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Teaching given by His Holiness Dalai Lama.
To give a general introduction to Buddhism first I would like to quote a verse from Nagarjuna in which Nagarjuna makes salutation to the Buddha. [See Words of Wisdom section for this quotation] He does not reflect upon the great qualities of the Buddha's body, speech or mind but rather concentrates upon one paramount quality of the Buddha, his great accomplishment in having realized the essence of the Doctrine; dependent origination, emptiness and the Middle Way. Buddha realized that these three doctrines are essentially the same having perceived dependent origination in terms of emptiness and emptiness in terms of the Middle Way. Buddha propounded this doctrine to his followers. Nagarjuna saw this greatest accomplishment of the Buddha and made salutations to the Buddha from this perspective.
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The meaning of the doctrine of dependent origination is vast and profound. In a sense one could say the doctrine of dependent origination states that all phenomena in general come about not uncaused, but rather as a consequence of relevant causes and conditions. Particularly those phenomena which have direct relevance by giving rise to our experience of pain or pleasure, our experience of unhappiness or happiness, come about as a result of their related causes and conditions. Therefore so long as we remain as sentient beings for whom the experience of pain and pleasure matters a lot [we must try to understand] causes and conditions, which give rise to these experiences. That is what is, in a sense, stated in the doctrine of dependent origination.
This doctrine of dependent origination and the underlying principle of causation was taught by the Buddha in his First Turning of the Wheel known as the Sermon on the Four Noble Truths. In the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths the Buddha explains two sets of causal chains. One is a set of cause and effects related to our experience of undesirable consequences such as pain and unhappiness. These two are our experience of suffering and the origin or source of this suffering, the source of the suffering being the cause and the suffering itself being the consequence. This is the first causal chain.
At the same time the Buddha taught a second causal chain the implication of which is that although in our ordinary experience we often come across experiences which we normally associate with pleasure and happiness but these experiences are essentially in the nature of suffering and dissatisfaction. [On the other hand] true happiness which can remain as happiness, a genuine happiness, is a state which is freed from suffering. In other words the cessation of suffering is the true happiness and this is the result. The path or causes, which lead to it, is the cause. Therefore Buddha also taught a causal chain which is related to our own experience of happiness, something we all desire.
The implication of the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths is that if suffering is something we do not desire then we must work hard to remove the causes which give rise to it. If the state of happiness is something which we seek and desire then we must work to accumulate the causes and conditions that give rise to it. This is what is implied in the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths. Since the basic Buddhist approach as explained earlier is to realize the causal mechanism which gives rise to our experiences of pain and pleasure, suffering and pleasure, belief in an independent self which is permanent, single, and indivisible conflicts with the basic Buddhist doctrine of universal causation. Similarly belief in a creator, an independent being who is the original creator of the entire universe, conflicts with the basic Buddhist doctrine of universal causation. Within Buddhist thought and practice since the fundamental doctrine is a belief in universal causation, that everything which exists does so as a result of causes and conditions and it is only as a result of causes and conditions that things come into being, therefore Buddhists do not believe in the existence of an eternal person or self, nor do they believe in a creator.
In the Second Turning of the Wheel one can see an exploration of the implications of the first public sermon where Buddha talked about the absence of an independently existing self or person. All phenomena are explained as arising as a consequence of causes and conditions. The doctrine of universal causation and its implications are explored by taking it to a more profound level. Reflecting on the fact that if everything and all events come into being as a result of causes and conditions, then, they depend on other factors for their existence. Anything which has the nature of depending on other factors for its existence obviously lacks the status of independent existence. Phenomena's existence and identity come into being as a consequence of the interaction of many factors. Because of this phenomena lack an independent or inherent nature and because of this all phenomena do not exist inherently, in and of themselves or objectively in their own right. What is being stated here is that by using the understanding of dependent origination we arrive at a deeper awareness of the nature of phenomena, where all things and events are seen as lacking an inherent or objective existent nature.
