Pages

Friday 4 December 2015

THE GREAT MASTER TSONGKHAPA DAY


དགའ་ལྡན་ལྔ་མཆོད་ཆེན་མོ།
THE GREAT MASTER TSONGKHAPA DAY!
Saturday, 5 December.
Homage to Master Lobsang Drakpa
The Great Master Tsongkhapa’s Annual celebration of his enlightenment falls on the 25th instance of the 10th lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. Therefore the day is also referred to as “Ganden Nga choed” in Tibetan which means the “Offering Practices of the 5th of Ganden Monastery”, the “5th” deriving from “25th”. Ganden Monastery is the Great Master Tsongkhapa's monastery and Mother Monastery of entire Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism. Tsongkhapa Day is actually the celebration of the ‘parinirvana’ or the enlightenment of the great Master Tsongkhapa (1357 – 1419).
From the spiritual practice point of view, Tsongkhapa Day is extremely significant. All his devotees engage in practicing “Guru Yoga - Union of Emptiness and Bliss Mahamudra” practice, which is the heart and soul of path towards enlightenment, LAM RIM.
Once in Tibet the Anniversary was celebrated like Christmas or Diwali events with full of butters lamps everywhere and chanting the following mantra of Mater Tsongkhapa. In year 2015 Master Tsongkhapa Day held on Saturday, 5° December.
དམིགས་མེད་བརྩེ་བའི་གཏེར་ཆེན་སྤྱན་རས་གཟིགས།།
无缘慈悲大海观世音,
MIG MEY TZE WAY TER CHEN CHENREZIG
དྲི་མེད་མཁྱེན་པའི་དབང་པོ་འཇམ་པའི་དབྱངས།།
无障智慧宗主文珠师,
DRI MEY KHYEN PI WANG PO JAMPAL YANG
བདུད་དཔུང་མ་ལུས་འཇོམས་མཛད་གསང་བའི་བདག།
破除一切邪魔秘藏主,
DU PUNG MA LU JOM DZEY SANG WEY DAG
གངས་ཅན་མཁས་པའི་གཙུག་རྒྱན་ཙོང་ཁ་པ།།
雪域圣者之手宗喀巴,
GANG CHENG KE PEY TSUG GYEN TSONGKHAPA
བློ་བཟང་གྲགས་པའི་ཞབས་ལ་གསོལ་བ་འདེབས།།
洛桑扎华我想您祈祷。
LO SANG TRAG PEY SHAB LA SOL WA DEB

OM AH GURU VAJRA DHARA SUMATI KIRTI SIDDHI HUNG HUNG





Wednesday 28 October 2015

Buddhist Humanism



1. EDICTS OF ASHOKA 
(3rd century BC)
 Cast of Inscribed rock, Girnar, Gujarat


The Emperor Ashoka (272-232 B.C.) dedicated himself to the service of man and beast within and beyond his vast dominion and strove to elevate the social and moral outlook of his subjects. His edicts (Dhamma Lipi) incised on pillars and rocks, in both condensed and elaborate versions, are found all over the vast region from Shahbazgarhi in Pakistan to Lauriya Nandangarh in Bihar, and from Girnar in Gujarat to Dhauli in Orissa and further south up to Erragudi in Andhra Pradesh.

The Girnar edicts, represented hereby a metal cast of the inscribed rock, are fourteen in number like those found at Erragudi, Kabi, Shahbazgarhi and Mansehra.

This is the summary of the fourteen edicts:

  1. No living being may be slaughtered for sacrifice; no festive gathering may be held. Birds and animals formerly slaughtered in the king’s kitchen were large, but now it is almost stopped. 

  2. In and outside his dominions, in neighboring territories like those of the Cholas, Pandyas, Satyaputras, Keralaputras, Ceylon and the far-off Yavana kingdoms of Antiyoka with his neighbors, Priyadarshi Ashoka has arranged for the medical treatment of man and beast. He has caused herbs, roots and fruits to be imported, wells to be dug and trees to be planted on the road-side for the enjoyment of men and animals. 

  3. Twelve years after his coronation, Priyadarshi ordered tours by his officers every five years to inspect and preach Dhamma (moral and social code of conduct) in his dominions, in addition to their regular duties and to teach his people to obey parents, be liberal to friends, relatives, Brahmanas and Sramanas (monks) and to abstain from killing animals. 

  4. Priyadarshi promotes Dhamma proclaiming it by beat of drums. He has achieved more in this way than has been accomplished in many hundreds of years by providing spectacles of celestial cars, elephants, hell-fire and so forth to the people. He wants no decrease in Dhamma which should ever be on the increase and expects his descendents likewise to continue to promote it. 

