Pranidhana Part 2: Confidence in the power of our word
The teaching theme of this year in the Awakened Heart Sangha is Pranidhana, a Sanskrit word which translates as ‘powerful aspirational prayer’, known as Monlam in Tibetan. This is the second part of a transcript from a teaching given by Lama Shenpen on the theme. Continue reading Pranidhana Part 2: Confidence in the power of our word
Pranidhana Part 1: The importance of the power of our word
The teaching theme of this year in the Awakened Heart Sangha is Pranidhana, a Sanskrit word which translates as ‘powerful aspirational prayer’, known as Monlam in Tibetan. This is the first part of a transcript from a teaching given by Lama Shenpen on the theme. Continue reading Pranidhana Part 1: The importance of the power of our word
Why do we recite long life prayers for teachers & why do we need to repeat them?
We pray for our personal teachers in particular to live long and for us to keep up as close a connection as possible with them by every means at our disposal, through this and through all our lifetimes working together forever to bring all beings to Awakening. This is about Mandala Principle. Continue reading Why do we recite long life prayers for teachers & why do we need to repeat them?
Why might someone feel lonely after taking the Refuge or Bodhisattva vow?
We are facing the aloneness of a journey only we can make for ourselves, also an alone-ness where there is nobody looking on and saying we are doing well, we are our own leader and follower – Guru and disciple – we have to do it ourselves, like growing up but on a cosmic scale. Continue reading Why might someone feel lonely after taking the Refuge or Bodhisattva vow?
How can we increase our sense of sacredness & transmission with online Dharma teachings & downloaded texts?
These days we surf the net and find a likely looking Dharma website and feel that parting with our money is to take a risk, since who knows who the people are and what they’re are up to. So often it is with suspicion and scepticism that we embark on a course and the practice, hardly knowing what to expect and wondering if this is yet another internet scam.
Hardly the best way to approach the holy Dharma teachings! Continue reading How can we increase our sense of sacredness & transmission with online Dharma teachings & downloaded texts?
Meeting Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
He was about forty at the time, small in stature, with the walk and presence of a samurai warrior. There was something very direct and yet very kind in everything he said or did. Having shown him into his room, I sat down in the semi-darkness of the gathering dusk to listen to him talking and felt an immediate sense of rightness and connection. Continue reading Meeting Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche
What Does the Term ‘Guru Principle’ Mean?
Even our enemies can become our gurus if we learn patience and forbearance from them. Texts can be our guru; the world around us can become our guru. This is because the guru is the all-pervading and timeless compassionate action of the Buddha’s mandala of awakening, which is reaching out to us through all the circumstances of our life…. Continue reading What Does the Term ‘Guru Principle’ Mean?
Should I continue to practice generosity towards others if they take me for granted?
So, we have to examine our motives carefully. Sometimes, as with children, it’s better to hold back and instil in others a deeper kind of respect for the things that you wish to give them or even greater respect for yourself. Continue reading Should I continue to practice generosity towards others if they take me for granted?
Can I Hurt Others With My Negative Thoughts?
If in our heart of hearts we don’t want the thoughts to have a negative influence on others then they won’t. Even if we have wished others harm in the past we can negate those thoughts by our sincere regret and send out endless good wishes instead. Continue reading Can I Hurt Others With My Negative Thoughts?
Is it normal to need to back off from meditating if fear or anxiety arises?
Fear arises in the expanse of the spaciousness of your being and if you can trust that nature of your being, the fear is simply a movement that doesn’t disturb you. You can even rest in fear… Continue reading Is it normal to need to back off from meditating if fear or anxiety arises?