The understanding of dependent origination is being used as a ground on which all phenomena are perceived as lacking an inherently existing nature. Dependent origination can be seen in many different ways. One way phenomena can be understood is as a causal dependency since all phenomena are dependent on other causes and conditions. Another level of dependence is that phenomena depend upon their parts. In order for something to be whole its very identity and existence depends upon its parts. One of the parts can be called dependent relationship and this is another level of dependence. Furthermore, another level of dependence is that the identity of phenomena as things or objects depends upon our conceptual thought, our concepts and language.
What all these ways of viewing dependent origination indicates is that phenomena are empty of an inherently existing nature. Phenomena are empty of an independent status therefore emptiness of inherent existence is spoken of. This is how one should look at the doctrine of emptiness. One should not have the notion when Buddhists talk of emptiness that one is talking of the non-existence of phenomena. Emptiness should not be misconceived as a total negation of the very existence of phenomena but rather emptiness should be understood in terms of the emptiness of inherent existence or independent status. If your understanding of emptiness is interpreted in this way then you will be able to understand the essential unity or sameness of the principles of emptiness and dependent origination. This is how one is said to have understood emptiness in terms of dependent origination and dependent origination in terms of emptiness.
Through this way one will also be able to be freed from the two extremes. By realizing that phenomena lack an independent status and lack an inherently existing nature, one avoids falling into the extreme of absolutism. By realizing that things do come into existence as a result of the aggregation of many causes and conditions, one avoids falling into the extreme of nihilism.
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The year 2009 started with Ven. Namdakla, kicking off a year long course, which will take us through the entire text of "A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life" by Arya Shantideva.
This is one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's favorite texts to quote and explain as it contains many pragmatic lines of reasoning to counteract our delusions.
January also saw a new face on the teacher's seat with Ven. Tenzin Namjong leading guided meditations on Lama Tsong Khapa Guru Yoga and the path to enlightenment.
There were regular teachings on the "Two Truths in Buddhist Philosophy - Conventional & Ultimate" by Mr. Aziz, and Ven. Namdak la & Legtsok la continued explaining "The Tenets of Buddhist Philosophy," on Saturday evening classes.
During His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Sera Monastery from February 17 to March 2,
Geshe Dorjee Damdul la (H.H. Dalai Lama's English translator) graciously accepted our invitation to teach at the centre. We had two wonderful days of teachings on 22nd Feb - Universal Compassion & Modern Ethics & 23rd Feb - Interdependence and the spiritual path, with lots of discussions and Questions & answers. It was quite a uniquely invigorating learning experience for most of us. We affectionately look forward to future visits by Geshe la.
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Many of the cksl members took the opportunity to attend H.H. Dalai Lama's teachings and talks during his brief stay in Karnataka as often as they could.
Starting off on February 16th, many of the members visited "The Tibetan Children Village College," located midway between Mysore and Bangalore. It was the occasion of H.H. Dalai Lama's consecration of the Dalai Lama Institution for Higher Education. His Holiness was happy to see so many girl students do so well in their studies & encouraged the boys to follow in on their example. His humor & enthusiasm was contagious and added a wonderful charm to the whole occasion.
Then a few of the members also attended the talks organized by the "Indo-Tibetan Friendship Society"where His Holiness expounded on the common heritage and philosophy of India and Tibet and stressed on the geo-political importance of Indo-Tibetan friendship in today's increasingly violent times.
On February 21st, few members went to receive the "Hayagriva" empowerment and then travelled back to Bangalore to attend the teachings at the centre on 22nd and 23rd Feb by Geshela.
Then on February 25th, a special visit was organized with the initiative of one of our members, Saket Metha, about 20 of the members embarked on a bus bound towards Bylakuppe, Kushalnagar, on the occasion of "Losar - The Tibetan New Year". H.H. Dalai Lama gave a "White Tara Long Life Empowerment" and public addresses at both Sera's Main Temple and His Holiness' residence in one of the refugee settlements.
There were rows of vendors from Dharamshala, selling all kinds of items like statues, beads, etc... alongside the roads, on the way to the temple. These traders travel along with His Holiness, to every place in India where His Holiness gives a teaching. Also there were visitors from all over the world who eagerly attended the teachings that were given by His Holiness. Sera Monastery was hustling and bustling with vibrant activities & cheerfulness.
His Holiness gave the"Medicine Buddha" empowerment on the last day of his visit at Sera Mey Monastery in March. Some of the members made a trip to attend these teachings. Their enthusiasm for Dharma was never waning.
