Monday, July 31, 2017

Dalai Lama on ‘Communal Harmony - Foundation of World Peace’

Seminar on ‘Communal Harmony - Foundation of World Peace’
July 27, 2017

Leh, Ladakh, J&K, India - This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended a Seminar in the auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies on its spacious campus in nearby Choglamsar. The theme was ‘Communal Harmony - Foundation of World Peace’ and the occasion was a celebration of the centenary of the birth of the great 20th century leader of Ladakh, Bakula Rinpoche. The meeting had the further distinction of being organized by the Youth Wings of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (YWLBA), the Anjuman Imamia and the Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam.

Arrayed along the back of the stage was an exhibition of photographs from the life of Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, which His Holiness viewed with interest. He then lit the lamp to formally inaugurate proceedings.

In his introduction, Rinchen Namgyel, President YWLBA, explained that the 19th Bakula Rinpoche worked hard, particularly after Indian Independence, to bring all of the people of Ladakh together. He was the architect of modern Ladakh, an MP, and a social reformer, who popularized the promotion of communal harmony through education. He also oversaw the banning of animal sacrifice. Today, the state of communal harmony in Ladakh is an example for the rest of the world.

Bakula Rinpoche is regarded as an emanation of one of the Sixteen Arhats, close disciples of the Buddha, who undertook to protect his doctrine. The 19th incarnation was born a prince of the Matho family. He went to Tibet, where he met the 13th Dalai Lama, studied at Drepung Loseling Monastery, and earned the degree of Geshe Lharampa. In 1949, at Pandit Nehru’s behest he entered parliament and began his work for the growth of Ladakh. He was very keen to improve education and was involved in setting up the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, which was initially located at Spituk Monastery before being transferred to its present site. He also arranged for scholars to study in Varanasi and Sri Lanka.

When he felt that Sheikh Abdullah, Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister, was neglecting Ladakh, he challenged him. For all that he was a monk, Bakula Rinpoche maintained a strong secular ethos, which enabled him to serve as a leader of all communities in Ladakh. Later, he contributed to the restoration of Buddhism in Mongolia.

The Representative of the Anjuman Imamia Youth Wing added that Bakula Rinpoche saw education as crucial to the path of development. He quoted Rinpoche as having called on everyone to shed their selfish motivation and work for the general good of Ladakh. The Representative of the Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Youth Wing expressed admiration for His Holiness the Dalai Lama and stated that he had learned from him to regard all human beings as members of the same family. He added that the Prophet too described a genuine human being as one who serves others, while in general Muslims observe—“You have your religion; I have mine.”

When it came to His Holiness’s turn to speak, he addressed the gathering as brothers and sisters, telling them what an honour it was for him to be among them once more. He remarked that on his first visit to Ladakh in the 1960s he had met Bakula Rinpoche and many old friends, most of whom were no longer there. At that time Ladakh had not made much material progress. Since then, it has been transformed, with Bakula Rinpoche and others like Sonam Norbu having made a significant contribution.

“It’s very good to remember what a difference he made here,” His Holiness continued. “In due course, Rinpoche also played a significant role in the development of Mongolia and the restoration of Buddhism there, especially in terms of discipline.

“However, what’s past is past and now we have to look to the future. Generally, across the world, the beginning of the 21st century has been better than the 20th century. People have become fed up with violence and nurture a genuine desire for peace. I greatly appreciate the spirit of the European Union. At the end of the Second World War, the nations of Europe, after fighting each other for centuries, decided instead to work together for the common good. For sixty years since then peace has prevailed.

“One of the big mistakes of the 20th century was the persistent attempt to solve problems by use of force. The world has become so interdependent, both in terms of our economies on the one hand and dealing with challenges like climate change that affect us all on the other, that such an approach is completely out of date. We need a new way of thinking to suit our new reality. We have to learn to live side by side.

“We all want to live a happy life, so we have to learn to live together in trust and mutual respect. We do have differences of race, nationality, religious faith and so on, but these differences are secondary in comparison to our equality in being human. When I heard scientists say they had evidence that basic human nature is compassionate, I thought, ‘There’s real hope.’

