Dalai Lama & Indian Philanthropy Initiative

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, 5 December 2015 - Having flown from Dharamsala to Delhi yesterday, this morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama left early again to fly to Bengaluru. After landing early at the airport, he was welcomed by Tibetan representatives, including a delegation of abbots and senior Lamas, Ling Rinpoche among them. Reaching his hotel in Bengaluru city, he found the road as usual lined with Tibetans young and old eager to greet him, while costumed dancers performed on the forecourt.

Today, the 25th day of Tenth Tibetan month, being Ganden Nga-chö, the anniversary of Je Tsongkhapa’s passing away 596 years ago, His Holiness had agreed to take part in prayers with a group of Abbots, former Abbots and senior monks. They sat before a thangka of Je Rinpoche in a room in the hotel named the ‘House of Lords’. Chanting in crisp unison, they recited Tsongkhapa’s ‘Praise for Dependent Arising’, ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ and his ‘Secret Biography’ by Jamyang Chöjey Tashi Palden, founder of Drepung Monastery, concluding with praises to Mahakala, Dharmaraja and Mahakali. Stopping at the end to explain his plans over the coming days, His Holiness advised:

“Now we should follow the example Je Rinpoche set and shun the path of the eight worldly concerns.”

On his way to his room, His Holiness was greeted by a group of Indian Guides and Scouts who presented him with a Scout scarf. He told them that whether the world in future becomes a happier, more peaceful place or not will be in the hands of young people like them.

After lunch, His Holiness attended the fourth meeting of the Indian Philanthropy Initiative at the invitation of Azim Premji, the noted entrepreneur who led Wipro to widespread success and who was the first Indian to sign up for the Giving Pledge initiative started by Microsoft founder Bill Gates and billionaire investor Warren Buffett. Introducing His Holiness to what he described as a larger turn out than expected, he said the theme was empathy and kindness and invited him to address them.

“I always start my talks by greeting my brothers and sisters,” His Holiness began. “Basically we are all the same human beings. We’re born the same way and whether we are religious leaders, kings and queens or beggars and AIDs patients we all go the same way. We all want to live a happy life; we wish to be undisturbed and we all have the same right to achieve happiness.

“When we are young as children we are unconstrained. As long as children are surrounded by affection, they are content; they pay no attention to nationality, race, faith or social status. As we grow up, these things come to concern us more; we focus on such secondary differences between ourselves and others. Meeting someone influential we smile, but in a calculating way, banking on what we might gain. Children don’t behave like that.”

His Holiness spoke of the many man-made problems we face, citing the kind of violence he has witnessed throughout his life from the Sino-Japanese conflict of the 1930s through to the Vietnam War and other conflicts today. He said that in the interdependent, globalized world in which we live now, the notion that one side might win a victory marked by the complete defeat of the opposing side is a sign of old ways of thinking in the face of a new reality. He said we have to find another approach, proposing that the 21st century should be an era of dialogue seeking mutually agreeable solutions.

“I’m committed to the idea that all 7 billion human beings are equal and that if they are happy, I’ll be happy. We need the determination that arises from compassion and respect for others’ rights. We have a responsibility to bring an end to the gap between rich and poor, in which context we have to recall that we are all the same as human beings.”

He told the story of meeting with people living in Soweto, South Africa, after the end of apartheid, and speaking admiringly of the opportunities of their new found democracy. He was dismayed to hear a teacher lament that black Africans could never achieve what whites had done because their brains were inferior. His Holiness described arguing and cajoling him to understand that there were no such differences, that as human beings we are equal, and his relief when with a long sigh the teacher conceded that perhaps we are all the same.

His Holiness suggested that to help the poor, the wealthy should create opportunities, providing educational facilities and equipment. However, he said that the poor in turn have to work hard and develop self-confidence. He remarked of Azim Premji:

“He is already taking such practical steps through his educational foundations, while I only talk.”

He said: “When there is a lack of concern for others, corruption and exploitation flourish. There is a growing consensus that in some aspects our current education systems are inadequate. We need to change that. In the past we relied on religious faith for ethical guidelines and human values. As a multi-religious nation, India drew up a secular constitution, secular in the sense of respecting all religions equally and even according respect to the views of those who have no faith. This is very relevant today, when out of 7 billion human beings, 1 billion declare they have no faith. They need ethical principles too. So we need to find ways of providing education and training in ethics that accord with scientific findings, common sense and common experience.”

He continued:

“If you live your life honestly and truthfully, you’ll be open and transparent, which leads to trust. And trust leads to friendship. This is something important to note, that the basis of friendship is trust not money. Warm-heartedness is essential if we are to live happy lives.”

He explained that steps are being taken to draw up a curriculum to teach moral values from a secular point of view, from kindergarten to university. He offered to share it with whoever is interested when it is completed in the New Year. He returned once again to his praise of India as a living example that people of different religions, different cultural traditions and speaking different languages can live peacefully side by side.

While expressing admiration for India’s longstanding traditions of fostering inter-religious harmony and non-violence, His Holiness was also full of praise for ancient Indian psychology. He declared that it was highly developed and has much to teach us today; suggesting that studying it could lead to a map of the emotions that would contribute to an emotional hygiene to correspond with physical hygiene. Although he feels many modern Indians have lost touch with their ancient heritage he quoted a 15th century Tibetan scholar saying that although it was a land of snow Tibet was dark. Not until the light of knowledge came from India did Tibet become bright.

In answering questions from the audience His Holiness mentioned the importance of a pride and self-confidence that is not arrogance. Similarly, he distinguished between the kind of healthy competition intent on success and reaching the top along with your competitors for the general good and unhealthy competition in which you want to defeat your competitors so only you succeed. Once again he commended honesty and truthfulness as ways to overcome fear and anxiety.

