Current Events:  DALAI LAMA SPEAKS OUT ABOUT SOGYAL RINPOCHE

His Holiness the Dalai Lama calls Sogyal Rinpoche “disgraced” and stresses that nobody should follow the teachings of any lama without question – not even from himself – stressing that they must live up to the teachings of Buddha and what society expects. He also reiterates his advice from 1993 that lamas who behave badly should be exposed in the media.  (TRANSCRIPT IS BELOW.)

Recorded at the inauguration of the seminar “Buddhism in Ladakh” @ Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) in Leh, Ladakh, India on 1st August 2017.

For more information on the allegations against Sogyal Rinpoche and Rigpa, see:
https://buddhism-controversy-blog.com…

TRANSCRIPT:
(With all due respect to the Dalai Lama’s English skills, I have attempted to correct his grammar, without changing the meaning)

“I feel some of these lama institutions have some sort of influence of the feudal system. That is outdated and must end – that feudal influence. Then eventually a lama institution creates lama politics [DL laughs heartily]. That’s very bad.

An individual lama’s disgrace doesn’t matter, but it gives a very bad impression about a monastery or a monk. Very bad. So we must pay more attention.

You should not say, “This is my guru. What guru says I must follow.” That’s totally wrong! Buddha himself mentioned, “You must examine my teaching”. Similarly if one particular lama says something, you examine whether this goes well according to Buddhaʻs teaching or according to the circumstances in society. Then you must follow. If the lama says something; if you investigate and it’s not proper, then you should not follow the lama’s teaching. Even Dalai Lama’s teaching; if you find some contradiction you should not follow my teaching.

As far as Gelugpa is concerned, Lama Tsonghkapa clearly mentioned; if a lama teaches something that is against the dharma it should be avoided and opposed. If the lama’s teaching is in accord with the dharma it should be followed, if it is in discord with the Dharma it should not be followed.

Many years ago in Dharmasala at a Western Teachers Conference, some Western Buddhist teachers mentioned some Zen masters and Tibetan Buddhist Masters had created a very bad impression among people. Then I told them them; these people do not follow Buddhaʻs advice, Buddhaʻs teaching. We cannot do. So, the only thing is to make it public, through newspapers, through the radio. Make it public!

These lamas, although they don’t care about Buddha’s teaching, they may care about their face [points at his face, indicating shame]. I told them at that conference, almost 15 years ago I think. Now, recently Sogyal Rinpoche; my very good friend, but he’s disgraced. So some of his own students have now made public their criticism.”

Extract is from full video of event here:

https://youtu.be/S6yzH-1si8o?t=1h15m10s

Crystals For Courage, Confidence, and Bravery

Crooked Bear Creek Organic Herbs's avatarGood Witches Homestead

Courage gives life to our little and big ambitions, life decisions as well as miracles. Without courage, it is not only impossible to survive in this world, living becomes more of hardships. Like meditation and chromotherapy, Crystals for courage when used on the higher chakras are seen to fill the wearer with confidence and surety.

It is not unnatural to meet people who are perpetually afraid of something or the other. If you suffer from perpetual feargemstones can show you a new way of life. In fact, higher chakra gemstones are specifically known to build self-confidence and courage in the users.

Being afraid of things can build an alert and cautious personality that is rooted in solid ideologies. However, if your fears are restricting you from giving your best shot at life, it is unhealthy. Fears are all unhealthy according to spirituality. It limits your potential by…

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8 Hand Signs Yoga Masters Use To Get Rid Of Migraines, Anxiety, And Depression – Medi Idea

Yoga is the most loved practice of a large number of individuals, as it gives endless medical advantages, unwinds and relieves the psyche, and improves them feel much. It is even experimentally affirmed that the normal routine of yoga supports the action of the parasympathetic sensory system….

Source: 8 Hand Signs Yoga Masters Use To Get Rid Of Migraines, Anxiety, And Depression – Medi Idea

Daily Words of the Buddha for August 28, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for August 28, 2017 — parama — the ultimate

Na tena paṇḍito hoti
yāvatā bahu bhāsati.
Khemī, averī abhayo
‘‘paṇḍito’’ti pavuccati.

