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!
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What is the best use of time today?
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!
Cultivating Virtue
The following teaching is from a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:
Happiness is a habit to be cultivated from within. Our minds are habitual but like a rider on a horse you must direct it.
Like a gardener we must cultivate good qualities. Why follow anyone with poor habits and bad qualities?
Good qualities and habits: attitude of gratitude, generosity, compassion, selflessness, right thinking, understanding of cause and result…
Don’t get caught in the trap of judgment – criticism, whining, neediness, selfishness, sloth, greed, and mindless unhelpful chatter.
What is your work? Is it in line with your morality, beliefs, conscience, does it help others? Is it honest work? These things really matter
The mind really is like a muscle to be used and developed. But so is the heart. Ethics are extremely important!
We make peace within ourselves, it does not visit, we cannot catch it. When our elements are in balance we are peaceful.
Anger, violence, grasping, fearfulness, ignorance, hatred, constant desire- these are some habits that keep us unbalanced.
If we have poor habits and qualities we also have no self esteem. And we go further into the chaos of falsity and lies. Crazy!
In short; be a proper gardener! Pull the weeds of bad habit and quality and plant the seeds of loving kindness! You will BLOOM!
Follow Jetsunma on Twitter to see teachings as they happen:
Pray for Animals Being Sacrificed
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.
Advice and Opportunities for Lha Bab Duchen
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:
Virtual Circumambulation
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
Hallelujah and Amen
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
Wildlife, Quiet Mind
The following are tweets by Jetsunma about caring for wildlife. Her home is a designated wildlife sanctuary.
I am creating a sacred grove as an animal refuge. We put in fruits, berries, wildflowers for the critters.
I have bee plants and bees, butterfly plants and bird plants. Also water, birdfeeders. My offering.
Wherever I am the wild ones are well cared for. Including bird houses for nesting.
I collect wildflower seeds. How the butterflys love wild nettle! Finches too. I am an official wildlife sanctuary!
We plant forage for deer and offer corn n apples. When I see animal friends I sing OM MANI PADME HUM for them.
How lovely to see the critters happy. Don’t forget p’nut butter for squirrels n Jays! Esp when cold.
Om Mani Padme Hum. Try to give the heart some room to LOVE. Chant OM MANI PADME HUM every day.
Today I saw a praying mantis stalk, capture and eat his pray. Never doubt that samsara is filled with suffering
In the future the hunter will be hunted. The pray will be the hunter. Karma is exacting
How fortunate the being who strives to do no harm and gather virtue. This is the cause of happiness.
How pitiful that the cycle of cause and result continue, and we are ignorant of the equation.
But the real Karma here is I always provide habitat, food, forage and housing for all wild beings.
I believe that is the cause of this kind result. I am never without a lovely home and my family is fed.
How could I accept these gifts if I did not pay it forward with kindness toward all beings? I bow down to the Buddha in all.
It’s really fall! The air is sweet and crisp. I notice salt blocks for deer and other critters need changing up- down to the nubs now.
The deer know me and allow me to sing Mantra to them. We also have a great blue heron who hangs out here. Magnificent wingspan! And posture.
Took a long walk today. The colors and fall sunlight- like precious jewels. I offer all to my Root Guru for the sake of sentient beings.
I feel grateful to live with such splendor. Wildflowers, giant trees, lush fields, fruit bearing trees and bushes for the animals! Very cool
I am watching local birdies set up roosting for the winter cold. Cute- and busy. We have dozens of bird houses. Always getting more.
Letter from His Holiness Karma Kuchen Rinpoche
October 23, 2009
Dear Palyul Students and Friends:
The Great Vidyadharas – all of the Palyul Throne Holders of the
past up to our present root teacher, the late His Holiness Pema
Norbu Rinpoche, the Eleventh Throne Holder – have purely upheld
the authentic teachings of the Palyul Lineage.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche has enthroned me as the Twelfth
Throne Holder of the Palyul Lineage, and following his advice
and enlightened intention, along with the assistance of his two
heart sons, I have accepted the responsibility for upholding the
Buddha Dharma, as well as overseeing and serving the Palyul
mother monastery, and all of its branch monasteries and dharma
centers worldwide. I have full-heartedly taken on this
responsibility, and I am doing my very best.
Therefore, I advise all of our Palyul students and friends to
not become entangled in any unnecessary confusion and worries
but rather to devote yourselves to learning and practicing the
dharma, and to continue your support of the Palyul dharma
centers. At this time, for the sake of peace and harmony for
all, it is my fervent request that you mingle your mindstream
with the dharma and earnestly practice the teachings.
With blessings,
Signed
Paltrul Karma Kuchen
NGA GYAI TSUG GYEN PEN CHEN BIMALA
You are the crown jewel of five hundred scholars,
LAR YANG SID PA ZUNG WAI TSUL TEN CHING
The great scholar Vimalamitra, who has taken birth once again;
NYING POI TEN PA PEL LA DA DRAL WA
You who have no rivals in spreading the heart essence of the
teachings:
PEMA NORBUI ZHAB LA SOL WA DEB
I pray to Drubwang Pema Norbu.