Then in March, a small group of members went to Sera again to receive teachings by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Rinpoche did a "long life Puja" & also inaugurated a new prayer hall,"Sera Drati Khangtsen," & gave advice to the monks on their practice.
Then he also gave 2 days teachings on March 5th & 6th on "Emptiness & on The Preciousness of Human Birth".
Then some of the members got to see Lama Zopa Rinpoche off at the airport and receive his blessings on March 8th. He waved goodbye smiling all the time until he disappeared into the check in counter at the airport.
According to the Tibetan calendar, Feb 25 to Mar 11, are the 15 days of miracles.They were truly miraculous days for all at cksl. On March 11, was Poornima & the last day when Buddha displayed his miracles. On this day, the effects of positive & negative actions are multiplied ten million times, and so at the centre few members gathered together and read the Arya Sanghata Sutra.
On March 21 & 22nd, Ven Gyalten Rabten lead the Guru Puja with Tsog Offering & also did meditations on shakyamuni Buddha.
The last 3 months saw interesting videos on Wednesday evenings by H.H.D.L and a few others from Lama Yeshe's Wisdom archive.
Ven. Tenzin Namjong taught The practice of "Prostrations to 35 Confession Buddhas" and also did some sutra readings & prayers, on March 28 & 29, bringing the month to wonderful close. We look forward to many more dharma activities in the months to come.
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| Dear Readers,
This section is to let you know well in advance about special events at CKSL planned to take place within the next few months. After a rather erratic schedule during the past three months we hope that our gatherings
during the next three will be very regular and consistent.
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Saturday April 25, 2009 : Anniversary of the Birth of His Eminence the 11th Panchen Lama Gendun Choekyi Nyima. |
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Saturday May 9, 2009 : Dharma Megha Foundation : Inauguration of "Bodhi - Sampanna," Buddhist Center in Hyderabad, on the occassion of Buddha Poornima , with a day long Teaching on "The Four Noble Truths," by Ven. Khangser Rinpoche. Venue: Chitramayee State Gallery of Fine Art, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad. For more details please contact: Anwesh Roy (+91 9866324910/anwesh@yahoo.com)
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Sunday May 10, 2009 : "White Tara Long Life Empowerment" and a Teaching on "Bodhichitta - The mind of Enlightenment" by Ven. Khangser Rinpoche from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Choe Khor Sum Ling Center.
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Sunday June 7, 2009 : A Teaching on "The Four Noble Truths" by the Ex-Abbot of Gyume Monastery, "Ven. Khensur Lobsang Tenzin Rinpoche" on the occassion of the Anniversary of Shakyamuni Buddha's Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana (Also known as Buddha Jayanti, or Saka Dawa in Tibetan.
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In May or early June we expect to finish the course on Buddhist Tenet Systems. |
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Following this for several months we will conduct a series of Saturday evening classes reviewing the philosophy topics covered in the last three years, namely Mind and Awareness, Mental Factors, Paths and Grounds, and Tenets. At the conclusion of this review period, examinations on each of these topics will be held for anyone interested, regardless of whether or not they attended the previous courses during which each topic was taught. For all who pass these basic examinations CKSL will issue certificates declaring their successful comprehension of these divisions of Buddhist Philosophy. Start looking through your old notes again Saturday night regulars. For newer students and old, we will provide a list of reading materials by which a comprehensive understanding of these topics may be gained in time for the exams.
Finally, several ideas for new programs have come up for discussion recently including Buddhist classes for kids, a weekend "introduction to meditation" retreat, and an additional class early on Sunday mornings. If you have suggestions regarding these, please speak up or send an e-mail to us. |
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I bow down to the perfect Buddha
The best of proponents - who propounded
That what dependently arises,
Has no cessation, no production
No annihilation, no permenance, no coming,
No going, no difference, no sameness,
Is free of the proliferations [of inherent
Existence and of duality] and is at peace. |
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-Arya Nagarjuna, Treatise on the Middle
(For an explanation of the meaning of these verses see the Teaching section this newsletter.) |
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Library
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Many new books were recently donated by Mr. Aziz (on Vipasana, Nirvana, Buddhist philosophy and a biography of H.H. Dalai Lama), by Amitabha Buddhist Centre (ABC) in Singapore (prayer books on Heart Sutra, Vajra Cutter, and Sangha Sutra Dharma Praya), and by Shalika.
