Alyce Zeoli | Tibetan Buddhist Altar

Pure Intention and Healing

April 12, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I am beginning to see that in order to heal from three years of trauma, it is necessary to forgive oneself for allowing it. For being gullible, a total “chump” if you will. I can now see I am angry at myself for not seeing through the game from the first. I see the best in people, to a fault, I think. I just never expect people to be evil and cruel. Or, conversely, do sense wrongdoers but think I deserve to hurt. Once I see it all and forgive me, I can forgive them, I am still working hard on that.

I actually find forgiving the hurters easier than forgiving myself! But without nurturing and forgiving myself, forgiving others will be shallow and weak. I don’t want that. When we (my peeps) and I walk away I pray it will be clean, loving, compassionate, and strong, knowing a disaster has been corrected. Motivation is everything; and I know it is, has been, and always will be pure, to protect Dharma, Palyul, virtue and in general all sentient beings from harm.

So as I study the situation it is very hard. Hard truth to face. Nothing requires more strength than confronting one’s own weaknesses. Nothing is dumber than to blame the hurters without taking into account all sides and factors. I always said about this event that I can forgive but never forget. Not good enough! My wish is to bring this into my practice so thoroughly that I can forgive and forget. To feel innocent again, renewed and confident. I know I will never be the same. Never, too much damage. But maybe I will like and trust this newly empowered “me” I intend to give rise to. And maybe I’ll be older, wiser, etc. I think it is possible for all of us. I hope whatever has happened and will happen here will be of benefit to all who are hurt and alone. I’m on my way now, and others, I hope will follow, and heal.

Miraculous Display of Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s Power

January 9, 2012April 9, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

This is a picture from Hong Kong of Puja offered at anniversary of Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s Parinirvana.

Note how butter lamps have spontaneously formed starburst and floral patterns. This is naturally occurring.

This is a close up of one such pattern, a starburst. This is considered a miraculous sign of Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s power.

Here we see that every butter lamp is so adorned. Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is peerless in every way! EH MA HO!

I request one and all, especially my students to “tweet” and share this evidence of a fully awakened Master, and a true Buddha!

OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEDMA SIDDHI HUNG!

The following comments were tweeted to one of Jetsunma’s students, Ani Sangye, in response to this story:

We have no history in western culture of long term Lineage, we see things short term because our culture is so young. Tibetans have much experience and history to rely on. Westerners think it’s been 2000 years since last one. 🙂 All awakened beings have signs of some sort.

Even our precious little Venerable Ani Palchen! 🙂 Maybe I’ll light a butter lamp for her and see if she comes out to play!!

Understanding Our True Nature

April 8, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Here we are in Barnesville Maryland where it is really pouring hard. Bird feeders just filled so seeds will clump. At least the little guys can stay dry in their little birdie houses. Too bad we don’t have a “Sunflower Seed Tiny Pizza” delivery service. And a tweetie bird to share with!

But I digress. Mostly on days like this I feel so bad for those without comfortable homes be they birds or humans. So wet out and chilly! For so many life is a constant struggle, and eventually it is lost. That is the condition of sentient beings, without exception. Even if we are now comfy, dry and nourished it may not be the case later. Health can fail, bank take the house, no food. So we are all the same in our needs and are the same in our nature. We all have this potential for Buddhahood and yet we cannot say we are all enlightened, awake.

Think of Buddhahood as a clear crystal, pristine in every way. But crystal can vary, in size, shape, and it can get dusty and dirty. One can spill their soup with it. Take it to unclean places. Then the appearance of the crystal is different but it’s inherent quality is still the same undefiled nature. We can mess up our crystal in uncountable ways, yet our Buddha nature remains. Under the dust, soup, grime it remains pure. Nothing to fix.

Yet when we look at each other we see mostly grime, dirt, dust and rotten soup. That is because we ourselves lack the purity to see it in others. Our own crystal is dirty and soupy and everything is distorted. Some even say they got instant enlightenment, no fuss, no muss. Then why are Buddha-like qualities not seen? Why is there still hatred, grasping, ignorance? Why the meanness and petty arguments? Could it be the work was not done, practice not serious, and your crystal nature is still filthy from shallow non virtue? Well, unless your instant enlightenment was in a tub of Windex I bet there is a lot yet to do. But if you insist that perfection is already yours, that you have the “great accomplishment” without actually accomplishing anything – well go ahead. It is your time to waste until death and then there is no time at all. At that time our own eyes will tell the story, and all will be revealed. Just as it is.

Overcoming Fear

April 7, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

I have always ground my teeth since childhood. Called Bruxism, especially at night. Last three years it has been out of control even with medicine. I use a night guard, and got caps. Now caps are chipping and abscessing.