Finally, asked to comment on the role of karma he replied that karma means action and action motivated by compassion is good. To complain that what happens to you is just the result of your karma is just lazy. Instead, recalling the Buddha’s advice that, “You are your own master,” we can change what happens by taking action. He ended:

“When you help others, do so out of respect. Don’t look down on them. Serve humanity with compassionate intent. Thank you.”

original link with photos http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1336-indian-philanthropy-initiative

Biblical Demonology Is A Calling Not A Choice

Hello everybody! I sure hope y'all had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones and everyone you love is healthy. I'm sure lots of great food was consumed because that's one of the best parts in a way isn't it? Lol.

I'd like to first start off saying that my title and the subject is again purely just my humble opinion so please save any nasty emails telling me I'm wrong because I'm not claiming that this is gospel that I am 100% light and anything else is wrong. I absolutely respect all religions and what others feel I do not run down other opinions or seek for religious debate because it's a waste of time and energy. No one will ever agree on one thing. I think we all know this. So this blog is purely how I feel about the subject. It's called an opinion formed from my personal studies and experience. I wish people would agree to disagree. Not fight.

What is Demonology?

The systematic study of demons or beliefs about demons.[1] It is the branch of theology relating to supernatural beings who are not gods.[2] It deals both with benevolent beings that have no circle of worshippers or so limited a circle as to be below the rank of gods, and with malevolent beings of all kinds. The original sense of "demon", from the time of Homer onward, was a benevolent being,[3] but in English the name now holds connotations of malevolence. (In order to keep the distinction, when referring to the word in its original Greek meaning English uses the spelling "Daemon" or "Daimon".)

Demons, when regarded as spirits, may belong to either of the classes of spirits recognized by primitive animism;[4] that is to say, they may be human, or non-human, separable souls, or discarnate spirits which have never inhabited a body. A sharp distinction is often drawn between these two classes, notably by the Melanesians, several African groups, and others; the Arab jinn, [djinn], for example, are not reducible to modified human souls; at the same time these classes are frequently conceived as producing identical results, e.g. diseases.[2][3]

Researching this subject can be very dangerous. It leads down a very dark rabbit hole and it's hard to stop and some become obsessed. It can be a horrifying road but if you try to take your research too far then it could really mess with your head and/or mental state of mind. That's what demons do first they go after the mind. Satan knows everything he knows all your sins and will use that and send his minions out to drive you completely nuts. Or at the very least oppress you. You can't just take this as some game or thrill seeking.

It is just too easy to inadvertently obtain attachments by researching Demonology and gaining a big interest in it. Ghost hunting or having a high interest in the paranormal can lead to starting your own little adventures. Going to places like cemeteries (which seem to still be a very popular thing as I've driven by many at night and have seen flashlights and cars parked in there) doing EVP's and even taking pictures in opening doors. It's really best to try to avoid those oranges because there really are actual dangers real dangers doing these kind of activities and it's very difficult to find somebody who can truly help you if you have found yourself in a bad situation. It's very dangerous and I would think twice before getting too involved in this kind of situation.

What is a Religious Demonologist?

The title of Religious Demonologist is given by the Catholic Church to specific people who complete a dissertation on the topic. I am not this kind of Demonologist. I have much respect for them and the battles they to face. To me, it's not a whole lot different. Just different beliefs in certain areas of the Gospel.

When people study demonology just to educate themselves I don't necessarily see any harm in that but when you become obsessed with it and jump in and start ghost hunting and doing investigations dealing with these hostile entities when it's not a calling of yours you could end up in real danger because you do you not have God's hedge of protection upon you. It's only through God and Jesus Christ that these can be defeated. Some people read a couple books and then they think they're all set and they go out there and they causing more harm than good. It is so easy to get ordained online all you have to do is call or send an email to certain churches online and they will or dating you and mail you a certificate and all you have to do is just answer a few questions. Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that...if one person has good and pure intentions but a lot of people do that and they run out and make people think that they are a lot more educated and want more called than what they truly are and at times they can make situation so much worse and an investigation and put people in more danger.

Someone asked me if someone in my position with this calling that is involved in this, do we happen to draw more attention to us as in attracting anything demonic like the law of attraction? I say yes. It is my humble opinion when you step onto this path, all of these entities surely take notice. Researchers like me and others do attract more attention. Sadly it's what comes with this work. You just can't avoid it. You are on their radar and you are there for life. But remember, when you are doing God's work you have that hedge of protection and the Holy Spirit to guide you and to go to when you are unsure of things. Sometimes there are investigations or situations that God may prefer you not get involved with. I've passed cases in my life to other demonologists or a priest or a pastor because I just knew in my spirit it was not for me or it was too big for me. I just knew better. There is no room for ego in this. It's just too dangerous.

Getting to involved with any Demonology, ghost hunting etc... is dangerous in my humble opinion. You need to educate yourself before you go trampling into a world you really know nothing about. Beings from another dimension, don't need to follow our physical rules, or observe our morality. There are just too many people jumping in to paranormal investigating who do not understand the dangers that are involved to them and anybody else around them. Demonic attachment is so prevalent and very scary. It happens so easily and most people can't believe even though they didn't do anything that would invite demonic entities they were still at risk. We can inadvertently open up doors. It's not hard at all. Just because you've done research online and you watch all the paranormal TV shows does not mean you are equipped to deal with these very serous consequences. It happens so easily but yet it takes a lot of work to rid someone from demonic attachment. You are lucky if you can even find the proper help in these situations. It can take a lot of time. Some people claiming they can help actually make the problem worse in many cases. This is very unfortunate but happens often.

Written by Jennifer L. Auld

Biblical Spirituality: Wholeness or Holiness?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16….Leviticus 11:44)

What is your vision of spirituality? What is true spirituality? For 2,000 years, Christians have heeded Jesus’ call to holiness BY keeping His commandments-a call to personal holiness, and the Lordship of Christ over the totality of life. It is a God-centered approach.

