A retreat forms an integral part of the cycle of a practitioner's life. To retreat means to step out of the deep ruts of our normal daily life and encounter the world anew. Imagine skiing in the mountains after a fresh snowfall, where we are no longer conditioned by the well worn tracks of the inner landscape of our mind. We see the opportunity available to us in new ways and in a new light.
A retreat is not something new but forms part of an old tradition of reconnecting with what is most sacred in life. What we now think of as 'holidays' were holy days, during which we devoted time and energy to the sacred. The modern day idea of vacation means to leave behind or vacate, again the idea of stepping outside of our normal routine and daily habits.
There is something deep in our psyche which longs for renewal and rejuvenation. Many people all over the world embark on pilgrimages to seek out and reconnect with this sacred way of being. That renewal happens when the unseen becomes seen, when that which has gone unrecognized becomes apparent.
The point of that journey isn't to have some great experience, but to rediscover the very ground of our being and to arrive at the center of which that very journey unfolds. Often we find ourselves reminiscing about the good ole days, but what we truly long for is a genuine path that leads to pure presence, in which we can tap into the wellspring of our own renewal and reconnect with the openness, generosity, and kindness that give our life purpose and meaning.
Clarify your practice. Let your practice clarify you.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
"Whatever arises must cease."
"Whatever is subject to arising is subject to cessation."
This was the phrase that Kondanna uttered after hearing the Buddha's first sermon on the four noble truths. To which the Buddha replied, "Kondanna understands. Kondanna is one who understands it all."
This seemingly insignificant exchange occurs at the end of the Dharmachakra-pravartana sutra but it points to exactly what the Buddha was trying to illuminate, the wisdom of dependent origination.
That which changes is impermanent.
Whatever is impermanent is subject to dissatisfaction, or dukkha.
Whatever is conditioned is empty of inherently existing.
The three seals of impermanence, dukkha, and emptiness or not-self form the basis for understanding all the Buddha's teachings. If you understand these three seals, you are never far off from the Buddha's insight into the nature of the self and reality.
These are not complicated principles. They are accessible in our present experience. They are readily taught without dogma, even small children can observe how things are subject to change.
Much has been taught and can be taught about Buddhist philosophy. Simply understanding these three seals is enough to give rise to a greater understanding of the world around us, and insight into our own nature.
Contemplate these three seals with the four noble truths and you have a complete path to awakening.
This was the phrase that Kondanna uttered after hearing the Buddha's first sermon on the four noble truths. To which the Buddha replied, "Kondanna understands. Kondanna is one who understands it all."
This seemingly insignificant exchange occurs at the end of the Dharmachakra-pravartana sutra but it points to exactly what the Buddha was trying to illuminate, the wisdom of dependent origination.
That which changes is impermanent.
Whatever is impermanent is subject to dissatisfaction, or dukkha.
Whatever is conditioned is empty of inherently existing.
The three seals of impermanence, dukkha, and emptiness or not-self form the basis for understanding all the Buddha's teachings. If you understand these three seals, you are never far off from the Buddha's insight into the nature of the self and reality.
These are not complicated principles. They are accessible in our present experience. They are readily taught without dogma, even small children can observe how things are subject to change.
Much has been taught and can be taught about Buddhist philosophy. Simply understanding these three seals is enough to give rise to a greater understanding of the world around us, and insight into our own nature.
Contemplate these three seals with the four noble truths and you have a complete path to awakening.
Friday, January 25, 2019
February Meditation Workshop
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Monday, January 21, 2019
Heal yourself before healing others.
There is this story that I like from the Snow Lion's Turquoise Mane. The story is about this interaction that takes place between Gampopa and his teacher Milarepa.
Gampopa founded the Kagyu tradition in Tibet back in the
eleventh century. He was a doctor who lost his wife at a young age and then became a monk. He studied under the Kadampa tradition until he met his root teacher Milarepa.
Milarepa is the famous yogi of Tibet. He lived up in the mountains wearing only
a white cotton cloth, was known for his practice of inner heat or tummo, and that he gained enlightenment in one lifetime. Milarepa was also famous for his songs of awakening or dohas, which
have inspired countless practitioners to this day.
One day Gampopa was sitting in his cave meditating all day
and Milarepa asked him how long his meditation sessions lasted. Gampopa said he
usually sat for six hours at a time.
Milarepa asked him what he experienced during that time.
Gampopa responded,
"Nothing at all- a great void.”
Milarepa exclaimed, "You fool! How can you sit
for six hours and experience nothing at all? You are suppressing yourself,
resting in an indifferent, neutral state- pleasant as it may be. Give up this
so-called practice and begin according to my instruction."
Milarepa then sang a song about genuine practice:
The ultimate view is to observe ones
mind, steadfastly and with determination,
Buddhahood cannot be found outside, so contemplate your own
mind.
Behold and watch unborn awareness, how can common meditation
match it?
The ultimate guru is Buddha-mind within, do no seek it
elsewhere.
Recognizing ones true nature as
dharmakaya,
Swiftly actualize immanent Buddhahood.
When Gampopa heard this song, he was humbled and immediately
said he was going to renounce his monk robes and become a cotton clad ascetic
just like Milarepa.
Again, Milarepa chastised him, "You
fool, don't copy others! Each one of you must follow your own
spiritual path."
Then Milarepa sang a song about the original monastic state-
One of letting go, surrender, simplicity, solitude, and
recognizing the truth of selflessness.
At the end, Milarepa said, "Heal yourself, good
physician monk, then you will naturally heal others. My teaching is mine, yours
must be yours. Do whatever is necessary in order to evoke it from within."
Friday, January 18, 2019
Upcoming Meditation Workshop
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Event to be held at the following time, date, and location:
Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (PST)
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