“Helping others brings deep satisfaction. No matter how powerful we may seem to be, our survival depends on the community. Clearly the community is crucial to individual happiness, so if we make others happy, we too derive benefit. We need to take action. However, if we act out of self-centredness, it will be difficult to be transparent, to earn others’ trust and friendship. By learning to be more warm-hearted we can create a more compassionate world. As members of Institutions like this you can make a difference here in Ladakh, in Jammu & Kashmir and in India at large.

“We face a multitude of problems. But among them conflict in the name of religion is unthinkable and shameful. Such narrow-minded, short-sighted thinking is out of step with the times. We have to work with the welfare of the whole of humanity in mind.

“These are the sort of things I talk about wherever I go. As a Buddhist I pray every day for the happiness of all sentient beings, but those on other planets or in other parts of the universe I can’t reach. Even on this planet there are countless animals, birds and insects that we can do little for. Those who we can really help are our 7 billion fellow human beings, who can gain from learning the importance of inner peace. That’s what I wanted to share with you—now I’d like to hear your questions.”

The organizers had gathered more than 50 written questions, which the presenters read out, asking those who had asked them to stand to identify themselves.

Asked the meaning of unity in religion, His Holiness answered, “The sense of being brothers and sisters.” A question about whether there should be just one religion brought a swift response—“Impossible; even within Buddhism there are different points of view. All major religions convey a common message of love, but we need the variety they represent.”

A questioner noted that while religions invariably advocate harmony, the existence of faith schools seems to contradict that. His Holiness asserted his belief that education should be secular. It ought to be possible to learn to be a good human being, to be warm-hearted, without necessarily touching religion. He said we can find justification for warm-heartedness in scientific findings and common sense.

When asked his advice for the peace-loving people of Kashmir, His Holiness recalled first meeting Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah at Nehru’s house in Delhi. At the time he thought there was an opportunity to resolve the problem, but it did not turn out that way. He observed that Gandhi had not wanted partition, but the price was for Jinnah to become Prime Minister of India, while Nehru cherished the same ambition. His Holiness recalled Vinoba Bhave’s advocating a greater unity among South Asian nations that might have provided the context for a solution. Conceding that he had no answer, His Holiness encouraged the young people who had asked the question to think carefully and formulate their own vision for achieving peace.

His Holiness agreed that the Buddha had declared that caste and family background were of no importance in his tradition. It was instead knowledge and practice that deserved respect. He added that in an age of democracy and equality there is no place for caste discrimination, which is simply out of date.

Asked why people trust him, His Holiness laughed and said it was because of his smile. “I always think of myself and others as being just human beings. I find it’s a basis for easily making friends.”

A representative of Christian Students offered words of thanks, expressing gratitude to His Holiness for coming and taking part, and to everyone else whose efforts had contributed to making the event a success. So many members of the audience wanted to shake His Holiness’s hand and have their photographs taken with him that his leaving the stage was slow. Eventually, however, he reached his car and was able to drive to the Sindhu Darshan Complex near Shey, where the LAHDC had invited him to lunch.

Within sight of the River Indus that flows swiftly out of Tibet, Dr Sonam Dawa LAHDC CEC paid tribute to His Holiness as the honoured guest. After a group of Ladakhi musicians had played and sung, prompting His Holiness to voice concern about their sitting too long out in the searing sun, he offered only brief remarks.

“The way Ladakh has developed since I first came here is impressive, but it would be good, at the same time, not to lose sight of the need for inner development in accordance with the ancient Indian knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions—now let’s eat!”