GANG GI YANG SID CHOG GI TRUL PAI KU
Hold us with your compassion
NYUR WA NYID DU JON PAR TUG JE ZUNG
Through the swift coming of your reincarnation, the supreme
emanation!
This email was sent to those identified as members of the CLOSE
STUDENTS list of the Palyul.org email list who have expressed an
interest in thi type of content. The contents of this letter are
intended for Dharma students of Palyul and anyone else who might
benefit.
May all beings benefit!
October 23, 2009
Dear Palyul Students and Friends:
The Great Vidyadharas – all of the Palyul Throne Holders of the
past up to our present root teacher, the late His Holiness Pema
Norbu Rinpoche, the Eleventh Throne Holder – have purely upheld
the authentic teachings of the Palyul Lineage.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche has enthroned me as the Twelfth
Throne Holder of the Palyul Lineage, and following his advice
and enlightened intention, along with the assistance of his two
heart sons, I have accepted the responsibility for upholding the
Buddha Dharma, as well as overseeing and serving the Palyul
mother monastery, and all of its branch monasteries and dharma
centers worldwide. I have full-heartedly taken on this
responsibility, and I am doing my very best.
Therefore, I advise all of our Palyul students and friends to
not become entangled in any unnecessary confusion and worries
but rather to devote yourselves to learning and practicing the
dharma, and to continue your support of the Palyul dharma
centers. At this time, for the sake of peace and harmony for
all, it is my fervent request that you mingle your mindstream
with the dharma and earnestly practice the teachings.
With blessings,
Signed
Paltrul Karma Kuchen
NGA GYAI TSUG GYEN PEN CHEN BIMALA
You are the crown jewel of five hundred scholars,
LAR YANG SID PA ZUNG WAI TSUL TEN CHING
The great scholar Vimalamitra, who has taken birth once again;
NYING POI TEN PA PEL LA DA DRAL WA
You who have no rivals in spreading the heart essence of the
teachings:
PEMA NORBUI ZHAB LA SOL WA DEB
I pray to Drubwang Pema Norbu.
GANG GI YANG SID CHOG GI TRUL PAI KU
Hold us with your compassion
NYUR WA NYID DU JON PAR TUG JE ZUNG
Through the swift coming of your reincarnation, the supreme
emanation!
This email was sent to those identified as members of the CLOSE
STUDENTS list of the Palyul.org email list who have expressed an
interest in thi type of content. The contents of this letter are
intended for Dharma students of Palyul and anyone else who might
benefit.
May all beings benefit!October 23, 2009
Dear Palyul Students and Friends:
The Great Vidyadharas – all of the Palyul Throne Holders of the
past up to our present root teacher, the late His Holiness Pema
Norbu Rinpoche, the Eleventh Throne Holder – have purely upheld
the authentic teachings of the Palyul Lineage.
His Holiness Penor Rinpoche has enthroned me as the Twelfth
Throne Holder of the Palyul Lineage, and following his advice
and enlightened intention, along with the assistance of his two
heart sons, I have accepted the responsibility for upholding the
Buddha Dharma, as well as overseeing and serving the Palyul
mother monastery, and all of its branch monasteries and dharma
centers worldwide. I have full-heartedly taken on this
responsibility, and I am doing my very best.
Therefore, I advise all of our Palyul students and friends to
not become entangled in any unnecessary confusion and worries
but rather to devote yourselves to learning and practicing the
dharma, and to continue your support of the Palyul dharma
centers. At this time, for the sake of peace and harmony for
all, it is my fervent request that you mingle your mindstream
with the dharma and earnestly practice the teachings.
With blessings,
Signed
Paltrul Karma Kuchen
NGA GYAI TSUG GYEN PEN CHEN BIMALA
You are the crown jewel of five hundred scholars,
LAR YANG SID PA ZUNG WAI TSUL TEN CHING
The great scholar Vimalamitra, who has taken birth once again;
NYING POI TEN PA PEL LA DA DRAL WA
You who have no rivals in spreading the heart essence of the
teachings:
PEMA NORBUI ZHAB LA SOL WA DEB
I pray to Drubwang Pema Norbu.
GANG GI YANG SID CHOG GI TRUL PAI KU
Hold us with your compassion
NYUR WA NYID DU JON PAR TUG JE ZUNG
Through the swift coming of your reincarnation, the supreme
emanation!
This email was sent to those identified as members of the CLOSE
STUDENTS list of the Palyul.org email list who have expressed an
interest in thi type of content. The contents of this letter are
intended for Dharma students of Palyul and anyone else who might
benefit.
May all beings benefit!
Offerings to the Buddha Nature
From Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:
I am creating a sacred grove as an animal refuge. We put in fruits, berries, wildflowers for the critters.
I have bee plants and bees, butterfly plants and bird plants. Also water, birdfeeders. My offering.
Wherever I am the wild ones are well cared for. Including bird houses for nesting.
I collect wildflower seeds. How the butterflys love wild nettle! Finches too. I am an official wildlife sanctuary!
There are many ways to make offerings to the Buddhas, all beings have Buddha nature. This is one.
From a series of Tweets. You can follow Jetsunma on twitter by clicking here!