One is not wise
because one speaks much.
One who is peaceable, friendly and fearless
is called “wise”.

Dhammapada 19.258
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Tarot Contemplation – The Fool

The Fool is always an indicator of newness, as well as the purity and open-hearted energy of a child.  This is generally considered a positive card, with the caveat that it’s important to take time to be sure that you are “looking where you’re going.”  Generally, this card indicates new beginnings that have some deeper spiritual meaning.  For example, starting a meditation practice, or a relationship, as opposed to buying a new pair of shoes.  The appearance of the Fool can depict an important “fresh start”.

Spiritual Evolution Or From The Fool To The Hermit, Part 1

The Fool according to Daphna Moore represents the Hebrew letter Aleph, meaning ox, the element Air, bright pale yellow and the planet Uranus. Most people, including Daphna Moore believe that The Fool represents on the human level, the pre-incarnate spirit. I’d also discovered in my studies that Paracelsus, the famous alchemist believed that the body came from the earth: the soul from the stars and the spirit from God. If Paracelsus were taken literally then he would appear to be saying that the Spirit and Soul are from different places….

Source: 777WFN5_1SpiritE

Violet Flame Evocation | Anrita Melchizedek

Beloved St. Germain,

I ask you to surround me now in your sacred transmuting Violet Flame of Divine Love,

and to actualize the qualities of the Seventh Ray of Ceremonial Magic,

as I experience my initiation of the “Birth of Christ”.

 

Surrounded in your celestial Violet Flame of Protection and Transmutation,

And the Golden Flame of One Unity Consciousness,

I now heal my deepest wounds, and human mis-creations,

letting go of all earthly ego allurements, cosmic karmic patterns,

false beliefs and judgments,

through transmuting, healing and loving all aspects of my Self.

 

I now merge with my Beloved I Am Presence,

and experience my Self as a Christ Conscious Being of Light,

a sacred transfiguring Flame of Divine Love,

in service to Mother Earth and all Her Life.

Tarot Contemplation – The Emperor

The Emperor shows us that domination of the mind over the heart is sometimes not wanted, but in some cases is it necessary and even welcomed, and that this is part of what we must think about when he appears.  When hard choices must be made, it’s important to maintain your concentration and focus; this is something this time period will make easier for you to do.  Enjoy the assertiveness and confidence:  it that this self-control and focus bring.  Forge ahead and do what you know is best.  If you can master yourself, then you ought to have little problem mastering the world and all the things in it.

Daily Words of the Buddha for August 27, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for August 27, 2017 — karaṇīya — something that should be done

Sukho viveko tuṭṭhassa,
sutadhammassa passato.
Abyāpajjaṃ sukhaṃ loke —
pāṇabhūtesu saṃyamo.

Solitude is happiness for one who is content,
who has heard the Dhamma and clearly sees.
Non-affliction is happiness in the world —
harmlessness towards all living beings.

Udāna 2.11
Gemstones of the Good Dhamma, compiled and translated by Ven. S. Dhammika

Tarot Contemplation – The High Priestess

This is a very spiritual card, often with sexual overtones.   It can mean that you are in a phase where you are going to be much more physically attractive to others.  The High Priestess is tied to the Moon, to femininity and to inspiration.  This is a time to rely on your intuition and your inner knowledge, rather than your conscious mind or intellect.  Pay attention to your dreams.  Synchronicities are likely now.  When the High Priestess appears, she also often represents a woman that he will want badly, but whom he may not be able to get.  Messages can come to you from all sorts of places.   Make a point to look at spirituality in ways that you have not done before.  Talk to people whose experiences and beliefs are different than your own.  Move out of your comfort zone.  You will be the richer for it.

Daily Words of the Buddha for August 26, 2017

Pāli Word a Day for August 26, 2017 — jita — conquered, subdued, mastered, victory

Paradukkhūpadhānena,
attano sukhamicchati
verasaṃsaggasaṃsaṭṭho,
verā so na parimuccati.

Entangled by the bonds of hate,
one who seeks one’s own happiness
by inflicting pain on others,
is never delivered from hatred.

Dhammapada 21.291
The Dhammapada: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom, translated from Pāli by Acharya Buddharakkhita