Today, more and more Christians are asking, “How can being a Christian make me feel whole?”
But for Christians, our calling from God must conform to the ethical boundaries He has laid out for His children, for our protection and His glory.

There are several components to a biblical worldview, but the biblical view of God is primary and central to all else. It HAS to be primary, for “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” As important as the supernatural is to biblical Christianity, that is not the chief attribute of a biblical worldview. Indeed, other false worldviews are supernatural to the core but deficient in their understanding of God.

Secularism (naturalism, secular humanism) is no longer the primary threat to Christianity; the occultic worldview is. Most Christian leaders are decades behind in discovering this.

One cannot exaggerate how important our world views are: they are like chauffeur's that drive us through life, affecting how we think, act, and behave. They actually act like a grid through which we sift all the data that comes to us. With a biblical worldview we can see all of reality through God’s eyes. Our worldviews affect our view of spirituality.

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one called to another and said:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
4 And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a burning coal that he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.”

Unlike pagan mythologies, biblical visions of the Living God like Isaiah experienced, took place in space and time—it really happened. The death of the great king Uzziah occurred about 740 B.C., marking the end of a long period of national prosperity….. until the king contracted leprosy for flouting God’s holiness.

DO WE LIVE IN A WHOLE OR A HOLY COSMOS? Should we strive to be whole or holy? Those are not trick questions, as we’ll see. The biblical worldview affects how we live life, and holiness is at the heart of living a life pleasing to God. For many, holiness is a prudish, life-negating word, but that is due to a mis-understanding of the word, as well as Christians often living with self-righteous attitudes.

In the Greek and Hebrew, some form of the word “holy” occurs 1,097 times! Holiness is one of the most important concepts in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. The exhortation to holy living is especially prevalent in Paul’s writings. (Romans 6:19, 22; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 “For this is the will of God, your sanctification (holiness)..”etc.

The biblical understanding of right living in relation to God and others—holiness—is the polar opposite of what today’s occultic spirituality proposes—wholeness. I need to define our terms.
Yes, the gospel should bring substantial psychological healing/wholeness, but that is not the connotation of ‘wholeness’ as used in the occult worldview.

Because ‘wholeness’ and ‘holiness’ sound and seem similar, they are often mistaken for the same idea. Even the renowned Huston Smith errs when he states that “wholeness’ and ‘holiness’ have the same etymology. They do not! The two Greek words “hagios’ and ‘holos’ are NOT related. ‘Qadosh’ is the Old Testament word for holy, as seen from Isaiah’s text.

In classical Greek, hagios does refer to the moral perfection of God. However, its primary meaning is uniqueness, separateness, set apart, otherness. (I’ll come back to this)To sanctify something is to set it apart as dedicated to God. In Genesis 2:3 the seventh day is hallowed. We are entering the holiday season—“holy days”, which are set apart)

In classical Greek, the adjective “hagios’ (holy) stems from the noun “hagos’, meaning “an object of awe.” The Hebrew ‘qodesh’ from the verb ‘qod’ means “to divide”. Things that are holy are set apart, separate, and divided from things that are common. God is holy in that He is separate from His creation.

On the other hand, the Greek ‘holos’ means whole or universal…from which we get the word ‘holistic’…..as in holistic healing. In a sense, hagios and holos are opposite in meaning. The term ‘holos’ means that nothing is distinctively other, or specially set apart, as with ‘holiness’.

EVERYTHING is included. In fact, these two words are so antithetical that they represent two different worldviews…..two antithetical views of spirituality—holos represents the occult worldview spirituality, and hagios represents the biblical worldview spirituality.

By describing something as holistic, modern spirituality means the same thing that Jung taught about the joining of the opposites on the path toward self-realization.

Jeffrey Satinover, an ex-Jungian stated: for Jung good and evil evolved into two equal, balanced, cosmic principles that belong together in one over-arching synthesis. This relativization of good and evil by their reconciliation is the heart of the ancient doctrines of Gnosticism, which also located spirituality, hence morality, within man himself. Hence, “the union of opposites.”

We must realize the such ‘holistic’ thinking lies at the heart of the occult worldview, which is a rebirth of ancient Gnosticism, which almost destroyed the church many centuries ago.

A beautifully holy God. When we think of holiness, divine or human, we tend to think of moral purity. While that is certainly an aspect of God’s holiness, it is not the primary meaning of qodesh or hagios. There is a sense in which the holiness of God is the “God-ness of God”. His holiness differentiates Him from all His creation….He is separate from or distinct from all else. He is the self-existent, wholly Other Supreme Being. He is primary, and all creation is derivative, deriving its existence and sustaining from Him,, as well as redemption.

When we say that God is holy, we are primarily speaking cosmologically. He is utterly unique and different. The Triune God is separate, and distinct from His creation, and this distinction will remain throughout all eternity. One song writer put it well: God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy! The universe declares Your Majesty!

In the model prayer, the first prayer request or petition is, “…Hallowed be Thy Name..” Our first and primary prayer concern is that the Name of God (God) would be seen as holy. As the seraphim cry ‘Holy, holy, holy..’ so should God’s children long that God’s holy Name would be recognized as holy….that we would mirror to a dark and unholy world the holiness of God, as His image-bearers.

If we understand holiness in primarily moral terms, as much of the West has, it tends to cause a holier than thou attitude, and holy huddle. God is morally pure, and we are to be morally pure too.
However, we must put the horse before the cart. God’s GODNESS…His utter Otherness must overwhelm us with awe, as it did Isaiah. Without this humbling fear of God, Christianity can degenerate into a superficial moralism.

