connect and give info. Or it can be used to harm and hurt others. Why is that a pleasure to some? This hurting thing? Rage and obsession I think – he lack of ability to turn around and move on – fixation that one has no control over.

Now, I disagree. OCD can be treated with medicine and therapy. Another technique is Buddhist. The trick is to disassemble the whole thing. Of one is obsessed with a person, see them differently. Say, those lovely green eyes. Put them in your visualization in a glass of water. Their hair? How about the Christmas tree? What else do you like? Teeth? OK put them on a shelf. And those “special” parts? Oh, maybe the sink disposal. Then look at the mess and ask “where is this person? Glass? Shelf?” And which is the part I am obsessed with?”. As you can see, obsession is about conceptual proliferation. Common elements assembled by habit. And seen as real and solid. It isn’t about the object of obsession at all. It is habitual tendency. IF we recognize that we can change it with this technique.

We get obsessed with so many things! Cars, homes, mates, and also hearing oneself talk in a way that seems intelligent. Obsessed with sports (not as bad! Ha!) Clothing, anything. I am quite nearly obsessed with saving dogs. So we must ask: is this obsession reasonable? Wholesome? Does it contribute to society? Our planet? If not, if it goes contrary to the rules of society, let it go! What’s the point? There is absolutely no benefit. Stick with the good stuff- respect, kindness, health, spiritual growth. This is useful!

Now some people need medication and therapy to manage this, and something profound to fill their hearts and minds. Many times OCD is the substitute for something.

I feel it is good to stop demonizing psychiatric care. Be brave and honest. Get the medicine and treatment you need to be happy. And please do try and practice Dharma – Buddhism, face the illness and win! You can do this. You too can be happy! Just don’t fake it. And declare yourself superior to others. That is part of the illness. Delusion. You CAN overcome. Try compassion, love and respect, and you will be happy!

©Jetsunma Ahkön Lhamo

The Blessing

December 15, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Hear my prayer, Beloved

The prayer of my heart

May you walk in freedom

May your way be filled with love

May the sun warm you and guide your way

And your way be gentle

For you and yours may there be peace

In all your days, food and drink

May your heart be blessed with dreams

And awaken to the nectar of compassion

May you come freely to the light

And know the nature of your mind

With the love and care

Of a mothers tender heart

I beseech you

Do not turn away

Oh hear this, hear this prayer

A whisper in the dark

Hear my love for you

Sweet, gentle, compassions play

Can you hear me?

I am calling you

Calling you

Beloved come forth!

You Can Start a War … Can You Stop It?

December 13, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

We are having some upsets in my house … But it’s all impermanent.

I have found if one stays totally centered, not letting confusion, sadness, or anger etc run the show it clears it out. Even if others insist on fighting, hurting, etc it is far better to ignore than to engage. I like to think of Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche seated on a throne above the crown of my head, blessing and protecting. And he appears as the Primordial Dharmakaya Guru Rinpoche, perfectly stable.

I also have always, since childhood, had a place in my heart I call my calm center. If I remain there, the undisturbed uncontrived state is like a soothing balm for a weary heart. When I was a child I practically lived there when there was trouble at home. And I’m still here!

It is always difficult to know why certain personality types prefer rage, hurtful behavior, vulgarity, etc as it brings no comfort or benefit and actually makes the mind more and more inflamed with bad qualities. In every religion or path it is taught that human kindness and respect are the right method. It is healthy for mind and body, and keeps us in a more joyful and reverent place; with right thought and right activity. So there really is no other choice if one is serious on the path. At some point one must take their activity and intention to task! And learn to look within to put our own house in order. Try to think of others first, be kind and giving, and happiness will follow.

Remember: you have the power to create war and conflict. Anyone does. The real issue is do you have the power to stop?

Accomplishment on the Path

December 11, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

How long does it take to practice and attain the fruit of the path of Dharma? It takes as long as it takes. You cannot measure in time. Some say “oh, I’ve practiced 10 years” great! Keep going. 20 years? Great! Go on wit cha bad self!!! Keep going! 30 years? Super-dooper. A large chunk of life! Keep going!!! It is so easy to delude oneself into thinking that a number is the goal. Actually one should consider their own inner qualities as the watermark. To do this one must have self-honesty. Without honesty there is no way to judge progress. So we must learn to ob serve our own minds and stop relying on the approval of one’s peers. The need for approval is a sickness, not compatible with awakening. It is a deluded and neurotic display depending on separating, dualistic concepts. The desire to give and receive love is different.

Some find a lot of thrill from displaying many words and concepts to insure how well informed they are. This is not what I want. Not for me. I would rather display my efforts on the path as actual accomplishment that is of benefit; like Stupas. They’ll be there after I’m dead. So this result is of great benefit, as many healings and miracles happen, particularly at the great Migure Dorje Stupa in Maryland and the Amitabha Stupa in Arizona.

And here we have as well a monastery founded by me but solely offered to Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. It will last until the day his Yangse Rinpoche is educated. Then it goes to him, Tsawei Lama. The property in Arizona and Maryland both will be his to put to use. It is for him. Only him! My Guru!

Since He is a Palyul Throneholder, that will keep it in our lineage after I’m gone, but under his command and none other. This is one of the greatest goals in my life. I want to be sure Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is the beneficiary of it all. Lama Khyenno! Only he knows best.

He is my Guru, and his blessing gave rise to all of this by his wish. Once He told me I would find a big white house with columns in front. He said we should buy it, and that the money would come. We did and it did, exactly as he said. What a Lama he was! There was/is no space between us.

Since I first met him he has been the main guide of my life. Even now, as I meditate he is there, Pure Dharmakaya. No one moves me as does he. So I am waiting, hoping, praying for His Holiness Kyabje Penor Rinpoche to return. When he is able to take what I offer his Yangsi Rinpoche will be wealthy and set up to Teach and Empower here in America. This is my dream. When His Holiness returns and is ready, my life goal will be finished.

In my view this is the best way to keep Palyul safe and ongoing. Every blessing came from Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche. And all should return to him.

Refuge & Bodhisattva Vows

December 11, 2010 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

Refuge Vow (Repeat 3 x)

I take refuge in the Lama,

I take refuge in the Buddha,

I take refuge in the Dharma,

I take refuge in the Sangha.

Bodhisattva Vow (Repeat 3 x)

I dedicate myself to the liberation and salvation of all sentient beings. I offer my body, speech, and mind in order to accomplish the purpose of all sentient beings. I will return in whatever form necessary, under extraordinary circumstances to end suffering. Let me be born in times unpredictable, in places unknown, until all sentient beings are liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Taking no thought for my comfort or safety, precious Lama (Buddha), make of me a pure and perfect instrument by which the end of suffering and death in all forms might be realized. Let me achieve perfect enlightenment for the sake of all beings. And then, by my hand and heart alone, may all beings achieve full enlightenment and perfect liberation.