Our sincere thanks are due to the Dharma friends who donated these books.
We also have some new books on Purification practices and Bodhichitta.
As usual Dharma Prayer Booklets are available at Xerox copy rates. A golden opportunity to enhance your spiritual skills! The booklets include practices for healing, practices at the time of death, how to make Mandala offerings, and meditations on various deities.
Five new members have joined the Library. May their tribe increase!
You can take a look at the list of books we have at : http://www.cksl.in/lib_list.pdf
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Video Shows
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Every Wednesday from 7 pm to 8 pm the Center shows Dharma videos with group recitation of Maitreya Buddha prayers. A great way to update your dharma quotient for those who have time during the week.
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Tsog Offerings
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Guru Puja with Tsog offering was conducted by Ven Gyalten Rabten. A beautiful way to enhance happiness, all are welcome to contribute and enjoy in the future!
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Teachings
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Saturday Teachings: We have reached the " Middle Path School - Madhyamika" of Buddhist Philosophical Tenets.
Sunday Teachings: Continuation of "A guide to the Bodhisattva's way of life" followed by meditation, prayers and discussions
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Teachers
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The center is blessed to have learned teachers like Ven. Namdak La, Ven. Legtsok La and Ven. Rabten La and many others who guide us on our path to eventual Buddha hood
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Annual Magazine
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We have initiated work on the next issue of our annual magazine, Abhisamaya.
One of the primary priorities of Abisamaya was to use it as a tool to promote awareness of the great Nalanda tradition of Buddhism. We have inherited this tradition at the Center. If you would like to take a look at the current issue, please visit:
http://www.cksl.in/abhisamaya.html
We encourage our Dharma friends to contribute to the next issue by providing us with ideas, articles and their valuable time.
You may please contact Ven. Tenzin Legtsok and write to him at: tlegtsok@rediffmail.com
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Mind and Life XVIII "Attention, Memory and Mind: a Synergy of Psychological, Neuroscientific, and Contemplative Perspectives" with HHDL
Dharamsala, India, April 6-10, 2009. For details see - http://www.mindandlife.org/conf09.dharamsala.html
His Holiness Pema Norbu Rinpoche Entered Parinirvana on 3rd April, 2009 His Holiness Drubwang Pema Norbu Rinpoche, the 11th Throneholder of the Palyul Lineage of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism entered the stage of "Thugdam," the final stage of meditation, as of 8:20 pm on Friday, 27th March 2009, at the Namdroling Monastery in Bylakuppe, South India. His Holiness Penor Rinpoche remained in thugdam for six and a half days. On the morning of Friday 3rd April at 8.00 am Indian time, he released his body from meditation and entered Parinirvana in his own private quarters at the Namdroling Monastery. The board and faculty of the Namdroling Monastery has announced that the Blessing Ceremony will begin on 9th April. With rituals and a ceremonial procession to carry Kyabje Penor Rinpoche's body into the Zangdok Palri Temple at Namdroling Monastery. It is expected that His Holiness' body will remain in the temple for a month.
Buddha Jayanti/Poornima, on 9th May, 2009 (According to Indian Buddhist Calender) the celebration of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and ultimate passing away, falls on May 9 this year. Bodhgaya and Sarnath are two of the best places to enjoy the festival in India.
In Bodhgaya throughout the day, prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourse, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of Buddha and symposia take place. The Mahabodhi Temple is decorated to mark the special occasion.
In Sarnath Relics of the Buddha are brought out for public display in a procession. Apart from this, devotees make a beeline to offer their prayers at the Buddhist temples of Sarnath. They offer, fruits, flowers, candles etc to the statues of Lord Buddha and reaffirm their faith in the practice of Buddhism. The monks take part in prayers, sermons, recitation of Buddhist scriptures are other important religious activities to pay their respect to the great teacher.
14 days trek from Kathmandu to Tibet : Himalayan High Treks is organizing a 14 days trek from Kathmandu to Tibet - "Ganden to Samye", on May 3-16, 2009.