Last few years have been unbearable stress, had a threatening stalker, causing so much pain and fear. Now I’ll have to find a way to fix them all. My psychological and physical health are profoundly wrecked as well. And when I feel a wreck the people around feel they are suffering as I normally look after them. Tough here right now.

I want to look after my health so I can go on with my vocation. But I feel like I’m climbing a steep mountain from the very bottom. I haven’t seen a proper doctor for three to four years. The stalker had me too fearful to do anything and I feel awful about it. My students have watched their “Alpha Leader” go down, and so have I seen my own weakness. I’m working to get it all back, and at least I can get to appointments without fear. So if this treatment takes a long time, so be it. Payback for my dumb old fear. At least I’m on track! I am going to beat this thing, and I am so grateful for the courage returning, and the opportunity. Just wish it hadn’t taken so long.

And I wish authorities would take such life destroying stalking behavior seriously, much quicker. Now we wait until lives are ruined.

I pray for all women who are harmed because they are women who have succeeded in life.

OM TARE TUTTARE TURE SOHA!

OM AH HUNG BENZAR GURU PEDMA SIDDHI HUNG!

Would You Know?

December 23, 2011April 5, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

It’s not just me and mine. Respect and view toward Lineage Lamas has tanked in western centers. Reminds me of a song I love by Art Garfunkle:

“And if you watch the stars at night, and find them shining equally bright- you might have seen Jesus and not have known what you saw. Who would notice a GEM in a Five and Dime store?”

Perfect example of lack of view in a material world!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

Anniversary of the Parinirvana of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche

December 23, 2011April 4, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo on the Parinirvana of His Holiness Penor Rinpoche:

It has been two years since His Holiness Kyabje Penor Rinpoche’s Parinirvana, and we will be remembering Him while praying for His return. Most Palyul centers worldwide will be gathering at the same times for Puja, Ceremony, etc. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche is so widely, deeply revered and cherished.

It would be my great joy and wish that every accomplishment in Palyul brought by His Holiness Penor Rinpoche be left exactly as it is, waiting for His return. Sadly, that may not come to pass. Even though every blessing we all enjoy came from His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s own vision, heart and precious hands. Many things are being changed around. It will not be the same if it is not as His Holiness Penor Rinpoche envisioned. But Palyul is ancient, strong and powerful. The sacred visions of the peerless Master Tulkus of Palyul will re-assert itself. Like a river too mighty to be thwarted it will remain.

I have learned well since the Parinirvana the strength and consummate skill of my Root Guru, what He had to deal with. I am awed by Him. I remember so many times hearing “if you follow His Holiness Penor Rinpoche’s instructions perfectly all will be perfect”. In my mind that has not changed. Therefore with sadness and joy I await His Incarnation, when all I have and have worked for for over 20 years I will place in His beloved hands. May I always be reborn in His entourage, life after life, for the sake of all sentient beings. May all be Liberated by this great Buddha!

Download PDFs of the following:

Extensive Prayer for the Swift Rebirth of His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche

Concise Prayer for the Swift Rebirth of His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche

Whether a Positive or Negative Connection

April 3, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

Oooo boy, today I have an awful toothache, one tooth is abscessing, another one with temporary filling fallen out, so I had to take pain meds and still hurting. I have…have to see a dentist tomorrow if someone will fit me in. I hate to go but must. On top of that my lower back has kicked in. It is pretty hard to do anything.

It’s my own fault, I let medical things go way too long. I’m good with taking care of others, and I care very much. My pack gets only the best care. Just ask the book keeper at the Vet’s office. . And that is with Dr. Pema’s help for free. I really don’t know why I resist taking care of myself. I know I feel whiny and foolish when I go. It isn’t reasonable – I know. Childish even, but there you are.

I know people who love going to Doctor. Over the littlest things! Medical people joking say they are “frequent flyers” (kinda funny) but who knows? Maybe they’ll live forever, and I’ll plotz from a dental abscess or ingrown toenail. And sadly I’m so stubborn, ask my family. Can’t make me do anything, sadly. Ani Ariana is often gently trying to urge me on, then she tries another tactic. I am clearly the bane of her existence, poor thing. Too late Ani! Bwahahaha!

I remember Kyabje His Holiness Penor Rinpoche telling me I should take better care because he needs me to live a long time. Yikes, haven’t taken that instruction to heart. Not good. And His Eminence Gyaltrul Rinpoche says I must live another 50 years. Oy. For the sake of Dharma in the west.

I never understood those instructions, had a “who, me?” attitude. The last three years or so I’ve come to understand what was meant. I’ve had, with the help of my Sangha, to physically protect our Stupas from defilement and wrong use, had to protect Palyul from vicious slander, His Holiness Penor Rinpoche too. I’ve had to fight vicious lies about me, my family, my sangha, my Lineage. I’ve been threatened as has KPC. I guess it is all good, as the light at the end of the tunnel is visible.