When Isaiah had his vision, the seraphim cried out three times, “Holy, holy, holy..” (see Revelation 4:8) The Hebrew way of accenting something of supreme importance was to repeat it. No other attribute of God is raised to the third power, because holiness is everything about God that makes Him God. “It (qadosh) can be used almost as a synonym of deity.” (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) The place where God dwelled in the Old Covenant community was called THE HOLY OF HOLIES.

Isaiah was a righteous man, and yet his close encounter with the holiness of God was extremely frightening. The Holy One of Israel became Isaiah’s distinctive name for God…and no wonder after this hair raising episode in which all of his senses were being assaulted with the holiness of God.
A depth view of God’s holiness, reveals a depth view of sin…and a depth view of sin brings a depth appreciation for the gospel….again, as it did with Isaiah. I am convinced that if folks grasped God’s holiness, then there would be revival in the church and folks would be beating down the doors to the church seeking for salvation. It would also pulverize the heart of the occult worldview which is taking America by storm.

The God of the bible will not be confused with any part of His creation; He is holy in Himself.
“Though the words ‘Holy Trinity’ are not found in the bible, the concept is. God’s divine being consists of three distinct Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who are never confused, and so always retain their individual distinctiveness or holiness from one another. Thus God comprehends both distinction and complementarity within His Trinitarian Being, and as an independent Creator, without a beginning, is necessarily separate or holy relative to the dependent creation He makes, sustains, and redeems.” (The Other Worldview, Peter Jones, pg. 149)

By contrast, the occult worldview (or progressive/evolutionary spirituality, mature New Age, Neo-Gnosticism) conflates creator and creation. This is seen as wholeness, instead of holiness. God’s holiness is tossed out….the essence of God’s God-ness is stripped from Him. In the worldview that is taking America by storm, god (if there is one) is not separate from creation….he/it/her imbues all of the cosmos with a spirit of wholeness. You are god!

By an ever-expanding means—raising your vibrations, tapping into the collective unconsciousness, getting in tune with the universe, quantum jumping, energy healing, yoga, etc. Etc—one allegedly finds wholeness, which has a wide variety of meanings, but none that include biblical holiness.

Our culture’s view of God or ultimate reality is a return to the Gnosticism of the early centuries, which the early church fathers fought against so valiantly. Then, as now, though there is a mind-boggling variety of occult/gnostic variants, they all reject holiness and embrace wholeness as the model for understanding ultimate reality and personal development or spirituality.

The Beautifully Holy God has called us to be His beautifully holy people, leading beautifully holy lives, in a beautifully holy cosmos with a beautifully holy future.(each of these could be expounded, but I’ll leave it for later) Before a watching world, may we live in such a way that the beauty of holiness is ‘written all over our faces.”

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.

The Dalai Lama: Questions & Answers

Question: How do you view yourself?

Answer: I always consider myself as a simple Buddhist monk. I feel that is the real me. I feel that the Dalai Lama as a temporal ruler is a man-made institution. As long as the people accept the Dalai Lama, they will accept me. But being a monk is something which belongs to me. No one can change that. Deep down inside, I always consider myself a monk, even in my dreams. So naturally I feel myself as more of a religious person. Even in my daily life, I can say that I spend 80% of my time on spiritual activities and 20% on Tibet as a whole. The spiritual or religious life is something I know and have great interest in. I have some kind of confidence in it, and thus I want to study it more. Regarding politics, I have no modern education except for a little experience. It is a big responsibility for someone not so well equipped. This is not voluntary work but something that I feel I must pursue because of the hope and trust that the Tibetan people place on me.

Question: Will you be the last Dalai Lama?

Answer: Whether the institution of the Dalai Lama remains or not depends entirely on the wishes of the Tibetan people. It is for them to decide. I made this clear as early as in 1969. Even in 1963, after four years in exile, we made a draft constitution for a future Tibet which is based on the democratic system. The constitution clearly mentions that the power of the Dalai Lama can be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the members of the Assembly. At the present moment, the Dalai Lama's institution is useful to the Tibetan culture and the Tibetan people. Thus, if I were to die today, I think the Tibetan people would choose to have another Dalai Lama. In the future, if the Dalai Lama's institution is no longer relevant or useful and our present situation changes, then the Dalai Lama's institution will cease to exist.Personally, I feel the institution of the Dalai Lama has served its purpose. More recently, since 2001 we now have a democratically elected head of our administration, the Kalon Tripa. The Kalon Tripa runs the daily affairs of our administration and is in charge of our political establishment. Half jokingly and half seriously, I state that I am now in semi-retirement.

Question: Do you think you will ever be able to return to Tibet?

Answer: Yes, I remain optimistic that I will be able to return to Tibet. China is in the process of changing. If you compare China today to ten or twenty years ago, there is tremendous change. China is no longer isolated. It is part of the world community. Global interdependence, especially in terms of economics and environment make it impossible for nations to remain isolated. Besides, I am not seeking separation from China. I am committed to my middle-way approach whereby Tibet remains within the People's Republic of China enjoying a high degree of self-rule or autonomy. I firmly believe that this is of mutual benefit both to the Tibetans as well as to the Chinese. We Tibetans will be able to develop Tibet with China's assistance, while at the same time preserving our own unique culture, including spirituality, and our delicate environment. By amicably resolving the Tibetan issue, China will be able to contribute to her own unity and stability.

Question: The Chinese have recently stated that the next Dalai Lama will be born in Tibet and chosen by them. What do you have to say about this?

Answer: If the present situation regarding Tibet remains the same, I will be born outside Tibet away from the control of the Chinese authorities. This is logical. The very purpose of a reincarnation is to continue the unfinished work of the previous incarnation. Thus if the Tibetan situation still remains unsolved it is logical I will be born in exile to continue my unfinished work. Of course the Chinese will still choose their own Dalai Lama and we Tibetans will choose our own according to tradition. It will be similar to the present situation of the Panchen Lama. There is a Chinese-appointed Panchen Lama and there is the Panchen Lama chosen by me. One is paraded to serve its master's purposes and the other is the Panchen Lama accepted in the hearts of all the Tibetans.