For details see http://www.hightreks.com/tripeleven.html
Sixth Interfaith Dialogue Programme 2009, South India, May 13-26: , is organized by the Foundation for the Universal Responsibility of HHDL. A 14-day programme to embrace religious diversity, build cross-cultural understanding and encourage spiritual growth through first-hand exploration of different faith traditions. The programme will include lectures, discussions and films on religious tenants, practices, rituals and history of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Jainism. Participants will spend two days in Bangalore, Shravanabelagola, Mysore and Bylakuppe and will have the opportunity to interact and explore. College students & young professionals (age 18-35) can apply, the last day for application - May 1, 2009.
For details please contact :
Thupten Tsewang (Mr.), Programme Manager,
thuptentsewang@gmail.com,
http://furhhdl.org/interfaith_2009,
Tel. +91 11 2464 8450, ext. 102
One year postgraduate diploma program on Buddhist studies University of Hyderabad, has introduced a 1 year postgraduate diploma program on Buddhist studies to commence from July 2009.
For details see : http://www.uohyd.ernet.in/academic/academic_outreach/centre_fo_distance_edu/courses.html
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Teaching in Kaza, H.P., India from July 10 to 12 by His Holiness Dalai Lama: a 3-day teachings at the request of the Sakya Monastery in Kaza. On July 10, His Holiness will give a Buddhist teaching (topic yet to be decided). On July 11 and 12, His Holiness will confer the Avalokiteshvera Initiation (chenresig wangchen).
For details see www.dalailama.com/page.60.html
9-day residential course : Tushita Meditation Center is organizing 9-day residential course on "The Gelug Tradition of Mahamudra" from May 7 to 15 and "The Heart Sutra" from May 25 to 30 by Glen Svensson in Dharamsala, India.
For details see http:\\www.tushita.info
Songtsen Library : Center for Tibetan and Himalayan studies, in Dehradun offers courses and facilities for meditation retreat.
For details see http://www.songtsen-library.org/
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3. The Great Indian Pandits from Nalanda University: Acharya Buddhapalita
"I call to mind the esteemed Buddhapalita,
Who clarified the ultimate meaning of dependent arising, the thought of the Superior,
The essential point of the profound, (existence as) mere designation and name
And who has ascended to the utmost state of accomplishment."
-- His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama in
'Illuminating the Threefold Faith - An Invocation of the Seventeen Great Scholarly Adepts of Glorious Nalanda' --
In his prayer, "Illuminating the Threefold Faith - An Invocation of the Seventeen Great Scholarly Adepts of Glorious Nalanda," His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama acknowledges the great contributions made by Acharya Buddhapalita in clarifying the essence of the teachings of Arya Nagarjuna. Many eminent Tibetan Masters acknowledge Acharya Buddhapalita as the founder of the Prasangika (Consequentialist) branch of the Madhyamaka (the Middle Way) view. As mentioned in one of the earlier pieces in this series of articles on the great Nalanda pandits, Arya Nagarjuna is considered to have pioneered the Middle Way interpretation of the Buddha's teachings. Arya Nagarjuna's single most important exegetical work is the Mulamadhyamakakarika (The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way) that presents the most incisive interpretation of the Buddha's teaching on Pratitya-Samutpada (The Law of Dependent Origination) Through this work, Nagarjuna describes the essence of the Middle-Way, free of the extremes of externalism and nihilism. With the arisal of varying interpretations of Nagarjuna's thought by his two foremost disciples, Buddhapalita and Bhavaviveka,The Middle Way school of interpretation was further divided into two sub-schools viz. the Pransangika-Madhyamaka (Consequentialist-Middle Way) School and the Svatantrika-Madyhamaka (Autonomist-Middle Way) School. Many scholars believe that Acharya Buddhapalita, in commenting upon the intent of Nagarjuna's treatise, laid the foundation for the Prasangika school.
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Acharya Buddhapalita was born in a place called Hamsakrida in South India. Due to his interest in Buddhism he decided to become a Buddhist monk. He received the Sramanera (novice monk) and Bhikshu (fully-ordained monk) ordinations and became vastly accomplished in the scriptures. He studied under the tutorship of Acharya Sangharakshita who was a disciple of the Arya Nagamitra. He soon came to understand the teachings of Arya Nagarjuna as he studied the original works of Arya Nagarjuna under Acharya Sangharakshita.