All Long Life prayers for me include the declaration that whether good or bad circumstance every sentient being will benefit be connecting with me. Therefore whatever happens will make the world better somehow, and Dharma safer too. For that I am truly happy and feel it is all worthwhile. I don’t want to talk to haters and don’t like thinking so many exist. But they do, and in numbers; I want to help, and I’m happy I can, whatever method. KYE HO!

OM AH MI DEWA HRI!

OM MANI PEDME HUNG!

The Longevity Supplication of Lhacham Ahkön Lhamo

called

A Garland of Utpala Flowers

EH MA HO ORGYEN DU MA THA LA’I ZHING KHAM NE

EH MA HO In the pure realm, Dumatala’i of Orgyen,

KHA CHÖD KHANDRO’I TSO MO DRÖL MA KAR

White Tara is the principal Dakini of Khachöd

DAKI LHACHAM MANDARAWA NYID

Whose nature is the Dakini Lhacham Mandarawa

BÖD YÜL AHKÖN LHAMO CHANG CHUB DRÖN

Appearing in the land of Tibet as Ahkön Lhamo Changchub Drön,

KU SUM ZHING NA TRO DU DZED PA’I GAR

Performing the dance of radiating and reabsorbing from the realm of the three Kayas.

AH KAR ÖD DZE LHAMO ME TOG DRÖN

Beautiful light of the white AH, Lhamo Metog Drön (Goddess Flower Light),

CHI LING KYE U DREN LA SÖL WA DEB

I supplicate you to save beings in the Western realm.

TSHE DAG RIG NGA TSHE YI PHO NYA DANG

The five classes of the owners of life and the messengers of longevity,

PEMA KA RA GYA GAR RIG DZIN GYED

Padmasambhava and the eight Vidhyadharas of India

NE YÜL ZHING KYE PA WO PA MO’I TSHOG

And the assembly of Dakas and Dakinis of the realms of the sacred places and countries,

CHI DAG PUNG JOM KHYED NAM DEN TOB KYI

By your power of Truth, overcome and defeat the Lord of Death.

AH KAR ÖD DZE LHAMO ME TOG DRÖN

Beautiful white light of AH, Lhamo Metog Drön,

KU TSHE’I GAL KYEN BAR CHED YING SU SÖL

May the conflicting circumstances and obstacles to your life expectancy dissolve in the sphere of Truth.

DÜL CHA’I KHAM LA DÜ SUM TAG ZHUG SÖL

Throughout the Three Times, pray, remain firm in the realms of beings to be tamed,

GYAL TEN DZIN KYONG PEL LA NÜ TOB GYE

Ever increasing your strength to hold, maintain and increase the Buddha’s Doctrine.

ZHAL JAL SUNG THÖ ZANG NGEN GANG DREL CHE

May whoever sees you, meets you or hears your speech,

MED JUNG KU ZHI’I LING DU WANG JOR SHOG

Be it a positive or negative connection, become a sovereign of the unsurpassed realm of the Four Kayas!

Samaya ku sung tug kyi gya

This supplication prayer was revealed by the well-known incarnation of the Indian Mahasiddha Trilwupa, Tertön Pedma Tumpo.
May virtue prevail!

Awakening

April 1, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

A poem by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

AWAKENING

I am Love.
I pour myself out
on the waters…and the
Earth.
Over time and space
I pour, I am,
never ending.
I encompass all
Unto Myself.
I am pregnant with
Creation.
I penetrate all.
I am fulfilled–
Love.

I am Light–
The Light of the One;
of the All..
Radiant, life-giving.
I am…
To BE.
I declare my Self
in all things
And it is so.
I find my Self
in Creation
and bear my Self
forth
triumphant!
And all is perfect
because I am.
Light

I am Spirit.
I am the song and the
Breathe
of the Infinite.
The sound and essence
of the most subtle
One
I bring to you your birthright
on silent, soaring
wings.
Behold, I come quickly.

Look within–
I am here.
I speak to you,
from deep within you.
And now you hear me.
You let me heal you.
You let me radiate from you.
You let me claim you as
My own.

Let us make a pact,
You, who I am.
To know our oneness.
To renounce duality.
To know only Truth
For I speak to you
even as you call
to Me.
“Awaken…Awaken..
This is the beginning.”

