Relationships are built upon inner worth. This inner worth is developed by us following what we know to be true and right for ourselves~ following our hearts and not being swayed or influenced off our paths.
Question for 12.08.09 was: How do I build better relationships with people?
Original hexagram is Thunder over Heaven; 34.
Expansion is Heaven over Heaven; 1.
The kernel is Heaven over Heaven;1 BY WAY OF Lake over Heaven; 43.
Relationships are built upon inner worth. When we feel “inwardly united with the fundamental principles” our inner power expands. That is, we feel confident and good about ourselves. When we possess this inner value then we are more likely to treat others well and with respect. This in turn offers harmony in our relationships with people. Furthermore, as we develop our inner worth, always cultivating it with compassion, we begin to have a deeper understanding in the meaning of all phenomena. In more practical terms, we have clarity about the overall picture of things. In relationships, this means when there is conflict we have a better chance of understanding what is actually happening and we can have compassion for both ourselves and other.
This inner worth is developed by us following what we know to be true and right for ourselves~ following our hearts and not being swayed or influenced off our paths. When we are in harmony with what is right for us, then we feel worthy. This lends to good relationships with all living beings.
Cultivating inner worth poses tremendous power. This power can offer positive example for others. When people are around someone who has strong inner worth, then it influences that person to have direction for themselves; the old saying, lead by example comes to mind.
When one casts out what is degrading in their lives, and incorporates what is right, they feel good about themselves; they can have love and compassion for themselves, and in turn have love and compassion for others fostering good relationships with people.
Go forth today treating people well and with respect. Cultivate your inner worth by following what you know to be true and right for yourself, and you will find harmony in your relationship with others.
Overindulgence generally comes from one who is not able to recognize the benefit of participating for the common good. The laws of nature and the laws of people work best when there is understanding of each. When we are not overindulging, an inner truth begins to rise. See the I Ching page for more!
Whether you are just starting on the Path, or a long time student, what is important to remember is that one can not progress without a qualified Teacher. Accomplishment is achieved through thoroughness, perseverance, but also by acknowledging one’s “youthfulness” in practice. See the I Ching page for more!
Today is a good day to be united by fellowship and friends, to include the workplace. Perspective is important, and remembering more can be accomplished by the good will of people for a united cause versus independent selfish activities. See our I Ching page for more!
On Tuesday, November 24th the Gadimai animal sacrifice festival will take place in southern Nepal. It is said that 500,000 animals including buffaloes, chickens, goats, pigs, rats, and birds will be tortured and slaughtered during this Hindu festival.
This horrible event is being protested by numerous animal rights groups in Nepal and around the world. Buddhists are also practicing for the benefit of these animals, and their auspicious rebirth. Please pray for these animals. As the Buddha instructs, these beings once were our own kind mothers
How to Offer Prayers for the benefit of beings:
Set your intention – Begin your prayers or mantra recitation with the sincere intention to benefit these beings.
Recite prayers and mantras with focus and concentration. Try not to let your mind wander. If it does, bring it back. You can recite the Mani mantra: Om Mani Pedme Hung. You can also recite the Du Sum Sangye prayer.
Dedicate the merit – Finish your efforts by dedicating the merit of having said prayers and mantra to the benefit of these beings.
Here is a dedication prayer by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:
By this effort, may all sentient beings be free of suffering. May their minds be filled with the nectar of virtue. In this way may all causes resulting in suffering be extinguished. And only the light of compassion shine throughout all realms.
Jetsunma provided the following advice for today in her tweets:
Good morning and happy Lha Bab Duchen! May your day be filled with prayers, virtue, and good fellowship. May all beings benefit!
Recite Om Mani Padme Hung for animals. Om Ah Hung Benzar Guru Pema Siddhi Hung is good to recite too. Om Vajrasattva Hung to purify.
This is an excellant day to set free creatures meant to be eaten or killed, like bait fish and worms. And for animal rescue.
Today is good for virtous and kindly activities. But do not bring any harm to others, esp today. Everything counts 10 million times.
And dedicate your efforts to the end of suffering for all sentient beings! And pray for those you know are suffering now.
Today is also perfect to remember HH Penor Rinpoche‘ many gifts to us! How amazing His life and accomplishments. We long to see Him again.
We also must pray to HH Karma Kuchen, and be mindful of his kindness. This young Throneholder has accepted a huge burden gladly. E MA HO!