Acharya Buddhapalita was a highly realized practitioner. He had a very clear understanding of Arya Nagarjuna's works and he delivered many sermons on the Buddhist doctrine while residing in the Dantapuri monastery in South India. His exegetical work guided later day masters like Arya Chandrakirti who went on to compose many fine commentaries on the Middle Way view of the doctrine. As mentioned earlier Acharya Buddhapalita is considered to have laid the foundation for the Prasangika system with an exegetical commentary on Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Middle Way called Buddhapalita Mula-Madhyamaka Vrtti Even though Acharya Chandrakirti through his defense of Acharya Buddhapalita opened the way for Prasangika, some writers consider Buddhapalita to be the founder. Acharya Buddhapalita's commentary on Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Middle Way uses Consequences (Prasanga) as opposed to Syllogisms favored by many other commentators like Acharya Bhavaviveka. Thus since Acharya Buddhapalita was the first main commentator on the Treatise on the Middle Way to use consequences instead of syllogisms he is considered to be the founder of the Pransangika system which in the Tibetan tradition is considered to be superior to all other systems.
Acharya Buddhapalita is said to have composed many works.
However, only his commentary on Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Middle Way called Buddhapalita Mula-Madhyamaka Vrtti survives. This commentary is acknowledged as the most important commentarial work on the Treatise on Middle Way. This commentary was used extensively by Acharya Chandrakirti in composing his most important work titled 'Clear Words, Commentary on Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Middle Way (Mula-Madhyamaka Vrtti Prasannapada)'. The great Tibetan practitioner Je Tsong Khapa is also said to have relied heavily on Acharya Buddhapalita's commentary to realize the meaning of Madhayamaka view.
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(1) Taranatha, History of Buddhism in India, translated from the Tibetan by Lama Chimpa and Alaka Chattopadhyaya
(2) Jeffrey Hopkins, Meditation on Emptiness
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| "My first trip to Bylakuppe" By Sangeeta Mansur (sangeetamansur@gmail.com) |
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My trip to Bylakuppe represents the beginning of my journey in Buddhism, I must say. For, it has turned me from a hesitant onlooker, into a probing explorer.
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I was drawn to a photograph of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, in a newspaper on his birthday last year, and went to visit CKSL for the first time. Venerable Khangser Rinpoche was teaching that day. His unassuming and cheerful disposition found me revisiting the centre each time he taught there. I didn't understand many things but my questions remained silent. And then came Geshe Dorjee Damdul la's teaching that had an intellectual rigor and yet a conscious effort to keep it simple. It was then that my questions started coming out. With those questions and my trip to Bylakuppe that came just a day after that, I believe, my exploration of Buddhism began.
We left from Bangalore in the early morning, one day before the Tibetan New Year. The bus, I noticed, had on board, apart from two monks, people from different religions and nationalities: Indians from different regions and religions, Tibetans, Alaskans, French and a German. The spiritual core of Buddhism is so strong that it radiates to pull seekers from all religions and nations who are perhaps more interested in the spiritual core than the religion itself, I thought. Or, may be, it pulls people who are in search of a 'personal religion' which they want to grow into, when they grow out of the religion they were born into, I thought.
I was pleasantly surprised to see some senior members of CKSL engaging a monk sitting at the aisle seat of the front row, into a long conversation. Venerable Namdak la, with his serious, earnest and very patient demeanor, explained different concepts and clarified doubts of my fellow travelers. During the whole trip and my stay, I saw more and more evidence of this close, honest and open interaction between monastics and lay people. Being familiar with religions where we not only glorify but also 'godify' priests and are told to keep them at a reverential distance, I felt both impressed and relieved by this very human to human interaction.
When we reached Bylakuppe in the afternoon, we had the privilege of being guided on our tour, by Venerable Rabten la, the Singaporean monk with a twinkle in his eye and a spring in his step. He took us to four monasteries and answered many queries and questions I had. One of the monasteries belonged to the 11th Panchen Lama, whose abduction I had heard about earlier. My heart went out to the small kid looking at us from the photograph placed there. Overall, the visit to the monasteries had changed my energies into a calm, positive one, and the setting sun over an expanse of the green landscape added a touch of beauty to the whole experience.