Question: What are your commitments?

Answer: In general, I always state that I have three commitments in life. Firstly, on the level of a human being, my first commitment is the promotion of human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline. All human beings are the same. We all want happiness and do not want suffering. Even people who do not believe in religion recognize the importance of these human values in making their lives happier. I remain committed to talk about the importance of these human values and share them with everyone I meet. Secondly, on the level of a religious practitioner, my second commitment is the promotion of religious harmony and understanding amongst different religious traditions. Despite philosophical differences, all major world religions have the same potential to create better human beings. It is therefore important for all religious traditions to respect one another and recognize the value of each other's respective traditions. Thirdly, I am a Tibetan and carry the name of the Dalai Lama. Tibetans place their trust in me. Therefore, my third commitment is to the Tibetan issue. I have a responsibility to act the free spokesperson of the Tibetans in their struggle for justice. As far as this third commitment, it will cease to exist once a mutually beneficial solution is reached between the Tibetans and Chinese. However, my first two commitments I will carry on till my last breath.

Question: What were your first feelings on being recognized as the Dalai Lama? What did you think had happened to you?

Answer: I was very happy. I liked it a lot. Even before I was recognized, I often told my mother that I was going to Lhasa. I used to straddle a window sill in our house pretending that I was riding a horse to Lhasa. I was a very small child at the time, but I remember this clearly. I had a strong desire to go there. Another thing I didn't mention in my autobiography is that after my birth, a pair of crows came to roost on the roof of our house. They would arrive each morning, stay for while and then leave. This is of particular interest as similar incidents occurred at the birth of the First, Seventh, Eighth and Twelfth Dalai Lamas. After their births, a pair of crows came and remained. In my own case, in the beginning, nobody paid attention to this. Recently, however, perhaps three years ago, I was talking with my mother, and she recalled it. She had noticed them come in the morning; depart after a time, and then the next morning, come again. Now, the evening the after the birth of the First Dalai Lama, bandits broke into the family's house. The parents ran away and left the child. The next day when they returned and wondered what had happened to their son, they found the baby in a corner of the house. A crow stood before him, protecting him. Later on, when the First Dalai Lama grew up and developed in his spiritual practice, he made direct contact during meditation with the protective deity, Mahakala. At this time, Mahakala said to him, Somebody like you who is upholding the Buddhist teaching needs a protector like me. Right on the day of your birth, I helped you.  So we can see, there is definitely a connection between Mahakala, the crows, and the Dalai Lamas.

Another thing that happened, which my mother remembers very clearly, is that soon after I arrived in Lhasa, I said that my teeth were in a box in a certain house in the Norbulinka. When they opened the box, they found a set of dentures which had belonged to the Thirteenth Dalai Lama. I pointed to the box, and said that my teeth were in there, but right now I don't recall this at all. The new memories associated with this body are stronger. The past has become smaller, vaguer. Unless I made a specific attempt to develop such a memory, I don't recall it.

Question: Do you remember your birth or the womb state before?

Answer: At this moment, I don't remember. Also, I can't recall if at that time when I was a small child, I could remember it. However, there was one slight external sign perhaps. Children are usually born with their eyes closed. I was born with my eyes open. This may be some slight indication of a clear state of mind in the womb.

Question: Between the ages of sixteen and eighteen, after you assumed temporal power, did you change?

Answer: Yes, I changed a little bit. I underwent a lot of happiness and pain. Within that and from growing, gaining more experience, from the problems that arose and the suffering, I changed. The ultimate result is the man you see now (laughter).

Question: How about when you just entered adolescence? Many people have a difficult time defining themselves as an adult. Did this happen to you?

Answer: No. My life was very much in a routine. Two times a day I studied. Each time I studied for an hour, and then spent the rest of the time playing (laughter). Then at the age of 13, I began studying philosophy, definitions, debate. My study increased, and I also studied calligraphy. It was all in a routine though, and I got used to it. Sometimes, there were vacations. These were very comfortable and happy. Losang Samten, my immediate elder brother, was usually at school, but during these times he would come to visit. Also, my mother would come occasionally and bring special bread from our province of Amdo. Very thick and delicious. She made herself.

Question: Are there any of your predecessors in whom you have a special interest or with whom you have a particular affinity?

Answer: The Thirteenth Dalai Lama. He brought a lot of improvement to the standards of study in the monastic colleges. He gave great encouragement to the real scholars. He made it impossible for people to go up in the religious hierarchy, becoming an abbot and so forth, without being totally qualified. He was very strict in this respect. He also gave tens of thousands of monks' ordinations. There were his two main religious achievements. He didn't give many initiations, or many lectures. Now, with respect to the country, he had great thought and consideration for statecraft. The outlying districts in particular. How they should be governed and so forth. He cared very much how to run the government more efficiently. He had great concern about our borders and that type of thing.

Question: During the course of your life, what have been your greatest personal lessons or internal challenges? Which realizations and experiences have had the most effect on your growth as an individual?

Answer: Regarding religious experience, some understanding of shunya (emptiness: lack of independent self nature) some feeling, some experience and mostly bodhichitta, altruism. It has helped a lot. In some ways, you could say that it has made me into a new person, a new man. I am still progressing. Trying. It gives you inner strength, courage, and it is easier to accept situations. That's one of the greatest experiences.

Question: When you became a refugee, what helped you gain this strength? Was it the loss of your position and country, the fact of everyone suffering around you. Were you called on to lead your people in a different way than you had been accustomed to?