  5. Formerly, there were no officers called ‘Dhamma Mahamatras’ and now thirteen years after his coronation they have been appointed for establishing and promoting Dhamma in his land and even among the Yavanas, Kambojas, Gandharas, Rashtrikas and others. 

  6. Reports of affairs in his kingdom could be brought to his notice anytime, wherever he was, even if he were in the harem or in the bed-chamber or on the march, as he considered it his duty constantly and speedily to attend to the welfare of his subjects. 

  7. Priyadarshi wishes that all religious sects in his dominions should live in peace and amity and stresses self-control and purity of mind. 

  8. Formerly, kings would make pleasure tours and go hunting. But Priyadarshi who visited Sambodhi (Bodh Gaya, Bihar) ten years after his coronation started on pilgrimage of Dhamma (Dhamma Yatras) making gifts to Brahmanas and Sramanas contacting the people of the countryside and exhorting them to follow the path of Dhamma. 

  9. There are several auspicious rites performed by people as on wedding, birthday and setting out on a journey. These are trivial. The ceremonies associated with Dhamma produce great results. These are courtesy to slaves and servants, reverence to elders, restraint and liberality to Brahmanas and Sramanas. By this practice heaven is won. 

  10. Priyadarshi does not consider glory in this life or fame after death as of any consequence except the glory of his being able to induce his people to practice Dhamma. 

  11. There is no gift like the gift of Dhamma, there is no distribution like the distribution of Dhamma and no kinship like the kinship of Dhamma.
  12. The growth of Dhamma is by the restraint of speech which means no praise of ones own faith or disparagement of another. 

  13. The conquest of Kalinga eight years after his coronation resulting in unprecedented slaughter and carrying away of captives brought remorse to Priyadarshi. He was therefore determined for conquest through Dhamma and this had been achieved by him not only in his dominions but also in the bordering territories of the Yavanas, Kambojas, Andhras and Pulindas etc. Let all their intense joys be what is pleasure associated with Dhamma, for this brings happiness in this world as well as in the next. 

  14. This record relating to Dhamma has been inscribed in abridged or expanded form. As the kingdom of Priyadarshi is vast, the whole record has not been executed at every place but owing to their sweetness, various things have been uttered over and over again so that people may act accordingly, something has been partially inscribed because a particular record was considered unsuitable for it.
[My Note: Ashoka = Devanamapriya Priyadarshi; Priyadarshi = “one who looks at others with love”; Devanamapriya = “one who loves the divinity” (or loved by divinity); Priya = brotherly (universal) love.]






2. Sixteen Pure Human Laws

The Sixteen Pure Human Laws were first innovated in Tibet a century before the arrival of Padmasambhava, during the reign of King Songtsen Gampo (609-649 ce.) who ruled in the seventh century, uniting clans of the Yarlung River Valley and initiating many reforms. For the first time, Tibet was a large and powerful empire. Among his five wives were the Nepalese princess Bhrikuti Devi and Princess Wencheng, the niece of the powerful Chinese emperor Emperor Taizong of Tang China. Both of these women were devout Buddhists. 

1. Develop faith in the Three Precious Jewels without sorrow or weariness;
2. Search ultimately for the true doctrine;
3. Skilfully study the excellent sciences;
4. First recollect and then appraise anything that is to be undertaken;
5. Do not hanker after unassigned work;
6. Look to a higher level and emulate the ancients and those of superior conduct;
7. Repay kindness to one's parents of the past, present and future;
8. Be broad-minded and hospitable in one's dealings with elder and younger siblings and paternal relatives;
9. Ensure that the young respect their elders by degrees;
10. Show loving kindness to one's neighbors;
11. Arduously assist one's acquaintances who are spiritual benefactors;
12. Perfectly fulfil the needs of those nearby who are connected through the worldly round;
13. Help others through one's skill in science and the arts;
14. Provide a refuge with kindness to those who depend on it;
15. Resist bad advice and establish advice which will increase the happiness of the country; and finally,


16 Entrusting one's deeds to the doctrine, one should bring one's spouse to obtain the ground of enlightenment in future lives.

_________________________________________________________________
Sources:
1. http://wigowsky.com/travels/india/India1/museum2.htm?ref=binfind.com/web
2. http://www.turtlehill.org/ths/16.html




Monday 7 September 2015

Peace and happiness





Victorious tradition of Buddhas as the foundation of Peace and Happiness,
Medicine to illuminate the sufferings of all sentient beings,
Treasure of fulfilling hopes of living beings in three realms,
Jewel of simultaneously accomplishing ones own and others' desires.


From the depth of my heart I pay respect to the teachers.
Who have shown me unmistakably the methods of marching
from the Fundamental Path, how to rely on a spiritual guide
till up to reaching the complete Enlightenment through peaceful means.