Then Venerable Rabten la took us to Sera, where we were supposed to go the next day. We peered through the closed gates, and looking at the layout, I wondered if we'd be lucky enough to get at least a good glimpse of His Holiness at all the next day. Under the cloak of darkness, I could see there many monks assembled in different groups talking. The faint din of their conversation was frequently punctuated with their clapping of hands. I was told, the clapping signified making or proving a point in a debate! For someone like me who moved from the blind faith of religion to the skepticism of science, then to the uncertainty of agnosticism and then to a whole new plane of seeking, it was very heartening to see the place and emphasis that logic and debate have been given in Buddhism before moving to 'knowing' and 'direct experience'.
Early next morning, after squeezing through the gate, avoiding a near stampede, we got to sit right in the front, in the second row after some Chinese visitors, and for me, this was sheer serendipity! And soon, there he was, His Holiness, speaking in Tibetan, giving a teaching and Long Life empowerment. My FM radio with the feeble transmission offered me a word of translation here and there which I could not connect, and so, I decided to keep it aside and just soak up his presence. I don't quite know what he spoke but it both calmed me down and lifted up my spirits at the same time. His resonant voice threw itself far and touched me like a deep blessing. I witnessed in him what I always caught a glimpse of in his photographs, an unusual mix of a child-like innocence and a sage-like serenity.
And then we went to the palace for his second address. There was no chance of an FM radio here, but then, it was a day of serendipity for me. We were lucky enough to get a kind monk to be our instant translator and we got to sit in the second row on the platform that spread right in front of the chair on which His Holiness sat. I was struck by the total self-effacing manner in which he conducted himself throughout the event and especially when people and monks bowed to him. The ministers, the office bearers and the Prime Minister of the Tibetan Govt. in exile, discussed matters of politics, of refugees, of the invaders, of peace, of many other issues of relevance. His Holiness spoke too, of the same issues, of his gratitude to Karnataka, of compassion and of hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. Finally, he walked right through our platform, spoke briefly to a couple of people in our group, blessed us all and left cheerfully. It was like a giant wave of pure and peaceful energy passing us by.
For me, it was witnessing a model of self-effacing compassion, and I will always treasure this memory in my heart.
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| April 2009 |
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
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1
Dharma Video Show - The Four Noble Truths pt.1 |
2 |
3 |
4
Tenets by Ven. Tenzin Namdak |
5
BWL
by Ven.Tenzin Namdak |
| 6 |
7 |
8
Dharma Video show - The Four Noble Truths pt.2 |
9
Full Moon Day |
10 |
11
Dharma Video Show |
12
Two Truths by Mr. Abdul Aziz |
| 13 |
14
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15
Dharma Video show - The Four Noble Truths - pt.3 |
16 |
17
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18
Tenets by Ven. Tenzin legtsok |
19
BWL
by Ven.Tenzin legtsok |
| 20 |
21 |
22
Dharma Video Show - The Four Noble Truths - pt.4 |
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24 |
25
 Guru Puja with Tsog Offering by Ven. Rabten |
26
Meditation, Prayer, & Discussion by Ven. Rabten |
| 27 |
28 |
29
Dharma Video Show - The Four Noble Truths pt.5 |
30 |
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Full Moon Day New Moon Day |
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| BWL |
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Explanation of the Ancient Nalanda Pandit Shantideva's mind training text, "A Guide to the Boddhisattvas Way of Life", together with guided meditation and discussion. |
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| GM I |
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Guided meditation with Lama Tsong Khapa's Guru Yoga |
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| GM II |
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Guided meditation on Path to Enlightenment with Prayers |
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| Tenets |
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Explanation of various Buddhist philisophical tenet systems together with Q & A. |
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| Notes: |
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Please visit http://www.cksl.in for name of Video shows and other updates. |
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| 2. |
There will be no special events at the center on Tsok and New or Full Moon days. |
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| 3. |
Dharma Practice dates: http:www.fpmt.org/resources/dates.asp |
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