Long Life Offering for the Dalai Lama

Tashi Lhunpo, Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, 1 January 2016 - Today’s White Tara Longevity Empowerment and Offering of Requests to His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Live Long took place inside the new Tashi Lhunpo Assembly Hall. Once he had completed necessary preparations, as prayers were recited, His Holiness addressed the congregation of Abbots, former Abbots, Tulkus, monks, nuns and lay-people.

“I’ve been teaching almost continuously since arriving at Gyumey Tantric College three and a half weeks ago. Today, as a way of dedicating the merit we’ll conduct a White Tara Longevity Empowerment. I gather 700 students from local schools have joined us today, I wish you a Happy New Year. Young students like these are very important because they belong to the generation of the 21st century. I and my colleagues belong to the 20th century. Our time has passed and our lives are nearly over. The 21st century generation on the other hand are just at the beginning. They have a realistic opportunity to change the world.

“We all want happiness and to avoid suffering, and within ourselves that involves a greater sense of love and compassion. As far as the external world is concerned it will entail taking serious steps to preserve the environment and adapt to climate change. These days scientists are increasingly finding evidence that cultivating love and compassion has a positive effect on our physical health and general well-being. Humanity is made up of individuals and we will only achieve a happier more peaceful society if those individuals are happier and more peaceful within themselves.

“I am optimistic about this. I believe that human nature is fundamentally positive and again scientists are finding evidence to support this. Experiments with infants, who are too young to talk, and so have limited conceptual thinking, show that they respond favourably to illustrations of people helping each other. They show clear adverse responses to illustrations of people harming or obstructing each other. What’s more, scientists have shown that constant fear and anger has a damaging effect on our immune systems.

“We may conclude that human nature is essentially compassionate. Love and affection are essential because we all depend on others to survive. Therefore affection is part of our basic nature. If it was otherwise and it was our nature to be angry and hateful, there’d be little we could do, but because it is our nature to be affectionate and compassionate it’s possible for us to think of enhancing these natural qualities through education and training.

“By and large, modern education systems are inadequate because they are focused on material development and pay insufficient attention to inner development, to training in basic human values. However, projects are underway in the USA and Canada, in Europe and also here in India to design curriculums that will incorporate secular ethics into standard education. Steps need to be taken now to implement such changes. If we can inculcate and nurture basic human values in those who are young today, I believe that by the end of the century we will have created a happier more peaceful world.

“Students, work hard, study well and make the most of your opportunities,” His Holiness advised.

Turning his attention to Tibetan culture His Holiness remarked that Indian Buddhist literature was translated into Tibetan more than a thousand years ago. As a result, today, Tibetan remains the language best suited to accurately expressing and explaining the Nalanda tradition. He described this as something to be proud of, something which provides access to knowledge that Tibetans can contribute to the whole of humanity. Inner peace is based on compassion, cultivation of which is thoroughly explained in Buddhist science. Meanwhile, many among Tibet’s Asian neighbours, such as China where there are 100s of millions of Buddhists, are showing growing interest in the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

“The Buddhist tradition may be more than 2500 years old, but instructions such as how to deal with disturbing emotions not only remain relevant today, but are something everyone can benefit from, without needing to be a Buddhist. It is important to remember that all human beings are fundamentally the same. We are all brothers and sisters belonging to one human family. We are born the same way and we die the same way. And yet instead of appreciating what we have in common, we tend to stress those differences between us, such as faith, nationality, whether we are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, which are of secondary importance. We see each other in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, which in terms of the interdependent world in which we live is not only unrealistic, it’s out of date.

“If, we adopt a more affectionate, appreciative and concerned attitude towards each other, our lives will become more meaningful. If we can contribute to the happiness and prosperity of the whole world, it will be worth leading a long life.

“Of course, there are simple physical factors that can contribute to longer life. One is basic hygiene. Another is that while you have good hospital facilities, you don't have enough qualified medical staff working in them. This is like the schools that need more qualified and dedicated teachers.

“You need to keep up your health. Take proper advice about diet and the importance of nutritious food. Eat less white rice. Take more exercise. Do circumambulations as you say your prayers. It saddens me to see knowledgeable students and teachers in poor health. Receiving blessings and performing rituals won’t solve this; you need to adopt more practical steps. Taking urgent care of your health is the most important aspect of ensuring you live a long life. Of course, as I’ve already said, inner peace and less stress have a beneficial effect on your physical well-being too.”