Compassion Like the Rays of the Sun

March 31, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

From a series of tweets by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo:

One of the saddest things to see is an ordinary Buddhist student, having read many books, presuming to correct a Lineage Lama. The arrogance is extraordinary when we consider these Rinpoches who were in monastery since childhood, trained well by Lineage Masters, and have benefitted all sentient beings for so many lifetimes. American pridefulness is a disease among Buddhists here. One can surely not understand the teachings and question. One can surely disagree and say so respectfully. No true Lama has a problem with that. At monastery young Lamas are taught to debate as a way to truly internalize and absorb the teachings, so debate is an excellent learning tool. But there is a difference between such debate and insisting one is more correct than the Lama, which is a real downfall, and a sure way to lose the path.

When we have an argument with our root Guru we are fighting with our own true face. Our own awakening. Being ignorant most westerners think, with their ego and pride, along with a dash (or a bucket) of amazing self cherishing, that my concept is the right one because I said it! So ridiculous, to think that because we have heard Lamas and done some practice (and can pronounce those funny foreign words) we then become experts. It is sad and funny.

Any Lama will tell you one must first have good intention (hurt no one, help everyone) and give rise to Bodhicitta. Most westerners forget that. It is better to learn from a kind Saint than a rude, curmudgeon of a “scholar.” You will never taste the sweetness of Dharma from a mean spirited, ridged thinking person like that. No one needs more of that.

We do need, however, to learn kindness, tolerance, view, how to put the needs of other beings before one’s own, generosity, willingness to walk in another’s shoes to understand them better. Before every teaching or Puja we are asked to do as we do for all beings. We are asked to gather pure intention. And we are always told that giving rise to Bodhicitta is the method to awaken as it is the very display of our own Buddhahood, like the sun’s rays are of the sun. So, pride or no pride, arrogance or not – Bodhicitta or compassion must be accomplished in the beginning, at the end (especially with Dzogchen) and everywhere in between. This is, essentially, the path, and it does not need changing. Sure, the dress may change, the words may change, but the nectar of Bodhicitta never does, as it is our nature, always was and will be. Our face.

Why Do You Practice Dharma?

December 23, 2011March 31, 2011 by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo

An excerpt from a teaching by Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo called “Stabilizing the Mind”

If you’re only approaching Dharma by riding on the surface of your mind, you will not stick with it. You shouldn’t practice Dharma because you like Dharma. If you do that, there will be a day when you don’t like Dharma. Dharma is not like listening to music: You like it, you listen to it; you don’t like it, you don’t listen to it. It’s not that kind of thing. You should follow the Dharma from a place of spaciousness in your mind, initially because the Buddha says so — and the Buddha is supremely enlightened — and then ultimately from your own knowing, from your own sense of your own nature, from the spaciousness in your mind, and with the dignity that is inherently yours as part of that mind. From that place of stability, you should choose Dharma, and you should choose it for good reasons.

It is necessary to stabilize the mind so that you can even think about practicing Dharma. It is important to be stable in your practice. Being stable in your practice is a step that you need to take before you even commit to stabilizing your mind in your ordinary life.

Look at the mind and see how much stuff you make up all the time. Why do you practice Dharma? How much stuff have you made up about Dharma already? One of you likes to talk about being an old yogi. Another one of you likes to talk about caves. You want to talk about the romanticism of practicing Dharma. Your practice is not going to last if you approach Dharma in that way. You have to approach Dharma in a solid way because you know that sentient beings are suffering, because you know that you are suffering, because you know that nothing you have tried to date has ended that suffering, and because you know that according to the Buddha’s teaching, there is an end to suffering, and that end is enlightenment. You should practice from a place of space in your mind where you’re not just following yourself down the garden path, making up all these crazy stories about Dharma in the same way that you make up everything about everything.

Come to love the Dharma for what it is, for what it can do, for the rich potential of it. Love it because it is a practice that, if practiced sincerely, can awaken pure compassion in the mind. Love it because awakening pure compassion in the mind can be the end of war and of famine and of all kinds of problems that we have on the earth that we haven’t been able to solve. Love Dharma for the right reasons, from a stable place, not in the same way that you fall in and out of love with everything else. And in order to do that you must approach Dharma and see and understand it from the place of having a stable mind, from a place of spaciousness.

You are not immune from falling out of love with Dharma until you achieve realization. The potential is there. The way to remove that potential is by practicing Dharma in a stable way and for stable reasons. I don’t think that you’ve thought enough about why you practice. You say, “Oh, it’s not my nature to do that. I just become excited about things, and I go into them. I’m spontaneous. That’s my nature.” No, that’s wrong. It doesn’t work. You can’t do it that way. You have to think about it, even if you’ve never thought about anything else before. You have to think, “Why Dharma? Why me? What does this mean?” If you don’t consider all of these things, if you just do it because it feels right, believe me when I tell you, your feelings are so unstable that one day Dharma will feel wrong.

Please build this fortress carefully with careful consideration and careful thinking. Even if it’s not your nature to think about anything, anytime, for any length of time, start now. This is a good reason to start, and it’s very important.