Once everyone present was replete, His Holiness returned to Shiwatsel Phodrang. Tomorrow, he will begin three days of teaching Shantideva’s ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’.

original link with photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/seminar-on-communal-harmony-foundation-of-world-peace

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Dalai Lama: "We Need One-ness of 7 Billion People"

Speaking at a session organised by the Ananta Centre, the Dalai Lama said "it is our collective responsibility to ensure a compassionate humanity." The 79-year-old also said, "I have been a refugee for over 50 years, but have never given up hope or determination." Watch his entire speech here.

http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/we-need-one-ness-of-7-billion-people-dalai-lama/346051

Here are the highlights:

We need to create the one-ness of 7 billion human beings.

I am nearly 80, I am still studying. Your whole life, remain a student.

Real transformation of India must take place in rural areas, not with more buildings and shops in Delhi and Bangalore.

The South Indian brain is something special, I think because they drink so much coconut water (laughs). So I also drink it.

I love President Bush as a human being, he was warm and informal not ceremonial.

Serving humanity is the best form of serving God, of worship.

Use education. It is best way of removing the differences that divide us. Teach secular ethics in schools.

In over 55 years of being a refugee, have never given up hope or determination.

It is our collective responsibility to create a compassionate humanity.

NOTE: This was originally posted in December 2014.

Saturday, July 22, 2017

American Satan

Hello everyone! I hope your having a fabulous Sunday so far and had a awesome weekend.  It is still so freaking hot as all get out here in Florida. But it's beautiful here. I hope everyone are enjoying all the blogs here. We have great bloggers with knowledge and very interesting things to share with you as well. Check out the old forums and discussions on who was exposed and other information if you ever have a chance you should spend some time researching for yourself. Even older blogs. You never know which ones you have missed. It's always new to someone.

What is American Satan about? Below is one of the many, many articles I located online about it. Not to mention the trailers on YouTube and a bootleg copy of it is already out on YouTube so it can be seen now apparently. This makes me sick. It truly does. This world is becoming obsessed with the supernatural and dark things.

Darkness is taking over as I've mentioned in many past blogs the last 5 years. But we must stand firm with authority in Jesus name and banish these vile creatures. In JESUS NAME it can be done. I know I've witnessed it. Growing up with a Pentecostal Reverend as a dad you see more than him doing weddings, baptisms etc...deliverance is apart of the package too.

American Satan The Movie

'A young rock band, half from England and half from the US, drop out of college and move to the Sunset Strip to chase their dreams. Living in a van, their passion and talent exceed their means to survive. An enigmatic stranger sees their true potential and emotionally manipulates them during a time of weakness attempting to normalize satanism. Caught in the middle of a Faustian deal, their music and controversial altercations end up influencing society beyond anything this century has seen. Anything goes, it's like anarchy. But can they take back control of their destiny before it's to late?"

I challenge you to google the movies coming out. Many satanic or having demons in it. Annabelle The Possessed Doll part 2 is one of them I'm pretty sure. It's all very disturbing movies and there's always someone dumb enough to emulate what they've seen. It happens a lot, you just don't hear about it.

The news hides things. Like Pizzagate for example. Pedophiles are darn close to normalizing what they've been doing for 30 years. One person said "we can't put all pedophiles in prison there are thousands. Well build more correction facilities! God we pay enough taxes! I guess we just let them be and continue to demonize children ruining their lives forever. "I'm not ok with turning a blind eye" to sick dangerous behavior and they all worship Satan it seems I'm speaking of big names in the White House. They've covered for them this long so they easily get away with it.one man was killed who had absolute proof. But he never had the chance to report it.

Are we really being conditioned to tolerate violence by the government as many are saying? Different ages and religions too saying "we been doing it for years" or " I don't worship Satan, it's about being your own God." ? They won't admit the animal and human rituals and the blood etc...plus SPIRIT COOKING. Google that folks. It will disgust you. Soon people will attempt to emulate it like when summoning demons was a huge deal and still is sadly. Everyone was wanting to know how out of curiosity

Well that's what get people in trouble every time.

Written by Jennifer L. Auld

Thursday, July 20, 2017

What Does it Mean--Jesus Learned Obedience?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

This is a brief reply, as one could easily spend an entire blog answering this question.

“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him…” (Hebrews 5:8-9)

Does that imply He was not perfectly obedient early on? No!! What DOES it mean, then?