Returning again to the topic of education, His Holiness discussed whether it would not be better to refer to a teacher with Buddhist training as a philosophy teacher rather than as a religious or spiritual teacher. He cited the quotation he often repeats about the Buddha’s not washing misdeeds away with water, but revealing the path to liberation. A philosophy teacher should be able to explain the Two Truths, the Four Noble Truths and what the Three Jewels are. He or she should be able to explain what the Buddha represents and what he taught.

Before beginning to give the White Tara empowerment, His Holiness set the context.

“Here we are in Tashi Lhunpo founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama. He had a special connection to White Tara and I feel especially fortunate to be able to give this empowerment today.”

When the empowerment was complete, the Chant Master began the Offering of Requests to His Holiness to Live Long based on the Lama Chöpa (Guru Puja). Ling Rinpoche, patron of the Jangchub LamRim teachings, recited the eulogy and requests during the main mandala offering. He recalled the kindness of Dromtönpa, Gendun Drup and all the Dalai Lamas, including His Holiness, to Tibetans. Whole series of offerings were made in connection with the request to His Holiness to live very long. They included a full set of monk’s robes, an alms bowl and a monk’s staff. There were also elaborate sets of the Seven Emblems of Royalty and the Eight Auspicious Symbols.

At one point the clear voices of children could be heard singing a praise to His Holiness outside. Representatives of five Tibetan settlements in South India offered their own prayers to His Holiness to live long. Monks recited the story of the incarnations of Avalokiteshvara and the Long Life Prayer composed by His Holiness’s two tutors. The final mandala offering was made by the Tashi Lhunpo Abbot and Zopa Rinpoche.

The grand rituals over, guests and dignitaries joined His Holiness for lunch. Tomorrow morning he is due to leave Bylakuppe and drive to Bangalore.

original link and photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/1361-longevity-empowerment-long-life-offering

Choosing Not To Believe In Demons Won't Protect You

Hello everyone and happy New Year! 2016! I can hardly believe it. Why is it when we are young time goes by so slow we can't wait until we are old enough to drive and 3 years seems like a eternity. We can't wait till were old enough to get into places that are older siblings go to but yet when were older it seems like our birthdays and the years go by faster and faster!

Now to the subject at hand..... I know that lately a lot of what I've written seems to surround the subject but unfortunately I have been flooded with emails regarding oppression, possible possession and demonic influence. I am informed that these events started to take place when these teenagers, children and adults felt like they wanted to prove that there is no such thing as demons and the devil do not exist. So there is nothing to fear and people who have a healthy fear and respect for all religions with dark entities are foolish due to the fact that evil does not exist. So, just for kicks and giggles "let's do this and really see what happens to prove people wrong". Well guess what that summoning spell did work. Just because nothing happens at that time, doesn't mean at a later date you will not suffer the consequences.

Ever since that movie "Ouija" (as if we didn't have enough people using them) it has stirred  quit a interest in many more people to purchase one "just to tempt evil and taunt demons to prove they don't exist." And all you have to do is go on YouTube and there are a ton of videos of people playing with the spirit board and a lot of them show someone getting possessed. Whether they are faking it or not. But even if you're faking it, it's the law of attraction. You are now on their radar because you have accused Satan and his minions of harming you. So many will claim being oppressed or possessed just for attention due to insecurity. I've seen it time and time again. Just for attention. Time being wasted when it could of been helping someone in valid distress. Well congratulations your attention seeking or trying to play a trick has now gotten you into a very bad position.

Ouija Boards create 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.

Demons and devils are very intelligent, and very cunning, and very patient. They lie and manipulate better than the best lawyers and politicians. And they will subtly influence someone for decades if they have to, to get a specific result. They have no boundaries of what they will not do to further their own ends. They kill people, they cause severely debilitating illness. They tear families apart, they take all that is good and pure and drag it through the dirt and blood until there is nothing left. They are never to be taken lightly or as a joke. It is not adventurous or romantic or 'cool' to be as hunter. It is dangerous. Not just physically, but spiritually. Whatever they can do to you physically will end, because life is short. But spiritually... the soul is immortal...