May oneself and all other beings find happiness.
Through realising renunciation, the mind of non-attachment,
Bodhicitta, the mind of non-suffering altruisms towards infinite sentient beings,
Emptiness, the peak view of Clear Light.






Friday 26 June 2015

Loving Nature, Living Naturefully



Loving Nature, Living Naturefully
by
Gedun Tharchin

 
 
Save nature to save humanity,
Live peacefully for global peace,
Think positive for good health,
Be friendly for universal brotherhood.

Live in nature,
Live Naturally,
Live with a natural mind,
Live in natural awareness.

Love nature,
Love your neighbors,
Love human beings,
Love animals.

Be compassionate,
Be happy,
Be joyful,
Be helpful

Do selflessly,
Do passionately,
Do it peacefully,
Do harmlessly.


Harmony is a natural gift,
Humanism is a natural gift,
Health is a natural gift,
Happiness is a natural gift.


Appreciate natural meditation,
Appreciate natural yoga,
Appreciate natural walking,
Appreciate natural food.


Be aware of the Selfless Self,
Be aware of the Self without Self,
Be aware of the Mind without fabrications,
Be aware of Love without attachment.

Find the true meaning of life,
Find the true meaning of humanity,
Find the true meaning of the world,
Find the true meaning of universal responsibility.

Live harmoniously consistent with Time,
Live harmoniously consistent with Space,
Live harmoniously consistent with circumstances,
Live harmoniously consistent with change.

Speak in the silence of the mind,
Share in the silence of the heart,
Love in the silence of joy,
Live in the silence of time.

The Natural Mind is the supreme Mind,
The natural mind is the peaceful mind,
The natural mind is the pure mind,
The natural mind is the joyful mind.

Discover the Innate Mind,
Discover the Original Mind,
Discover the Natural Mind,
Discover the Unmade Mind.

The Innate Mind is the Innate Meditation,
Original Mind is Original Meditation,
Natural Mind is Natural Meditatio
The Non-Fabricated Mind is Pure Meditation.

The treasure of the heart resides in the heart,
The treasure of the heart cannot exist without the heart,
The treasure of the heart resides in the spirit of compassion,
The treasure of the heart cannot exist without the spirit of compassion.

Discover the Primordial Mind through the Natural Mind and Body,
Remain and dwell in the Primordial Mind and Body,
Be in the Oneness of the Primordial Mind and Body,
Free the Self in the Primordial Mind and Body.

Each atom is equivalent to numerous atoms in the entire Universe,
Every existence formed by indivisible atoms and the atom is an invisible subtle reality,
The reality of Mind and Body is an invisible and indivisible atom,
The space of an indivisible and invisible atom is equal to the space of all atoms in the Universe!

The potential of Nature equals the power of an Enlightened Mind,
Respect for Nature is equivalent to honoring the Buddha,
Knowing the reality of Nature is equivalent to knowing Wisdom,
The Essence of Nature and the Buddha Nature present in all beings.

You use the Mind to penetrate the Mind itself,
The Mind of Awareness can refine the Mind,
A refined Mind can see the quintessential nature of all,
Let the Self and all be brought back to the subtlest Awareness.

The universe is simple,
Human beings are simple,
The mind is simple,
Simplify life.

Seek Natural Happiness
Natural happiness is the supreme goodness
Nature's goodness is the best gift
Nature's gift is the supreme wealth.

No wars, make peace.
No tears, make smiles.
No pain, make joy.
No violence, make dialogue
 
Heal the senses to heal the Heart.
Seek philosophy to seek truth.
Love your idea to see the beauty of all things.
Live with the truth of beauty in your heart.

Let democracy expel demagoguery.
Stand in the light to see the shadow.
Seek wisdom to experience Truth.
Live with your heart and look at the Universe.

Love is the treasure of your heart,
Expand your heart by loving everyone,
Develop your wisdom through love,
Live a full life full of love.

Move with the selfless self,
Be in the Selfless Self,
Work in the Emptiness of Love,
Act without acting.

Love our planet and other beings with more heart than words.
Give more care to our planet than to ourselves.

War is a poison to humanity.
War is against humanism.
War is an inhuman act.
War is opposed to peace.

Peace would come only through peaceful actions.
Inner peace is the root of world peace.
Seek inner peace through inner research.
Live peacefully and without enemies.

Think about peace.
Talk about peace.
Walk with peace.
Work with peace.

Peace is spirituality.
Peace is meditation.
Peace is psychology.
Peace is medicine.

Live with a compassionate heart.
Live with the wisdom of truth.
Live with virtuous actions.
Live with a joyful spirit.