Though fully God, Jesus is also fully human. He lived a sinless life (Heb. 4:15; 7:26) and was always obedient to the Father. Nevertheless, Jesus acquired knowledge as a normal human would, and He gained experience (in His human nature)by living 33 years as a human being (Luke 2:40, 52), and He came to know experientially what it cost to walk in obedience in the midst of suffering.

In a manner appropriate to each stage of development (physically and psychologically), Jesus was perfect, and He grew in wisdom in His human nature. He was a perfect two year old…perfect four year old…perfect teenager…perfect young adult…and perfect up to His death at approximately 33 years old. He was perfect in ways appropriate for each stage of development as a growing human being.

No doubt, as Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, successive temptations and trials became more difficult to deal with. It was as He obeyed His Father in the face of lifelong temptations that Jesus “learned obedience.”…His human moral ability was strengthened as He grew.

As a child, Jesus did not lack any godly traits, but He was lacking in the full experience of having lived a perfect human life, as man—obeying the Father in everything. It is in this sense, that in His human nature, Jesus “learned obedience.”

Hence, our Lord is experientially aware of the trials and temptations that we experience. Though fully God, Jesus still retains His human nature/body in heaven. So, He is tender and sympathetic to all the struggles you are facing. Look to Him for comfort, as he knows what it is like to suffer as a human. And look to Him as your Savior if you have not already, for there is no other road to heaven, but through Jesus.

Lastly, and remarkably, the lifelong perfect obedience of Jesus provides the basis for eternal salvation. Justification consists of a double transfer. Our sins were transferred to Jesus on the cross, and His 33 years of perfect obedience is transferred to our spiritual bank account. It is the robe of righteousness that surrounds us, and the Father sees Jesus’ perfect life, as He looks at us, due to our union with the life of Christ. How can you look with detachment at such a great salvation? Let us rejoice at such a great Savior and salvation!

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Dalai Lama on How to Be a Buddhist in Today’s World

Once people adopt a religion, they should practice it sincerely. Truly believing in God, Buddha, Allah or Shiva should inspire one to be an honest human being. Some people claim to have faith in their religion but act counter to its ethical injunctions. They pray for the success of their dishonest and corrupt actions, asking God or Buddha for help in covering up their wrongdoings. There is no point in such people describing themselves as religious.

Today the world faces a crisis related to lack of respect for spiritual principles and ethical values. Such virtues cannot be forced on society by legislation or by science, nor can fear inspire ethical conduct. Rather, people must have conviction in the worth of ethical principles so that they want to live ethically.

The U.S. and India, for example, have solid governmental institutions, but many of the people involved lack ethical principles. Self-discipline and self-restraint of all citizens—from CEOs to lawmakers to teachers—are needed to create a good society. But these virtues cannot be imposed from the outside. They require inner cultivation. This is why spirituality and religion are relevant in the modern world.

India, where I now live, has been home to the ideas of secularism, inclusiveness and diversity for some 3,000 years. One philosophical tradition asserts that only what we know through our five senses exists. Other Indian philosophical schools criticize this nihilistic view but still regard the people who hold it as rishis, or sages. I promote this type of secularism: to be a kind person who does not harm others regardless of profound religious differences.

In previous centuries, Tibetans knew little about the rest of the world. We lived on a high and broad plateau surrounded by the world’s tallest mountains. Almost everyone, except for a small community of Muslims, was Buddhist. Very few foreigners came to our land. Since we went into exile in 1959, Tibetans have been in contact with the rest of the world. We relate with religions, ethnic groups and cultures that hold a broad spectrum of views.

Further, Tibetan youth now receive a modern education in which they are exposed to opinions not traditionally found in their community. It is now imperative that Tibetan Buddhists be able to explain clearly their tenets and beliefs to others using reason. Simply quoting from Buddhist scriptures does not convince people who did not grow up as Buddhists of the validity of the Buddha’s doctrine. If we try to prove points only by quoting scripture, these people may respond: “Everyone has a book to quote from!”