Familiar spirits operate under their master, Satan. They influence people to create hate and hurt. Basically raise hell and torment us relentlessly. They spew lies and make a person believe such horrible things of others and ourselves. To knowingly open oneself to the work of demons is an evil act: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in a fire, who practices divination or sorcery." To knowingly open yourself up to these demons and their tasks is considered a sin. They are very evil spirits. They are very convincing to make you believe it's a passed loved one making contact. Test the spirit each time. Ask if he/it believes Jesus Christ is the son of man and does it worship Christ. You'll know real quick then if it's real and not eyes playing tricks on you or a person seeking attention.

I found the following paragraph of information I obtained at deeptruths.com :Fear is today's No.1 killer! Believe it or not, fear causes more sickness and more mental illness and more premature deaths than anything else on Earth! Doctors have discovered that heart muscle is actually DESTROYED when people are subject to great fear. Dr. Marilyn Cebelin, writing in the General Practitioner's newspaper, "Pulse," says the hormone, adrenaline, literally DESTROYS heart muscles when people are subjected to intense stress and fear. Canadian medical circles also report that WORRY increases chances of infectious disease, in that it weakens the body's ability to fight off germs. A recent study of cases of streptococcal infection, according to Dr. Robert Haggerty, revealed that one out of four cases of such infections occurred after prolonged trauma and anxiety. Heart trouble, high blood pressure, arthritis and stomach ulcers are all basically caused by worry, tension, stress and fear!

Do not be afraid or fear the devil or his demons.

MATTHEW 28:18-19 NKJ
18 Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

PHILIPPIANS 2:10 NKJ
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

Notice that it is at the Name of Jesus, not just to the person of Jesus, that every knee will bow. As true believers in Jesus Christ, we are members of His body, and joint-heirs in His authority.

LUKE 10:19 NKJ
19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

We have authority, which if used, will insure that nothing shall by any means hurt us. The choice and responsibility is ours.

Written By Jennifer L. Auld

Dalai Lama & Long Life Offering at Sera Lachi

Bylakuppe, Karnataka, India, 18 December 2015 - The rumble of long horns early this morning heralded the concluding event of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s stay at Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe; a Long Life Offering. It was conducted according to Sutrayana prayers, the Prayer to the Sixteen Arhats, Long Life Prayers to Amitayus, and dedication from the Samantabhadra prayer.

When the prayers were over, His Holiness announced that the Abbots of Sera Mey and Sera Jey Monasteries had requested him to give a teaching, which he had agreed to do.

“We are at a crucial juncture in our history,” he said, “but the spirit and courage of the people in Tibet is unwavering. Most of the monks who first came into exile initially stayed at Missamari. Some of them went to build roads in Chamba, where they had to wear lay clothes. Eventually we moved down here to create settlements, which meant cutting and burning trees and clearing the land. Once the settlements had been established, monks from Buxa and elsewhere were shifted here too. Many of them had faced much hardship by the time they reached here.

“Today, I’m going to Tashi Lhunpo, where I will inaugurate their new prayer hall and I’ll complete the transmission of the Collected Stages of the Path Texts that I started two years ago. It’s important to keep our spiritual bonds. How do we do that? By studying and putting the teachings into practice. This is the only way to preserve them. We study the Three baskets and engage in the Three Trainings, When we say in our prayers, ‘May the Dharma flourish’, we should mean ‘May it flourish in me'.

“So far we’ve preserved the Dharma well, but we need to be alert to any faults that may have crept in. I’d like to ask the senior Lamas and officials, including the Ganden Tri Rinpoche to get together and discuss what improvements we may need to make.

“Now I’m going to read ‘Destiny Fulfilled’, in which Je Tsongkhapa describes how he studied, practised and dedicated the resultant merit. This included memorizing the text, receiving a word by word explanation and exercising what he’d understood on the debate yard. This was the approach of the masters and students of Nalanda. The more they learned the more their minds were subdued. Je Rinpoche says don’t be studious with only a rough understanding. Bodhisattvas enter into the path in order to be of service to others. In India there were the writings of many different masters. In Tibet we have several different traditions. We should make ourselves familiar with them.

“A long time ago there was a very good monk from Kinnaur who came to request a teaching from me that I couldn’t give him because I hadn’t received it. I told him to approach Khunu Lama Rinpoche. I was sorry that I had been unable to fulfil his wish. The Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in 25,000 Lines says Bodhisattvas should be familiar with all the teachings in order to be able to give them to others. Around the same time I received Khunu Lama Rinpoche’s ‘Praise of Bodhichitta’ from him, as well as ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’, I also wanted to receive Guhyagarbha from him. As was my custom I asked my Abbot, Ling Rinpoche about it and he suggested that I be cautious, apprehensive about what Dolgyal might do. So, finding that my religious freedom was restricted, I missed the opportunity.