The inner life is boundless.
Inner values are endless.
Inner peace is infinite.
Inner joy is lasting.

Continuous.....!










Sunday 31 May 2015

Day of Vesak 2015



Day of Vesak 2015
The Day of Vesak commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and parinirvana. In this year it held on Tuesday, June 2, Full Moon Day.
Siddhartha Gautama, also commonly known as Buddha (enlightened one), lived in present-day India and Nepal between the sixth and fourth century BCE. His teachings focused on messages about compassion, peace and goodwill. Millions around the world follow the teachings of the Buddha today.
Vesak Day is a special event for commemorating Buddha's life and his messages of compassion, peace and, wisdom for the welfare of all sentient beings.
Happy Vesak Day!

With prayers in the Dharma,

Geshe Gedun Tharchin





Thursday 9 April 2015

A Simple Meditation Guide







                           A Simple Meditation Guide



A. Prerequisites

1) Dwelling in an appropriate environment favorable for meditation

2) Having less worldly desires

3) Being content of simplicity

4) Completely giving up unnecessary activities

5) Pure ethical discipline of middle way life style

6) Completely getting rid of negative thoughts


B. Preparation

1) To clean the room and arrange the objects symbolizing the Perfection of body, speech and mind.

2) To acquire wholesome decoration and arrange them beautifully.


C. Meditation posture

1) Sit in a full lotus or half lotus posture on a comfortable cushion.

2) The body should be straight and not bending forward or backwards, turn the attention inwards.

3) The shoulders should rest in their natural position.

4) The head should be in line with navel, neither leaning backward, forward nor either side.

5) The eyes should be neither wide open nor too far closed, and they should be softly looking on the tip of the nose.

6) The teeth and lips should rest in their natural state and tongue touched the upper palate.

7) The left hand placed on the palm of right hand and thumbs should be touched each other at the level of navel.


D. Nine times breathing practice of purification

3 times breathing in from the 
right nostril, then out from the left,
3 times breathing in from the left nostril and out from the 
right.
And 3 times from both nostrils breathing in and out.


E. Breathing practice for Mindfulness

1) Balancing the length of breathing in and out.

2) Mentally counting breathing in and out, from left to right nostril 7 times and vice verse 7 times. And again 7 times from left to right.

3) Inhalation and exhalation should not be noisy, forced or uneven; let it flows effortlessly and gently.


F. Setting up a proper intention

1) a) Taking refuge in Tri-Ratna
    b) Generating Boddhicitta

2) a) Immeasurable Compassion
    b) Immeasurable Love
    c) Immeasurable Joy
    d) Immeasurable Equanimity


G. Seven branches purification practice

1) Humbly arranging alter and paying respect and homage to the Three Jewels and all sentient beings.

2) Generously doing offerings.

3) Gently developing remorse to negative actions committed.

4) Respectfully admiring positive deeds of others and oneself.

5) Honestly requesting to the merit fields to show the Dharma path.

6) Wholeheartedly praying to the merit fields for their omnipresence and protection.

7) Compassionately dedicating the merits for the benefits of all sentient beings.


H. Mandala offering

Offering one's body, speech and mind, and belongings and virtues of three times (past, present and future) and the universe to the merit fields and dedicating for the benefits of all sentient beings.


I. Invocation blessings

Calling upon Buddhas and Boddhisattvas and merit fields to bless one's own mind stream that transforming all worldly desires into Dharmic intentions. (One also recites mantras and prayers here)


J. Mental development practices

Lam Rim / Lo Jong


K. Single pointed concentration

To set up the Object for Concentration
Fixing the Mind on the Object
Tiding up the Mind to the Object by Mindfulness
Be guarded the Mind by Introspection

L. Actual Samatha, Calm Abiding meditation technique


          Five obstacles and eight remedies:
1) Laziness                                           1) Conviction
                                                          2) Aspiration
                                                          3) Perseverance
                                                          4) Pliancy

2) Forgetfulness                                    5) Mindfulness
3) Mental dullness                                  6) Alertness
4) Mental excitement                             7) Conscientiousness
         5) Unnecessary application of antidotes     8) Correct Application



Nine stages of meditation,      Six forces,                Four required attentions:
1) Mental placement               1, hearing                        1, strictly evolved
2) Continuous placement         2, reflecting

3) Patched placement             3, mindfulness                   2, interrupting

4) Close placement                                                       3, un-interrupting

5) Taming                             4, vigilance
6) Pacification

7) Complete pacification         5, enthusiasm
8) One-pointed attention

9) Balance placement            6, thorough acquaintance    4, spontaneously



M. Dedication




Whatever merits have accumulated during the meditation may become the causes and conditions of happiness of all sentient beings and for their enlightenment.