Dalai Lama Teaches The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment

Thiksey, Ladakh, J&K, India, 11 August 2016 - This morning, the sky was cloudy as His Holiness the Dalai Lama drove to the teaching ground at Thiksey, where thousands of people had gathered to hear the teaching, receive the Long Life Empowerment and participate in the Offerings and Prayers for His Holiness’s Long Life. His Holiness began by announcing the presence among them of a Thai Bhikkhu who he met the day before.

“He follows the Pali tradition which first recorded the Four Noble Truths and the 37 Factors of Enlightenment—the foundation of all Buddhist teachings. We also have the Vinaya, the code of monastic discipline in common. Indeed, both the Pali and Sanskrit traditions of Buddhism uphold the Three Collections of the Teachings and the practice of the Three Higher Trainings: morality, concentration, and wisdom.

"Although these are fundamental to our tradition too, we somehow overlook them in favour of deity yoga practice. Yet they are the foundations necessary for doing tantric deity practice. Deity yoga will only be effective if we cultivate the practices of the awakening mind of bodhichitta and an understanding of emptiness.”

His Holiness went on to say that having faith is not enough, following the teachings of the Buddha requires reason and understanding, without which Buddhism will not last long in the world. He added that he is inclined to change the order of the Stages of the Path approach and begin with Special Insight rather than the importance of Reliance on Spiritual Teacher. Following the traditional order and suggesting that if you do not follow the Lama’s instruction you will go to hell risks filling the students with fear instead of enthusiasm. His Holiness said the Buddha’s teaching about suffering and its origin is not intended to cause fear and anxiety. His explanation of true cessation achieved by following the true path is a source of joy.

His Holiness was forthright:

"I am being sincere and straightforward with you. With regard to the cause of Tibet and keeping the Buddhadharma alive, we are at a critical juncture. Since you show your devotion to the teaching of the Buddha, I insist that you study it.”

His Holiness remarked that by cultivating the awakening mind of bodhichitta and the wisdom understanding emptiness we can counter our extreme self-cherishing attitude and misconceptions of true existence. He observed that he finds it helpful to engage the four establishments of mindfulness in connection with the four noble truths such that the mindfulnesses of body, feeling, mind and phenomena lead respectively to an awareness of true suffering, true origin, true cessation and true path.

Alignment of mindfulness of phenomena with the true path yields a direct realisation of emptiness, which he said Nagarjuna alludes to when he says, "Fabrication is ceased by emptiness". Khunnu Lama Tenzin Gyaltsen clarified this as, "Fabrication ceases within emptiness". Je Tsongkhapa also writes that when a yogi attains total absorption in emptiness all the defilements in his or her mind are said to dissolve within the empty nature of his or her mind itself; they do not go anywhere else, but simply disappear within the sphere of emptiness. His Holiness concluded:

“Meditating on the emptiness of your own mind is more powerful and significant than meditating on the emptiness of an external object like a pot. It counters your own fundamentally distorted conception of reality. If your realisation of emptiness is coupled with bodhichitta, you can achieve Buddhahood. And we need both bodhichitta and wisdom understanding emptiness in order to make the practice of deity yoga effective.”

His Holiness resumed his reading of the ‘Lamp for the Path’ at the point where it explains developing the aspiration for enlightenment. In preparation for the rite for generating the awakening mind he lead a recitation of the seven-limb prayer with a verse from the ‘Prayer of Samantabhadra's Noble Conduct’:

Whatever little wholesome energies I have collected 

By prostrating, making offering, confession, rejoicing, 

Requesting to give teaching, and requesting not to pass away

I dedicate all of them to attain full awakening.

Prior to the ceremony for generating aspiring and engaging bodhichitta His Holiness gave Upasaka/Upasaki precepts to those interested among the lay people. He gave the bodhisattva vows, asking those assembled to repeat the following verses three times after him:

I seek refuge in the Three Jewels.

I confess all misdeeds individually.

I rejoice in the virtues of all beings.

I take to heart the Buddha’s enlightenment....

He encouraged his listeners to consider the great significance of the bodhisattva vows as they repeated:

Having developed the intention for highest enlightenment

I shall invite all sentient beings as my guests

And I shall engage in the delightful practices of bodhisattvas ….     

He reminded them that they should know the 18 Root Downfalls and 46 Secondary Infractions avoiding which constitute the bodhisattva’s vows, but stressed that the essence of them all is to restrain selfishness. He told them how fortunate he felt to be able to encourage thousands of people to generate the aspiring bodhichitta, to take the bodhisattva vows and venture into the great practices of the bodhisattvas.