“Later, I performed a dough ball divination before the Jowo Wati Sangpo statue that indicated that I should receive the teaching. Ling Rinpoche said since you are the Dalai Lama, here to serve the Tibetan people, no one should criticise what you choose to do. And from that time on I gained religious freedom. Propitiating Dolgyal is to just pray to a mundane spirit. There is a risk of it detracting from the practice of the Dharma.”

His Holiness said he was going to read from ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ which, as an account of Je Rinpoche’s training and education, shows how he conducted his life. This is exemplified by the fourth verse:

In the beginning, I sought much learning.
In the middle, all teachings dawned on me as spiritual exhortation.
In the end, I practised day and night.
I dedicated all this virtue for the dharma to flourish.
Thinking this over, how well my destiny is fulfilled!
Thank you very much, Noble Lord Wisdom Treasure!

At the end His Holiness said:

“Now I’m in my 81st year. We’ve set up these settlements and secured the preservation of the Dharma, however, at some point senior people like the Ganden Tri Rinpoche and me will be gone, but when that happens there will be younger Lamas like Ling Rinpoche to rely on.”

When the prayers and teachings were complete, Geshe Lobsang Monlam came up to the throne and His Holiness released a new Tibetan dictionary he has produced. He was effusive in his praise:

“I’d like to thank you for this unprecedented project. You have achieved this without the benefit of modern education. I rejoice in your effort, it will further the development of the Tibetan Language and benefit the Tibetan people.”

After lunch, as His Holiness set out to drive the short distance to Tashi Lhunpo, the streets around Sera Monastery were lined with people waiting to see him off. The road was newly surfaced all the way to the new temple. On arrival, as he climbed out of his car, His Holiness stopped to watch the Tashi Shölpa dancers who were singing and dancing to welcome him. He walked gradually up to the temple door, greeting and teasing old friends on the way. He cut the ribbon, pushed open the doors and recited prayers to initiate the inauguration. Up at the altar he paid his respects before the brightly gilded statues and lit the lamp. Visiting the Gönkhang he saluted Dökham Dagmo.

His Holiness sat on a throne before the throne as tea and sweet rice were served and a praise to Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, was recited. He said that Je Rinpoche had predicted that Gendun Drup, who studied with him, would do great things. One of his achievements was the founding of Tashi Lhunpo, which, he said, was named by Dökham Dagmo, an aspect of Palden Lhamo. These recollections brought tears to His Holiness’s eyes and he remarked that just as he feels a strong karmic link to Dromtönpa, he also has a deep fondness for Tashi Lhunpo.

Tomorrow, the new assembly hall will be formally inaugurated and His Holiness will teach Dharmakirti’s ‘Commentary of Valid Perception’.

Original link + photos http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1348-long-life-offering-at-sera-lachi-and-arrival-at-tashi-lhunpo

Just Who is Santa Claus?

This has been on my mind for several days now and today was brought to 'head' so to speak. So briefly I shall discuss something today in this blog with which will help you the reader to understand and to determine whether you want to celebrate the aspects of what we call ‘Santa Claus”.  As we know when we were children it brings thoughts of good memories and I would be safe to say this too would be many of you as well.  The very thought of receiving presents underneath a ‘tree’ all decorated.

Well what many of you do not know is this.  According to the legend, Santa began as a fourth century Catholic bishop named Saint Nicholas. The cult of St. Nicholas was one of history’s most widespread religious movements. According to St. Nicholas historian, Charles W. Jones, ". . . the cult of St. Nicholas was, before the Reformation, the most intensive of any nonbiblical saint in Christendom. . . there were 2,137 ecclesiastical dedications [churches] to Nicholas in France, Germany, and the Low Countries alone before the year 1500." (Jones, Charles. W. "Knickerbocker Santa Claus." The New-York Historical Society Quarterly, October 1954, Volume XXXVIII Number Four, p.357)

Miraculous folklore and legend surround the mysterious St. Nicholas. Among the more popular legends of St. Nicholas is the rescue of three poverty-stricken girls destined for prostitution. These girls were poor and did not have the dowry for marriage. St. Nicholas saved them from a life of shame, by providing marriage dowries of gold. They then were able to get properly married.  Now that sounds very proper for a man of God to do.