Answer: Being a refugee is really a desperate, dangerous situation. At that time, everyone deals with reality. It is not the time to pretend things are beautiful. That's something. You feel involved with reality. In peace time, everything goes smoothly. Even if there is a problem, people pretend that things are good. During a dangerous period, when there's a dramatic change, then there's no scope to pretend that everything is fine. You must accept that bad is bad. Now when I left the Norbulinka, there was danger. We were passing very near the Chinese military barracks. It was just on the other side of the river, the Chinese check post there. You see, we had definite information two or three weeks before I left, that the Chinese were fully prepared to attack us. It was only a question of the day and hour.

Question: About you being the incarnation of the bodhisattva of infinite compassion, Avalokiteshvara. How do you personally feel about this? Is it something you have an unequivocal view of one way or another?

Answer: It is difficult for me to say definitely. Unless I am engaged in a meditative effort, such as following my life back, breath by breath, I couldn't say exactly. We believe that there are four types of rebirth. One is the common type wherein, a being is helpless to determine his or her rebirth, but only reincarnates in dependence on the nature of past actions. The opposite is that of an entirely enlightened Buddha, who simply manifests a physical form to help others. In this case, it is clear that the person is Buddha. A third is one who, due to past spiritual attainment, can choose, or at least influence, the place and situation of rebirth. The fourth is called a blessed manifestation. In this the person is blessed beyond his normal capacity to perform helpful functions, such as teaching religion. For this last type of birth, the person's wishes in previous lives to help others must have been very strong. They obtain such empowerment. Though some seem more likely than others, I cannot definitely say which I am.

Question (follow up): From the viewpoint then of the realistic role you play as Chenrezi, how do you feel about it? Only a few people have been considered, in one way or another, divine. Is the role a burden or a delight?

Answer: It is very helpful. Through this role I can be of great benefit to people. For this reason I like it: I'm at home with it. It's clear that it is very helpful to people, and that I have the karmic relationship to be in this role. Also, it is clear that there is a karmic relationship with the Tibetan people in particular. Now you see, you may consider that under the circumstances, I am very lucky. However, behind the word luck, there are actual causes or reasons. There is the karmic force of my ability to assume this role as well as the force of my wish to do so. In regard to this, there is a statement in the great Shantideva's Engaging in the Bodhisattva Deeds which says, As long as space exists, and as long as there are migrators in cyclic existence, may I remain removing their sufferings. I have that wish in this lifetime, and I know I had that wish in past lifetimes.

Question (follow up): With such a vast goal as your motivation, how do you deal with your personal limitations, your limits as a man?

Answer: Again, as it says in Shantideva, If the blessed Buddha cannot please all sentient beings, then how could I. Even an enlightened being, with limitless knowledge and power and the wish to save all others from suffering, cannot eliminate the individual karma of each being.

Question (follow up): Is this what keeps you from being overwhelmed when you see the suffering of the six million Tibetans, who on one level, you are responsible for?

Answer: My motivation is directed towards all sentient beings. There is no question, though, that on a second level, I am directed towards helping Tibetan. If a problem is fixable, if a situation is such that you can do something about it, then there is no need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying. There is no benefit in worrying whatsoever.

Question (follow up): A lot of people say this, but few really live by it. Did you always feel this way, or did you have to learn it?

Answer: It is developed from inner practice. From a broader perspective, there will always be suffering. On one level, you are bound to meet with the effects of the unfavorable actions you yourself have previously committed in body, speech or mind. Then also, your very own nature is that of suffering. There's not just one factor figuring into my attitude, but many different ones. From the point of view of the actual entity producing the suffering, as I have said, if it is fixable, then there is no need to worry. If not, there is no benefit to worrying. From the point of view of the cause, suffering is based on past unfavorable actions accumulated by oneself and no other. These karmas are not wasted. They will bear their fruit. One will not meet with the effects of actions that one has not done oneself. Finally, from the viewpoint of the nature of suffering itself, the aggregates of the mind and body have as their actual nature, suffering. They serve as a basis for suffering. As long as you have them you are susceptible to suffering. From a deep point of view, while we don't have our independence and are living in someone else's country, we have a certain type of suffering, but when we return to Tibet and gain our independence, then there will be other types of suffering. So, this is just the way it is. You might think that I'm pessimistic, but I am not. This is how, through Buddhist teaching and advice, we handle situations. When fifty thousand people in the Shakya clan were killed one day, Shakyamuni Buddha, their clansman, didn't suffer at all. He was leaning against a tree, and he was saying, I am a little sad today because fifty thousand of my clansmen were killed. But he, himself, remained unaffected. Like that, you see (laughter). This was the cause and effect of their own karma. There was nothing he could do about it. These sorts of thoughts make me stronger; more active. It is not at all a case of losing one's strength of mind or will in the face of the pervasive nature of suffering.

 original link: http://www.dalailama.com/biography/questions--answers

The Dalai Lama Shows Faith in Youth of 21st Century

Phagwara — The spiritual leader of Tibet, His Holiness the Dalai Lama honored the 5th Convocation of Lovely Professional University as the chief guest in Punjab, On Saturday, November 14, 2015.

Recipient of a grand traditional Tibetan welcome, including performances by Tashi Shoelpa and Yak dancers, he was also presented with a Guard of Honor led by a sword wielding Sikh officer before whom he took the salute.

Responding to attendees at the press conference, he mentioned his three commitments: the promotion of basic human values and an understanding of the oneness of humanity to further human happiness; the fostering of inter-religious harmony, the preservation of Tibetan culture and the protection of Tibet's natural environment. Amongst several questions he answered one on the Paris attacks too, "Despite its many spectacular developments, the 20th century was also a period of unprecedented violence springing from the idea that problems can best be solved by force. Much of the violence of the early 21st century can be seen as spilling over from that. However, no wants to face problems. We only want to live a peaceful life, but we need to pursue a systematic programme of education, from KG to university, to bring this about. If we can do this, the 21st century could become a period of peace and dialogue."