His Holiness conferred the Long Life Empowerment—the Wish-fulfilling Wheel of White Tara. He advised that on a practical level living a long life depends on maintaining hygiene and good health. From a spiritual point of view, however, the practice of bodhichitta and wisdom understanding emptiness protect us from obstacles and help create favourable conditions for spiritual progress.

"If you wish to have more friends,” he said, “you should cultivate bodhichitta. You will attract friends without having to seek them out. If you prefer to make enemies of people, harbour malicious thoughts towards them and they will naturally become hostile to you.

"What is of utmost importance is to feel determined to achieve a transformation of your mind. This is what the teachings I have given over these two days are meant for."

To conclude the day’s events, Thiksey Rinpoche led the community of monks, nuns and Ladakhi lay people in making prayers that His Holiness lives long based on the rite related to the Sixteen Arhats.

original link with photos http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1433-teaching-the-lamp-for-the-path-to-enlightenment-a-longevity-empowerment-and-a-long-life-offering

The Dalai Lama Speaks About the Art of Compassion

Danbury, CT, US, 18 October 2012 - After a short journey from Providence, Rhode Island, this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first stop in Connecticut was at the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace. Set quietly in a local house on 100 acres of ground near the town of Redding, the center is directed by Gyumed Khensur Rinpoche Lobsang Jampa. He and members and friends of the center gave His Holiness a warm welcome and escorted him into the main shrine room, where he gave a short talk.

“I am very happy to be able to make this short visit here. I know Khen Rinpoche very well, he is a good monk and I am sure he won’t cheat you. Some time ago he was unwell and I was a little worried about him, but now he seems fine.”

He said he was pleased to hear about what was taught in the center. Buddhism in general and the Nalanda tradition in particular emphasise study and investigation. The Buddha himself told his followers not to accept his teaching on trust but to investigate and examine it. The Nalanda masters applied this admonition with the result that some of the teachings recorded in the scriptures are regarded as definitive, while others are regarded as provisional. It seems to be a unique Buddhist stance to allow for an intelligent approach based on study and examination in addition to faith.

His Holiness referred to the subtle explanation of the emergence and dissolution of consciousness in Buddhist science that has much in common with a modern scientific approach. He also mentioned that in learning more from modern science one of the casualties has been the Buddhist description of the cosmos with Mount Meru at the centre.

With regard to practice, the basic structure is the training in morality, concentration and wisdom. In the introductory verses to his Great Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, Je Tsongkhapa says, ‘These days those dedicated to the practice of meditation seem to be lacking in knowledge, whereas the learned seem not to be skilled in applying what they know to their practice.’ What he envisaged was a text that would bring together all the elements of the Dharma in a way that could be readily applied in practice. His greatest fulfilment of this aim in the Stages of the Path comes at the end with his explanation of concentration and special insight. His Holiness said he had advised Khen Rinpoche not to confine himself to the text alone, but to elaborate where necessary, as a result of which his students’ understanding will be enriched.

After lunch at the Center, His Holiness drove into Danbury where he was received by the President and Vice-President of Western Connecticut State University. He addressed about 700 Tibetans before going on to the O’Neill Center where he was to speak about the Art of Compassion. Warmly received by a mixed audience of 3500, he was introduced by Richard Gere, who rejoicing at the sight of so many smiling faces  and extolled the feeling of brother and sisterhood in gathering to listen to His Holiness. “This opportunity to be with a completely reliable spiritual teacher is extraordinary,” he said. And His Holiness responded in kind,

“Respected President of the University, dear Richard Gere, brothers and sisters, it’s a great honour for me to speak to you students and local people, as well as so many other old friends. It feels like a reunion.”

“My fundamental belief is that we are all the same as human beings. We don’t need an introduction when we meet because we are mentally, physically, emotionally the same. I find this is a very helpful way of thinking. Whether I’m speaking to 1000 people or 100,000, there are no barriers between us.”

His Holiness explained that when there are no barriers there’s room for trust. Trust is the basis of friendship. On a global level the time has come to develop a strong sense of the oneness of humanity. Then there will be no room for exploitation, cheating or bullying. If others are successful, be happy. Otherwise, if we a jealous, that leads to mistrust, which leads to fear and suspicion and ultimately loneliness.

Everyone wants to lead a peaceful life, but a peaceful society does not evolve only from economic development, it comes about as a result of inner peace in the hearts of individuals. How can we develop such inner peace? Through prayer? His Holiness said that of course prayer has its place, but he feels a need to take action instead. People today are familiar with the word meditation, but there is more to it than closing our eyes and relaxing. The mind needs to remain fully alert, we need to analyse the nature of self and scrupulously examine what suffering is. He said such analytical meditation is what brings him inner peace. Other people can do this too if they employ their intelligence fully.