Religion faces three principal challenges today: communism, modern science and the combination of consumerism and materialism. Although the Cold War ended decades ago, communist beliefs and governments still strongly affect life in Buddhist countries. In Tibet, the communist government controls the ordination of monks and nuns while also regulating life in the monasteries and nunneries. It controls the education system, teaching children that Buddhism is old-fashioned.

Modern science, up until now, has confined itself to studying phenomena that are material in nature. Scientists largely examine only what can be measured with scientific instruments, limiting the scope of their investigations and their understanding of the universe. Phenomena such as rebirth and the existence of the mind as separate from the brain are beyond the scope of scientific investigation. Some scientists, although they have no proof that these phenomena do not exist, consider them unworthy of consideration. But there is reason for optimism. In recent years, I have met with many open-minded scientists, and we have had mutually beneficial discussions that have highlighted our common points as well as our diverging ideas—expanding the world views of scientists and Buddhists in the process.

Then there is materialism and consumerism. Religion values ethical conduct, which may involve delayed gratification, whereas consumerism directs us toward immediate happiness. Faith traditions stress inner satisfaction and a peaceful mind, while materialism says that happiness comes from external objects. Religious values such as kindness, generosity and honesty get lost in the rush to make more money and have more and “better” possessions. Many people’s minds are confused about what happiness is and how to create its causes.

If you study the Buddha’s teachings, you may find that some of them are in harmony with your views on societal values, science and consumerism—and some of them are not. That is fine. Continue to investigate and reflect on what you discover. In this way, whatever conclusion you reach will be based on reason, not simply on tradition, peer pressure or blind faith.

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the spiritual leader of Tibet. He is co-author, with Thubten Chodron, of “Approaching the Buddhist Path,” from which this article is adapted.

Originally published in the Wall Street Journal on July 6, 2017.

Link with photo: https://www.dalailama.com/messages/religious-harmony-1/how-to-be-a-buddhist-in-todays-world

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Thank You from His Holiness the Dalai Lama

I would like to thank everyone who sent kind greetings on the occasion of my 82nd birthday and who joined in celebrating the day in many parts of the world.

As you are probably already aware, my life is guided by three principal commitments — to contribute to bringing about a more compassionate world; to encourage inter-religious harmony, and to work to preserve Tibet’s Buddhist culture, which is a culture of peace and non-violence, while also drawing attention to the need to protect the natural environment of Tibet. Since the Tibetan Plateau is the source of Asia’s major rivers, more than one billion people depend on the water they provide.

Tibet’s Buddhist culture is derived from the traditions of India’s historic Nalanda University, which encouraged dependence on reason and logic over reliance on mere scriptural authority. It adopted an empirical approach, like science, which included a thorough knowledge of the workings of the mind and emotions that remains extremely relevant today.

These are commitments by which I abide myself, but I often ask brothers and sisters who show me affection and respect to consider joining me in upholding them.

In short, may I request you please to help others whenever you can and if for some reason you can’t do that, at least to refrain from doing anyone any harm.

With my prayers and good wishes,

The Dalai Lama

Leh, Ladakh, 9 July 2017

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Dalai Lama Meets with Teachers & Business Leaders in Newport Beach

Meetings with Teachers and Business Leaders

Newport Beach, CA, USA - Anaheim city school principals and teachers, friends of Mayor Tom Tait came to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama this morning. In his introduction to His Holiness Mayor Tait mentioned the positive change that the City of Kindness project, and participating in the One Million Acts of Kindness campaign, has brought to Anaheim’s schools. He recalled that when Ven Tenzin Dhonden heard about what they were doing, he brought Mayor Tait to meet His Holiness in Dharamsala, for which he thanked him.

“Firstly, I very much appreciate this opportunity to meet with people who are actively involved in education,” His Holiness began. “Our common goal is to build a happier humanity. The greater part of this century is still ahead of us. I believe that if we start working now on this with a clear vision now, the later part of the century could be happier and more peaceful.