Speaking briefly to the Tibetan and Bhutanese students, he emphasized on concentrating on "what we have in common, rather than dwelling on the secondary differences between us. As a child we do not care about status, faith, money etc., we only make friends with fellow human beings, this is what I always remind myself."

He shared his journey from labor for Tibetan affairs when he was 16 to when he relinquished political responsibility when he retired in 2011. His Holiness advised that it is not necessary to be a monk or nun to study Buddhist philosophy and encouraged them to take an interest in logic and knowledge. Furthermore, he encouraged the students to cultivate warmheartedness and live an ethical life.

His Holiness later joined the Governor of Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh, Kaptan Singh Solanki to take part in the academic procession.

During his address to the audience, His Holiness said, "we are all the same as human beings, mentally, emotionally and physically, which is why it is important that we acknowledge the oneness of humanity. We all experience pleasure and pain. We all want to lead a happy life and indeed we all have a right to do so. We have to consider that we all belong to one human family. On that basis there is no ground for enmity between us, no room for killing, bullying or exploitation. There is no ground for looking down on others, because we are all equal as human beings. If we give in to our destructive emotions we only think of ourselves. We should feel fed up with the violence and killing going on around us. If a human being is killed by an animal, it's sad, but if a human being is killed by another human being it's unthinkable. We have to make a special effort to think of each other as fellow human beings, as our brothers and sisters."

Sharing his times with text books and commending the completion of their degrees, he told the students,"I'd like to thank you for inviting me here and for bestowing on me this Honorary Doctorate, particularly as I haven't done the study to earn it, unlike your degrees that you've earned as a result of your own efforts. Of course, I have studied in my own way. I began to memorize texts at the age of 8, but I am something of a lazy student and I only studied because my teacher kept a whip to impress me with. I began to study out of fear, but as I studied more I eventually developed a genuine interest. We have this marvelous brain and it is immensely important that we learn to use it to the full.

"What we need," His Holiness declared, "is a sense of secular ethics. Secular in the sense that it is understood here in India of respect for all religious traditions and even for the views of those who have no faith."

Reinstating his faith in the carriers of baton of the 21st century, he suggested students to channelize negative emotions for constructive and well intentioned tasks. He ended by suggesting the audience to lend his words a thought and "remain warm-hearted, always".


original link and photos http://thetibetpost.com/en/news-in-focus/4798-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-shows-faith-in-youth-of-21st-century

Are Dream Catchers Proper?

In this blog I hope to convey the paranormal aspects of those who use Dream catchers.  I have been inside the homes of people who have this for what they believe help with aspects of ‘blessings and protection’ as they have conveyed to me.

According to Wikipedia the Dream catchers have long been a part of Native American religion, lore, and art, originating with the Ojibwe, or Chippewa, and the Lakota, a confederation of seven Sioux tribes.   In some Native American cultures, a dreamcatcher (or dream catcher; Lakota: iháŋbla gmunka, Ojibwe: asabikeshiinh, the inanimate form of the word for "spider" or Ojibwe: bawaajige nagwaagan meaning "dream snare") is a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web. The dreamcatcher is then decorated with sacred items such as feathers and beads from the base of the circle.

The Ojibwe people have an ancient legend about the origin of the dreamcatcher.  Storytellers speak of the Spider Woman, known as Asibikaashi; she took care of the children and the people on the land. Eventually, the Ojibwe Nation spread to the corners of North America and it became difficult for Asibikaashi to reach all the children. So the mothers and grandmothers would weave magical webs for the children, using willow hoops and sinew, or cordage made from plants.

As one might suspect, the purpose of a dream catcher is to catch dreams—that is, to trap bad or evil dreams and channel good dreams to the sleeper. Dream catchers are usually placed in a window or above the bed, allowing the good dreams to drip down the feathers onto the sleeper below.

So do you see what this says above regarding the lore?  A spider woman who took care of children, really?  Does anyone with a sense of logic even see this?  Sounds very creepy and eerie to me with nothing more than a demonic force which is behind this aspect.  Especially if those of Native American heritage know of God and HIS son the Lord Jesus Christ.  Which makes this even worse for those who would even own or put ‘faith’ into this cursed object because of the intention of ‘magical’ aspects.

Essentially, the Dream catcher is intended to manipulate the spirit world.  Really, an object to manipulate the spirit world?  Why not then just hang an Ouija board over your bed or window to ask for some ‘magical’ aspect to protect you?  What I am doing here is making light of the dangers of using something like this within your life let alone your home.

Some people believe in the efficacy of Dream Catchers while others are unsure but are superstitious enough to keep one in the bedroom.  If you are Christian you are not to have anything to do with superstitions.  Others see dream catchers as part of a cultural history or a piece of art which looks good in their home or dangling from a rear-view mirror of an automobile!  These are not art, these are very powerful pieces of demonic objects which give demonic forces the rights to be in your presence and home.

Therefore, knowing the background of what Dream Catchers are about and their talisman-like use, people who profess Christ Jesus in their lives are to have nothing to do with them.  Is such concern warranted about this object?  Let’s examine a passage found in the Bible.  In 1 Corinthians 8 we find the apostle Paul is speaking to Christians living in an extremely pagan culture ruled by superstition, magic, and sacrifices, all done in the name of various idols.  The sacrifices were a particular concern, for the meat sacrificed was then sold at market.  Some Christians felt eating sacrificed meat was endorsing the sacrifice and therefore inappropriate for a Christian; others believed that, since they were not worshiping the idol themselves, it was not wrong.

So what did the Apostle Paul’s guidance offer these people?  Here is what the guidance implies: “There may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”—yet for us there is one God. . . . However, not all possess this knowledge.  But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled” (1 Corinthians 8:5–7).