Emotions create trouble in our minds, but we can regulate them by applying our intelligence. For example, we might be on the verge of getting angry, but another part of our mind intervenes and helps us to stop. Anger only ever brings trouble, as well as damaging our health. We can regulate emotions like anger not through prayer, but by using our intelligence. To do that better we need to know more about how the system of mind and emotion works. However, while modern education has much to tell us about the material world, it’s generally inadequate when it comes to the mind.

His Holiness declared that we are all born from a mother and we are biologically equipped to give and respond to affection by the care that most of us receive from her. This sense of affection is the basis for warm-heartedness and warm-heartedness is the basis for the compassion that underlies what he calls secular ethics. Although ethics are widely regarded as the province of religion, His Holiness uses secular here not to dismiss religion but to express an impartial respect for all religions.

Happiness and suffering are dependent on causes; actions we do that benefit others, benefit us too. Many of our problems arise because we take an unrealistic approach to whatever’s involved. His Holiness remarked that the idea of interdependence can be helpful in all kinds of situations. If we are unrealistic, whatever we do will not yield a positive result. Conversely if we want to better appreciate the reality of a situation, we have to take a realistic view. His Holiness concluded his talk, saying,

“Happiness depends on inner peace; inner peace depends on warm-heartedness. Inner peace can be found by employing our intelligence.”

A student asked what one thing most harms humanity and His Holiness’s answer was ignorance. The reason we place such stress on education is that by definition it helps us reduce ignorance. To a question about the role of religion in society, he said religion had brought great solace to many in the past and will continue to do so in the future. The different philosophical views they expound indicate different approaches to the same target. Another student mentioned that we train children to be kind and compassionate, and asked what can be done to stop adults fighting. His Holiness recalled that the twentieth century, despite many great developments, was an era of violence and bloodshed. He hopes that this new century will prove to be an era of dialogue. Problems will continue to occur, but the solution should change, dialogue being more effective than force. What’s more, we should apply this too in our day to day lives.

When pressed about the advice he gives the foreign leaders he meets, His Holiness agreed that he has the opportunity to meet both political and spiritual leaders, but made clear that he doesn’t lecture them. He said they tend to sit together and talk easily like friends. Finally, with regard to where young people can find the inspiration to act for the good of humanity, he said they need vision and determination. He also suggested American students should learn more about other parts of the world. Once they learn more about difficulties elsewhere, they may better appreciate their own country’s qualities and be inspired to give those less fortunate their help.

His Holiness often finishes his public talks with the following proviso,

“Please think about what I have said and if it makes sense to you, fine, put it into effect; but if it isn’t any use then forget it.”

Original link and photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/863-his-holiness-the-dalai-lama-speaks-about-the-art-of-compassion-at-western-connecticut-state-university

Dalai Lama: Seek Riches & You'll Never be Satisfied

In a pair of thoughtful, meditative sessions in Louisville, the spiritual leader urged love above all.

Peter Smith, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal, 5-20-13

The Dalai Lama's second day in Louisville started on a solemn and contemplative note as he began two sessions of teachings at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday morning.

The stage filled with monks and nuns sitting cross-legged in straight-backed postures, their robes of various shades reflecting a diverse group of Buddhist ethnic and spiritual traditions. Tibetan monks chanted Buddhist sacred texts in deep, rhythmic tones, which gradually transitioned to a contemplative solo electric cello performance by Michael Fitzpatrick.

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists sat cross-legged on a custom-made throne, indicating his status as teacher, beneath a large tapestry illustrating the Buddha and other sacred figures.

Whereas Sunday's gathering at the Yum! Center had more of a celebratory feel and involved a general call for people of all faiths to work toward compassion and peace, Monday's gathering was quieter and had a more specific focus on Buddhism.

The Dalai Lama mixed in laughter and simple lessons along with more in-depth instruction on Buddhist concepts of enlightenment and techniques of meditation. He spoke at times through a translator and at others in his own broken English.

"So, now completed," he said at the end of two long sessions, during which fatigue began to show on some audience members' faces but not on that of the 77-year-old Dalai Lama. "I am hopeful not very tired."

While his direct spiritual authority extends only to Tibetan Buddhism — just one branch among many in the religion — his talk drew many from other ethnic and philosophical traditions. Representatives of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and other branches were on stage.