“These days if a human being is killed by a tiger or elephant it’s news, but to be killed by another human being is no longer extraordinary. Meanwhile, despite every human being having a right to be happy, we see images on the television of numbers of children dying of starvation. How can we remain indifferent? These people are our brothers and sisters. We have to do something.

“Violence has long been part of human history, but in the past, involving hand to hand combat, its impact was limited. Today, we have weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, that are so powerful, the whole of humanity is endangered. Violence derives from anger and anger clouds our ability to think straight and properly assess what is happening. Anger in turn is related to fear and anxiety.

“One of the lessons we need to learn is how to cultivate those positive emotions that counter destructive emotions like anger and fear. Compassion, for example, brings self-confidence and the ability to act transparently. It strengthens trust which is the ground for friendship.

“All the major religious traditions teach about love and to protect that message they also counsel tolerance and forgiveness. However, these days, when 1 billion people claim to have no religious faith, instead of relying on faith alone, we have to use our intelligence to examine whether anger brings any benefit. If we’re honest we’ll see that anger ruins our peace of mind. Fortunately, one of our qualities as human beings is our ability to reinforce such human values as warm-heartedness.

“In education we should explore how to build on those human values that are based on scientific findings, common experience and common sense. In India and here at Emory University work is going on to prepare a curriculum to bring this exercise into schools. We aim to teach that on a mental level kindness and compassion give rise to lasting joy. They reduce fear.”

His Holiness explained that we will only make the 21st century an era of peace on the basis of inner peace. However, he said, we won’t overcome anger and establish peace of mind just by praying for it. An outbreak of fire will not be quenched by prayer alone, it’s far more important to prevent its breaking out in the first place.

In answering questions from the audience His Holiness made clear his view that ancient Indian psychology is relevant today, since it clearly explains how to increase positive emotions and reduce negative emotions. He pointed out that we all, even animals, have a basic seed of compassion, a wish for others to overcome suffering, but to raise and extend it to the point where we actually act on it takes training.

He recommended adopting different approaches, experimenting and sharing what we learn with each other. He also remarked that anger and aggression sometimes seem to be protective because they bring energy to bear on a particular situation, but what needs to be acknowledged is that that energy is blind. He stressed that it takes a calm mind to be able to consider things from different angles and points of view.

Noting that more and more people are paying attention to kindness, the evidence of the naming of a City of Kindness in Anaheim and a Compassionate City in Louisville, is that a revolution is taking place in education. He asked the teachers of Anaheim to help lead that revolution in the right direction.

Meeting Orange County business leaders in the afternoon at the behest of Noah McMahon, His Holiness picked up his earlier theme that despite great material development people are increasingly showing interest in achieving peace of mind. He again stressed that, if we make efforts now, it is possible to envisage a happier more peaceful world emerging later in the century. He reiterated that scientists revealing findings that basic human nature is compassionate is a source of hope. He mentioned the power of being able to smile.

Speaking of peace in the world prompted His Holiness to discuss the need for global demilitarization. He spoke with regret of the money spent on weapons, but also of the dangers of a policy of mutual destruction. Mentioning a dream of a world without borders, a truly global world, he wondered whether he would be thought unrealistic.

He declared that the world belongs to the 7 billion people living in it, just as American belongs to the American people. He expressed regret at the US’s withdrawal from the Paris Accord. He speculated that if there were more women leaders the world might be a more peaceful and co-operative place.

Challenged to say whether religion might have outlived its usefulness, he mentioned three aspects of religious tradition. The religious aspect involves the practice of love and compassion, the philosophical aspect, concerning, for example, belief in a creator or the law of causality supports this practice. But there is also the cultural aspect, influenced by social conventions. When this aspect is judged to be out of date, he said, it should adapt. His final remark was to note that while people go to great lengths to look physically attractive, inner beauty is far more important and a stronger basis for lasting relationships.

original link and photos: https://www.dalailama.com/news/2017/meetings-with-teachers-and-business-leaders