Another amazing miracle in the life of St. Nicholas is the three young boys who were sadistically murdered by a wicked innkeeper. Their bodies were chopped up and preserved in pickle barrels, with the cannibalistic intent of feeding their flesh to unsuspecting house guests. Of course, the amazing St. Nicholas resurrected the boys and their mutilated bodies. And like Santa, Saint Nicholas gave gifts to poor children, hence, his veneration as Patron Saint of Children. During the Middle Ages, hundreds of plays and paintings told and re-told the amazing feats of St. Nicholas.  To me this implies that St. Nicholas as much power as Christ Jesus!  To me this seems highly ‘Satanic’ in nature.

The mysterious St. Nicholas.

The first major problem in the Santa Claus saga is the person of St. Nicholas. There is very little evidence, if any, that the man St. Nicholas actually existed.

A. Nicholas' existence is not attested by any historical document, so nothing certain is known of his life except that he was probably bishop of Myra in the fourth century. ("Nicholas, Saint" Encyclopedia Britannica 99)

B. Nicholas, Saint (lived 4th century), Christian prelate, patron saint of Russia, traditionally associated with Christmas celebrations. The accounts of his life are confused and historically unconfirmed ("Nicholas, Saint" Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99).

C. Unfortunately, very little is known about the real St. Nicholas. Countless legends have grown up around this very popular saint, but very little historical evidence is available. (Del Re, Gerard and Patricia. The Christmas Almanack. New York: Random House, 2004, p. 130).

In 1969, the final nail in the coffin to the feeble fable of St. Nicholas was officially hammered down. Despite the fact, St. Nicholas is among Roman Catholicism’s most popular and venerated "Saints," Pope Paul VI officially decreed the feast of Saint Nicholas removed from the Roman Catholic calendar. UPI Wire Services reported that St. Nicholas and forty other saints were deleted because "of doubt that they ever existed." ("Pope Marches 40 Saints Off Official Church Calendar."UPI Wire Services. )

Therefore, who then would be masquerading as ‘Santa Claus’?  Well in examination of falseness within the world and knowing Satan oversee's every false aspect of this world then just who is this Santa Claus, or just who is the evil character behind this?  Well briefly without going in so deep into this controversy I have been able to surmise it is one to (2) False Gods.

1. Case study - The first study for a false god portraying the 'Santa Claus theme' is known as Odin/Wodan. Now Odin/Wodan rode a horse of 8 legs which we now take today as 8 reindeer. Odin/Wodan was the Norse god of runes, magic, wisdom, occult knowledge, war and poetry. Odin/Wodan had a white beard long and his name refers to 'the inspired one'. He was characterized as old, tall and he carried a long spear also known as a crosier. Realize in modern times we added "Rudolph" later. Around the late 1400's to 1500's his name was changed to 'Sinterklaas'. Now Odin/Wodan also had helpers and they were called 'black jack's who would leave gifts for people Odin/Wodan liked under his 'element' or preferred place which he liked, that being a Fir Tree. In the 1700's Sinterklaas was portrayed as a wise old man, white beard, red cloak, crosier flying the skies. Now if you had been bad then his ‘black jacks’ would beat you.

2. Case study - The second study for a false god portraying the 'Santa Claus' theme is known as Thor. Now a very convincing case can be made that this might just be the character. Thor was the god of the peasants and the common people. Thor was represented as an elderly man, jovial and friendly, of heavy build, with a long white beard too. However, Thor's element was the fire, his color red. The rumble and roar of thunder were said to be caused by the rolling of his chariot, for he alone among the gods never rode on horseback but drove in a chariot drawn by two white goats (called Cracker and Gnasher). Thor was fighting the giants of ice and snow, and thus became the Yule-god. He was said to live in the "Northland" where he had his palace among icebergs. By the pagan forefathers, Thor was considered as the cheerful and friendly god, never harming the humans but rather helping and protecting them. The fireplace in every home was especially sacred to him, and he was said to come down through the chimney into his element, the fire. (Guerber, H.A. Myths of Northern Lands. New York: American Book Company, 1895, p. 61).  The unusual and common characteristics of Santa and Thor are too close to ignore.