Ultimately, “food will not commend us to God.  We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do,” yet we must be careful “that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:8, 9).  Just as it was with meat associated with idolatry in the 1st century, so it is with superstitious objects that we have today like a ‘Dream Catcher’.

The Christian needs to understand that false gods are nothing and that a Dream Catcher has no power in itself. Therefore the believer in Christ Jesus could easily see a Dream Catcher as nothing more than a craft or a cultural expression of ancestry.  However, before one buys a Dream Catcher and hangs it in the window, one should consider other people’s reactions to such an object.  The question becomes – “will others see it as a charm to manipulate the spirit world?”  Will someone assume the one in possession of a Dream Catcher approves of Indian religions (of pagan origins) but yet professes Christ Jesus as the Savior?

Keeping a dream catcher is a matter of conscience or free will.  Therefore as long as it is not used as a good luck charm, it might be innocent enough to some. However, consideration must be given to the very origins relating to a ‘Spider Woman’ protecting infants and young children.  To me that sounds like nothing more than Witchcraft dressed up to appear righteous.

Therefore if you are a person who has one of these objects within their home or life you just might want to reconsider. "The Dream Catchers" are often associated with the New Age movement, which is very un-Christian like.  If one truly holds to the mythology associated with Dream Catchers, I believe it very unwise to have one.

In a nutshell, one is assigning God-like power to an object. Therefore putting a created object ahead of God Almighty who created all, therefore is a sin (Rom 1:25). In essence, it is making that object an idol and can apply to all sorts of objects such as: amulets, tarot cards, crystals, horoscopes, ouija boards, a talisman, etc...

While many of you may scoff at this, I believe these things can and will open a door to evil spirits. Many Christians have reported this happening over the years.  Regarding Dream Catchers specifically, one can read testimonies from some Christians who have hung these things in their bedrooms or in other areas of their homes and had terrible nightmares as a result of this action.  Those who actually believe in the power of Dream Catchers believe they can ‘manipulate the spirit world’ and stop ‘negative energy.’  Don't you think it might be dangerous to associate with things found in the "spirit realm?"

Rev. Brad Luoma, A.A.E. Exorcist and Deliverance Minister

The Dangers About Ghost Hunting Tools Connected To Demons?

What is a Demon? A demon, daemon or fiend, is a supernatural, often malevolent being prevalent in religion, occultism, literature, fiction, mythology and folklore. The original Greek word daimon does not carry the negative connotation initially understood by implementation of the Koine δαιμόνιον (daimonion),[1] and later ascribed to any cognate words sharing the root.

Demons are “angels that sinned,” spirit creatures who rebelled against God. (2 Peter 2:4) The first angel to make himself into a demon was Satan the Devil, whom the Bible calls “the ruler of the demons.” Matthew 12:24, 26.

A Few Examples Of The Type Of Attacks

Emotions. Exaggerated emotional states: fear, anxiety, anger, panic, shame, rejection, grief that is over-extended or out of proportion, hopelessness, helplessness.
                   
The Mind. Tormenting thoughts of suicide, self-mutilation thoughts, confusion, forgetfulness, blocked memory, self hate, feelings of worthlessness and thoughts of being unloved and thoughts that God won't ever forgive you and he doesn't love you.

This is just my humble opinion on the subject of EVP's. I've witnessed serious consequences from someone having a unhealthy obsession and doing those a lot. I pray before each one I have to do for a case or investigation however, that is the only time I resort to EVP's.  I'm aware this subject has been discussed and many feel they are harmless. Maybe these cases I speak of just had bad luck but it's no different than attempting communication via ouija board or automatic writing. Just because you left a location with nothing going wrong doesn't mean all is well. Demons are very patient and I can assure you they will make themselves known at the worst possible time in your life. This is pure evil, why would anyone risk this? I had a case where said person was constantly doing these. She lost her friends and some family as she only seemed to care about was doing EVP's. At that point she could not be helped. She refused to stop doing them at any cost. Everything is not a demon afoot. That's giving them way too much credit. Being paranoid like that isn't healthy but just being aware can not hurt.

A demon is believed to be a force that can be conjured and controlled. They are also believed to have the ability to possess or inhabit the body of humans and the only way to rid the person of them is to conduct deliverance and/or Exorcism. Demons are portrayed differently in different cultures. Some believe demons to be actual physical beings that can take the form of anything, including animals. Others consider the real demons as more of a spiritual force of evil battling for one's soul. They  have been feared and written about in almost every culture in one form or another for as long as history has been recorded.

Demonic possession is a common belief involving demons using these ghost boxes that sweep through frequencies of channels and white noise. All of that stuff is new and used you taking a chance. Possession involves the act of a demon inhabiting the body of a mortal, living thing. Because Demons are believed by many to be fallen angels and the opposite of all that is good, a priest is usually called upon to perform the ceremony. Skeptics have blamed pre existing mental conditions for reported cases of possession, as opposed to demonic influence. Some cases have baffled everyone. People who are said to be possessed have been reported speaking in foreign languages that they had never even been exposed to. They often become very ill while their faces and bodies will sometimes appear to change. Possessed individuals have been known to speak in reverse dialog and injure themselves and or others.

Ouija Boards and EVP's create the same danger in my humble opinion. I have witnessed awful consequences people have to bare from playing around with these. In my opinion they are nothing more than portals to the demonic. Christ warns us about this.."Beware Of The Familiar Spirit." Our friends and loved ones are mimicked by demonic entities in a effort to trick us into offering help or becoming highly involved in keeping the communication going. This eventually allows them legal ground into our life.

It's something to be aware of I wanted to put out there. Not everything is a demon. I realize many go way too far with this. That alone could possibly put  you on their radar like the law of attraction as they say. We just need to be very careful what we get involved with and call spirit guides. Be safe.

Written Jennifer L Auld