An estimated 7,000 attended. David Nguyen of California was particularly impressed that a religious leader would be so tolerant of other religions, "how they all get the point across but through different methods."

Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi, home to monks and nuns following in the tradition of Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh, sent a vanload of residents on the seven-hour trip to Louisville.

Abbot Billy Hoang said the Dalai Lama's talk encouraged the group in its goal to "bring mindfulness and peace for everyone."

The title of the Dalai Lama's talk was "Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment," a teaching dating back to Tibet.

But before delving into the topic, the Dalai Lama spoke more generally on religion and spirituality, saying people who seek material riches can never be satisfied because they "always want more."

He said any guest to a family's home can sense if there is affection, making it an enjoyable visit even if the family is poor and has little food to offer. And a rich home "cannot produce affection, even if a lot of decoration," he said.

Religions have varying views on such things as whether there is a divine creator, but they share the "same aim, same purpose, to stimulate the practice of love, compassion."

He said he tells audiences in countries that are not traditionally Buddhist that he discourages people from converting to Buddhism, saying it can "create more problems, more confusion. Better to keep one's own tradition."

He said non-Buddhists should take from his talk any lessons that help them grow in compassion, and he urged Buddhists to keep striving in their spiritual practices.

"Through familiarization, gradually it become easier," he said.

He concludes his visit with a talk to students at the Kentucky Center on Tuesday.

See a brief video: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/05/20/dalai-lama-louisville/2344393/

Dalai Lama: Seek Riches & You'll Never be Satisfied

In a pair of thoughtful, meditative sessions in Louisville, the spiritual leader urged love above all.

Peter Smith, The (Louisville, Ky.) Courier-Journal, 5-20-13

The Dalai Lama's second day in Louisville started on a solemn and contemplative note as he began two sessions of teachings at the KFC Yum! Center on Monday morning.

The stage filled with monks and nuns sitting cross-legged in straight-backed postures, their robes of various shades reflecting a diverse group of Buddhist ethnic and spiritual traditions. Tibetan monks chanted Buddhist sacred texts in deep, rhythmic tones, which gradually transitioned to a contemplative solo electric cello performance by Michael Fitzpatrick.

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists sat cross-legged on a custom-made throne, indicating his status as teacher, beneath a large tapestry illustrating the Buddha and other sacred figures.

Whereas Sunday's gathering at the Yum! Center had more of a celebratory feel and involved a general call for people of all faiths to work toward compassion and peace, Monday's gathering was quieter and had a more specific focus on Buddhism.

The Dalai Lama mixed in laughter and simple lessons along with more in-depth instruction on Buddhist concepts of enlightenment and techniques of meditation. He spoke at times through a translator and at others in his own broken English.

"So, now completed," he said at the end of two long sessions, during which fatigue began to show on some audience members' faces but not on that of the 77-year-old Dalai Lama. "I am hopeful not very tired."

While his direct spiritual authority extends only to Tibetan Buddhism — just one branch among many in the religion — his talk drew many from other ethnic and philosophical traditions. Representatives of Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and other branches were on stage.

An estimated 7,000 attended. David Nguyen of California was particularly impressed that a religious leader would be so tolerant of other religions, "how they all get the point across but through different methods."

Magnolia Grove Monastery in Mississippi, home to monks and nuns following in the tradition of Vietnamese Buddhist teacher and author Thich Nhat Hanh, sent a vanload of residents on the seven-hour trip to Louisville.

Abbot Billy Hoang said the Dalai Lama's talk encouraged the group in its goal to "bring mindfulness and peace for everyone."

The title of the Dalai Lama's talk was "Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment," a teaching dating back to Tibet.

But before delving into the topic, the Dalai Lama spoke more generally on religion and spirituality, saying people who seek material riches can never be satisfied because they "always want more."

He said any guest to a family's home can sense if there is affection, making it an enjoyable visit even if the family is poor and has little food to offer. And a rich home "cannot produce affection, even if a lot of decoration," he said.

Religions have varying views on such things as whether there is a divine creator, but they share the "same aim, same purpose, to stimulate the practice of love, compassion."

He said he tells audiences in countries that are not traditionally Buddhist that he discourages people from converting to Buddhism, saying it can "create more problems, more confusion. Better to keep one's own tradition."

He said non-Buddhists should take from his talk any lessons that help them grow in compassion, and he urged Buddhists to keep striving in their spiritual practices.

"Through familiarization, gradually it become easier," he said.

He concludes his visit with a talk to students at the Kentucky Center on Tuesday.

See a brief video: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2013/05/20/dalai-lama-louisville/2344393/