So which ever one of these false gods is linked to the 'Santa Claus' theme as we now understand, one can see that it is not of the Lord God Almighty. Remember Satan is a master of disguise for Satan can make it appear so innocent, good and pleasant but yet it is so deadly.

Blessings and hopefully this has made you think more about reviewing being proper with the Lord God Almighty especially when it comes to Christmas and knowing it represents falseness and stems from Satanic aspects.

Rev. Bradley Luoma

Let's Start Having A Healthy Obsession With Angels: A Little Angelology

I'm wanting to discuss the unhealthy obsession with the demonic side of the field that is taking over the movies, tv's and in some cases peoples lives. It's almost being shoved down our throat to a certain extent. Watching these types of movies and TV shows/documentaries for entertainment here is okay. And even for educational purposes is fine, but someone who are not mentally healthy or someone who happens to become a little too interested in it can really open themselves up. I'm sure many disagree and that is fine, it's my humble opinion that it can open one up inadvertently.

We need to put the focus on the Lord's Angels! Who are 100 times more powerful than any demon or devil, I can tell you that right now. Why not put the word out on these good angels and not just fallen angels? There is so much comfort and solace there, no fear.

Angels bring assistance in time of need

The LORD, the God of heaven, brought me from the home of my father and from the land of my relatives, and he solemnly promised me that he would give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel before you, so that you can get a wife there for my son. (Gen 24:7)

He answered, 'The LORD, whom I have always obeyed, will send his angel with you and give you success. You will get for my son a wife from my own people, from my father's family.
(Gen 24:40)

Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you to the place which I have prepared.

Angels fight against God's enemies

That night an angel of the LORD went to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 soldiers. At dawn the next day there they lay, all dead!

The LORD sent an angel that killed the soldiers and officers of the Assyrian army. So the emperor went back to Assyria disgraced. One day when he was in the temple of his god, some of his sons killed him with their swords. (2Ch 32:21)

An angel of the LORD went to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 soldiers. At dawn the next day there they lay, all dead! (Isa 37:36)

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, who fought back with his angels; (Rev 12:7)

For My Angel shall go before you and bring you in to the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
(Exo 23:23)

Angels provide Protection

His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. (Psa 34:7 GNB)

God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes. God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD. (Psa 91:11-14 GNB)

Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently
give Me more than twelve legions of angels? (Mat 26:53 MKJV)

[Note: A legion is seven-thousand]

Angels bring Comfort and Strength

Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. "It's too much, LORD," he prayed. "Take away my life; I might as well be dead!" He lay down under the tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, "Wake up and eat." He looked around and saw a loaf of bread and a jar of water near his head. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The LORD's angel returned and woke him up a second time, saying, "Get up and eat, or the trip will be too much for you." Elijah got up, ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to walk forty days to Sinai, the holy mountain. (1Ki 19:4-8 GNB)

Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. (Mat 4:11)

Then again one like a man in form came and touched me, and he made me stronger and said, O man greatly beloved, do not fear. Peace to you; be strong; yes, be strong. And when he had spoken to me, I was made stronger, and I said, Speak my lord, for you have made me stronger. (Dan 10:18-19)

We are not to worship angels

We are to honor them but not worship them. Only God is to be worshipped. I feel the same about the Virgin Mary. Too many claim to be guided by "spirit guides". Are they really sure? How do they know they are not being deceived by a demonic spirit? They are taking a big chance when they don't have much experience in this.

Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking. (Col 2:18 )

"I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!"

We must have a personal relationship with Christ and have The Holy Spirit within us at all times. In today's times so many are hurting. I hate to say it but many of you wouldn't know it if some of your closet friends and family were hurting as some hide it so very well. The fear of judgement and many other things keep many from reaching out. So it's easy to turn to the wrong place for help. Many are seeking someone who cares, seems genuine. It's easy to turn to the wrong people or cult. Let's show more love and NON JUDGEMENT and be examples of children of Christ.

Written By Jennifer L Auld


Sent from my iPad

Musings On How Superman Defeated the KKK (really!), and Discerning if your Call Really is from God

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

I am a Southern man and proud of it. However, the KKK is not something I am proud of. The blatant racism and violent means of expressing it, is contrary to God’s revealed will from Genesis to Revelation.