He and the Heart Sons will kindly guide us and we are grateful. HHPR will surely return, and we are grateful and at peace. Dharma prevails!
For those who are in the office or otherwise unable to liberate creatures personally today, you can still generate the merit of saving lives by supporting one of these Rescue Programs:
For all those who can’t make it to a real Stupa today, we wanted to offer you the opportunity for a “virtual circumambulation.”
How to use a stupa
Aspirations with a stupa
“When you circumambulate a stupa , say fervent prayers in your heart and mind that you will be able to benefit beings and end their suffering and that in all future lifetimes you will be reborn in a form in which you can benefit beings so that they might achieve enlightenment and be free of suffering. “ Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo
Benefits of Visiting Stupas
Since stupas represent the Buddha, they are objects of refuge and pilgrimage.Traditionally, pilgrims prostrate, circumambulate and make offerings at Stupas for short-term goals such as longevity, prosperity, health and the success of an undertaking as well as for the ultimate goal of enlightenment.They are also used to make potent prayers for the sake of others in the world so that they may be free of suffering.
Walk clockwise around a stupa
Circumambulation is a very powerful practice, and the very root of practice is to circumambulate with strong devotion with an undistracted mind.”There are extensive teachings on the benefits of walking clockwise around a stupa , for example:“Circumambulating a stupa will have this result:you will be as pure as snow; you will be good, radiant, and wise; and you will lead a happy life.” Buddha Shakyamuni
How to use a stupa
Aspirations with a stupa
“When you circumambulate a stupa , say fervent prayers in your heart and mind that you will be able to benefit beings and end their suffering and that in all future lifetimes you will be reborn in a form in which you can benefit beings so that they might achieve enlightenment and be free of suffering. “ Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo
Benefits of Visiting Stupas
Since stupas represent the Buddha, they are objects of refuge and pilgrimage. Traditionally, pilgrims prostrate, circumambulate and make offerings at Stupas for short-term goals such as longevity, prosperity, health and the success of an undertaking as well as for the ultimate goal of enlightenment. They are also used to make potent prayers for the sake of others in the world so that they may be free of suffering.
Walk clockwise around a stupa
Circumambulation is a very powerful practice, and the very root of practice is to circumambulate with strong devotion with an undistracted mind.” There are extensive teachings on the benefits of walking clockwise around a stupa , for example: “Circumambulating a stupa will have this result: you will be as pure as sow:; you will be good, radiant, and wise; and you will lead a happy life” Buddha ShakyamuniHow to use a stupa
Aspirations with a stupa
“When you circumambulate a stupa , say fervent prayers in your heart and mind that you will be able to benefit beings and end their suffering and that in all future lifetimes you will be reborn in a form in which you can benefit beings so that they might achieve enlightenment and be free of suffering. “ Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo
Benefits of Visiting Stupas
Since stupas represent the Buddha, they are objects of refuge and pilgrimage. Traditionally, pilgrims prostrate, circumambulate and make offerings at Stupas for short-term goals such as longevity, prosperity, health and the success of an undertaking as well as for the ultimate goal of enlightenment. They are also used to make potent prayers for the sake of others in the world so that they may be free of suffering.
Walk clockwise around a stupa
Circumambulation is a very powerful practice, and the very root of practice is to circumambulate with strong devotion with an undistracted mind.” There are extensive teachings on the benefits of walking clockwise around a stupa , for example: “Circumambulating a stupa will have this result: you will be as pure as sow:; you will be good, radiant, and wise; and you will lead a happy life” Buddha Shakyamuni
I demand the poetic! And decry the
profane-
And I never never ever want to see
The day
When the artist is forbidden to dance
and sway
And the Goddess is prevented from
having her say.
Yeah, I’m really gonna hate that day.
Really don’t wanna see the day.
This may be a song or maybe a poem-
But I just can’t leave this thought alone.
See I don’t wanna see my people sick
and fearful
Only makes our suffering so tearful. Hard
to heal
Hard to be the Hero. Being here with you
Is all I have.
See, I don’t wanna leave, don’t wanna let
you down.
Here’s the church and here’s the steeple
Inside and all around stand my people
This is no lie and it’s not just ego-
They’re mine to love, and mine to live
for!
So here I’ll stay.
Maybe there will come a day when
All the people learn to pray and
We will turn our minds to Truth and Light
No one will ever doubt what’s right. No
never again.
And we can trust both enemies and.
friends.
Hallelujah and Amen.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