In the 1920’s the KKK was 5 million strong, but over time its influence began to wane. Post WWII there was a concerted effort to resurrect it to its former glory….which included thousands of lynchings. However, in the midst of this membership drive, secrecy was of utmost importance because its influence reached far and wide amongst Atlanta politics and police.

In 1946 a writer named Stetson Kennedy felt called or compelled to do all he could to expose its true, racist, cruel nature and corrupt leadership. He wanted to expose its rituals and the motives of the leaders to mainstream America. But he faced a daunting challenge: to accomplish his mission Kennedy needed to get close…really close.

So, he waged a one-man war by infiltrating the ranks of the KKK to learn about it from the inside out, and then write about it. It was a dangerous mission for various reasons…one of which is that in Atlanta many of the police and politicians were supportive of the KKK. He was risking his life, especially if he was discovered.

Kennedy observed all the ins and outs of the organization but felt impotent to do much by himself. So, he got an inspiration from one of the most popular radio shows of the time…Superman!

The writers of this show had already used the caped crusader to fight against the evil Nazis and other foes. When Kennedy communicated his vision to the leaders of this show they realized they were at a watershed moment. The KKK was not only bigoted but un-patriotic. America had changed as a result of WWII and it was impossible for the KKK to robe itself in Americanism anymore.

The show agreed with Kennedy’s vision and began a lengthy series of how the caped crusader saved minorities… who were being bullied, beaten, and murdered by people outfitted in robes and hiding behind masks. It touched the heartstrings of millions of Americans and was hugely successful.

The antiquated hand-shakes were mocked as well as other childish gestures they had used. The result was phenomenal! Millions of people heard this show week by week and Superman actually helped shape the fabric of America. Here you have an American hero heralding civil rights well before the Civil Rights movement….all because of one man following his calling to fight injustice.

The hate and hypocrisy was exposed as well as the greed of the corrupt leadership. As a result, membership plummeted and the average persons’ view of the KKK was altered. The courage and dogged determination of one man’s calling to stamp out the KKK by exposing it was largely successful thanks to the Superman radio show.

To me, that story is inspirational because it shows that any person can have an impact on changing their sphere of influence, if they are courageous and steadfast. However, according to the Word of God, what Kennedy did was in line with God’s passion for justice, especially for the marginalized in society. It also showed how much pop culture (radio) affected the formation of people’s worldviews. Our love for God should affect our emotions—we must not merely agree with God that certain things are right or wrong—but we must viscerally embrace the good and hate with a passion that which God hates….while displaying the love of Christ to those caught up in sin.

Many Christians avoid reading the Old Testament, but it (especially the prophets) reveals the deep emotions of our God against injustice.

But what concerns me is that not a few people—including many Christians-- are claiming that God has called them to ministries which are questionable at best, and absolutely repugnant to God, at worst…like the KKK. One of the causes of this misplaced sense of call is due to an ignorance of the bible, especially the Old Testament. This was the case with many folks who were involved in the KKK. Some may ask how any body who professed Christ could have joined a group whose values were so opposed to the bible? Mis-interpretation of Scripture was one cause, as well as a longing to be part of a movement bigger than themselves….to give their life some meaning.

I have no idea what Kennedy’s religious commitments were, but his fight was a just one because it was consistent with biblical values..

Stetson Kennedy via Superman took on a calling that was pleasing to God because God makes it crystal clear that we are to do all we can to fight against injustice….man’s inhumanity against man. May we also devote ourselves to living a life worthy of our calling.

Part Two [January 8, 2016] will be one of my most difficult and controversial blogs to date. I will take this information and apply it to paranormal investigators, many of whom I care for deeply. Yet, with a few wonderful exceptions, I have found them to be very resistant to self-examination as to whether their calling is truly from God. Please pray….

Read part 2 here: An Appeal to Christian Paranormal Investigators

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.

Dalai Lama Teaches the Eight Great Tantric Commentaries

Hunsur, Karnataka, India, 12 December 2015 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama took his seat this morning and looking out into the temple and beyond saw monks distributing copies of the text he was to teach. They were in small traditional woodblock format and wrapped in yellow cloth. He intervened to announce that the ‘Eight Great Tantric Commentaries of Gyumey’ were not for everyone.

“It’s a sealed and restricted text that can only be seen by someone who does the practice of Vajrabhairava or Guhyasamaja. Only someone who can keep the commitments should take a copy. If those of you who have taken it are determined to do the practice, you’re welcome, but only a few hundred have been printed. In Gyutö too I taught the 'Seven Chapters of Vajrabhairava' which was similarly restricted and I said then please only take it if you’ll do the practice.

“Sakya Dagtri is here with us today to listen to this teaching, so he will become not only a holder of the ‘Path and Fruit’ tradition but also of Se-gyu. At the end his work on Guhyasamaja, at the end to the Guhyasamaja Prayer Je Tsongkhapa says: ‘This is a means to lead you to enlightenment in one lifetime.’”

His Holiness explained that the eight texts deal mostly with completion stage practices related to the various tantric traditions upheld at Gyumey Monastery, which are based upon the Guhyasamaja system. He said that Kalachakra has its own system and the Ka-gye of the Nyingmas has its own system. Dzogchen too distinguishes between the unenlightened mind and pristine awareness.

“In Tibet, Gyumey Monastery had a custom of 32 monks doing a strict sealed Guhyasamaja retreat at Chumiglung. I don’t know if they would really meditate on Guhyasamaja, but the abbot would teach these texts. Even if someone died they wouldn’t open it up; the doors were sealed. When Jamyang Shyepa Ngawang Tsöndrü was in such a retreat at Chumiglung he also managed to meditate on the 173 aspects of the three types of knowledge.

“I’ve suggested to Sera, Drepung and Ganden Monasteries that they should have retreat places too. As the Arhat Sagara said: “Through meditation extract the essence of this life. Don’t be content merely with wearing a monk’s robes. Meditate on the Dharma. Extract the essence by study, concentration and practice.”

“Je Rinpoche made his life meaningful without engaging in the eight worldly concerns. He turned down the Chinese Emperor’s invitation, which others might have happily gone along with.

“If we can set up retreat centres with appropriate facilities, we should. As Jamyang Shyepa did, we should also try to meditate on the 173 aspects of the three types of knowledge. It’s not enough just to spend the time saying mantras. Gyumey Tantric College has a plan to introduce a study curriculum based on texts by the previous Dalai Lamas. They brought the books to me and the one I picked out to look at was a commentary to the ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’ by the 5th Dalai Lama. Preserving and studying the works of the Dalai Lamas is a tradition that used to be kept by Deyang Monastery.”

Before beginning to read the texts, His Holiness said that he had received these Eight Commentaries from Ling Rinpoche and that most of them are to do with completion stage practices. In calm and steady tones His Holiness read until lunch and resumed when everyone reassembled afterwards, completing his reading of the final text on Kalachakra by mid-afternoon. Noting that there is also a thorough explanation of Kalachakra in Khedrup-je’s Collected Works he was reminded that during the preparatory rites yesterday he had looked up at the altar and reflected that where there are statues of Je Rinpoche above the Buddha, there should be copies of the Kangyur and Tengyur.

“Not so long ago I was invited to consecrate a colossal statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Tsopema. If you look back at history, Guru Padmasambhava was immensely important in bringing Buddhism to Tibet. He made great prayers for the Tibetan people. I recognise his kindness, but I said this statue of him would last long into the future, but it will never speak. Similarly, we pay great respect to the statue of Buddha in Bodhgaya, but it too will never speak.

“I firmly believe that if Je Tsongkhapa were to appear and we were to ask him questions he would say, 'The answers are already recorded in the 18 volumes of my collected works.' Please make an effort to study. We have to be Buddhists of the 21st century; we need to understand as well as being able to repeat the words. What’s more, as well as reading Je Tsongkhapa’s works, it would be good to read his critics too. See what Daktsang Lotsawa, Shakya Chokden, Gorampa and Rongton Sheja Kunrig had to say. These days many of our monks restrict their reading only to their own monastery’s standard texts.

“In conclusion, let’s pray for the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings.”

Finally His Holiness gave advice about approaching and viewing the sand mandala.

“Viewing the mandala with devotion you can purify the misdeeds of countless lives. So approach it with a good motivation, recalling the awakening mind and your understanding of emptiness. There’s no rush, the monks will continue to perform prayers in front of it for several days before it is dismantled. I expect many of us will meet again at Tashi Lhunpo, but anyone who is interested to attend the Mind & Life conference at Sera is welcome.”

Original link & photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/1342-teaching-the-eight-great-tantric-commentaries-of-gyumey-tantric-college