Law of natural causation (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)
Dear Friends,
When I visited Ladakh sometime ago, I asked a lady what is meant by being Buddhist and she replied "To pray to the Buddha".
I told her that this is not all there is to our tradition. We must gain knowledge about Buddhism in the right manner and then practice it. You should reason out, analyse, apply logic and apply rationality to the concepts of views put forth by masters such as Nagarjuna and others and come to your own conclusion. Don't follow blindly what they have put down. This approach is very important for gaining knowledge in the right manner.
The tradition of different sects, wearing of different caps should not come in the way of true practice of Dharma. The only cap that is important is the one that protects you from the sun! Be careful that is does not fly away in the wind (laughs). The Buddha too did not wear a cap. So that is not as important as practicing Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Please avoid destructive states such as 'Self-Cherishing', 'Self-Grasping' and 'Ego' as they bring us only suffering. They are to be banned in all respects. Unfortunately, people start to appease and encourage these states of being bringing upon themselves more unhappiness and suffering instead of happiness and wellness, the things we actually want!
Please bear in mind that negative or destructive emotions affect our biological immunity. They constantly erode us. We must understand their true nature and keep cleansing them, purifying them with practices. Practice the Six Perfections at all times in your daily life. This will bring benefit to you and other sentient beings. (Buddhism lists the Six Transcendent Perfections as: Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Diligence, Concentration and Wisdom). Be home-hearted and compassionate to other beings. These qualities relieve us and others from suffering.
Believe firmly law of karma. I will slightly alter this and say that we must believe in the Law of Natural Causation, on dependant origination of forces, continuation of the mind after death. This will help us lead better lives.
People who are non-believers of Buddhism say that this tradition is another way to mislead people for gain. But the fact that the Dharma is taught and preached for no material gain is a direct rebuttal to this false view. Nihilists too say that Buddhism has no proof of past and future lives. However, a meaningful dialogue and discussion is possible only through proper understanding of the tradition or else it will be just like two people fighting over ignorant views.
Our body is designed to overcome fear and anger. For example when we get angry, blood flows through our hands to be ready to fight. Likewise, when we are bound by fear, blood rushes to out feet so that we can run! Body has these mechanisms in place. Now we must find ways to deal with these emotions with the mind for peaceful and lasting solutions.
We seek refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and we will work towards attainment of enlightenment relentlessly to benefit ourselves and other sentient beings equally.
(Sent by Girish Deshpande, a Buddhist. He lives in Pune.)
(Excerpts from the address given by H H The Dalai Lama at Sera Jey Monastery, Bylakuppe)
When I visited Ladakh sometime ago, I asked a lady what is meant by being Buddhist and she replied "To pray to the Buddha".
I told her that this is not all there is to our tradition. We must gain knowledge about Buddhism in the right manner and then practice it. You should reason out, analyse, apply logic and apply rationality to the concepts of views put forth by masters such as Nagarjuna and others and come to your own conclusion. Don't follow blindly what they have put down. This approach is very important for gaining knowledge in the right manner.
The tradition of different sects, wearing of different caps should not come in the way of true practice of Dharma. The only cap that is important is the one that protects you from the sun! Be careful that is does not fly away in the wind (laughs). The Buddha too did not wear a cap. So that is not as important as practicing Dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Please avoid destructive states such as 'Self-Cherishing', 'Self-Grasping' and 'Ego' as they bring us only suffering. They are to be banned in all respects. Unfortunately, people start to appease and encourage these states of being bringing upon themselves more unhappiness and suffering instead of happiness and wellness, the things we actually want!
Please bear in mind that negative or destructive emotions affect our biological immunity. They constantly erode us. We must understand their true nature and keep cleansing them, purifying them with practices. Practice the Six Perfections at all times in your daily life. This will bring benefit to you and other sentient beings. (Buddhism lists the Six Transcendent Perfections as: Generosity, Discipline, Patience, Diligence, Concentration and Wisdom). Be home-hearted and compassionate to other beings. These qualities relieve us and others from suffering.
Believe firmly law of karma. I will slightly alter this and say that we must believe in the Law of Natural Causation, on dependant origination of forces, continuation of the mind after death. This will help us lead better lives.
People who are non-believers of Buddhism say that this tradition is another way to mislead people for gain. But the fact that the Dharma is taught and preached for no material gain is a direct rebuttal to this false view. Nihilists too say that Buddhism has no proof of past and future lives. However, a meaningful dialogue and discussion is possible only through proper understanding of the tradition or else it will be just like two people fighting over ignorant views.
Our body is designed to overcome fear and anger. For example when we get angry, blood flows through our hands to be ready to fight. Likewise, when we are bound by fear, blood rushes to out feet so that we can run! Body has these mechanisms in place. Now we must find ways to deal with these emotions with the mind for peaceful and lasting solutions.
We seek refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and we will work towards attainment of enlightenment relentlessly to benefit ourselves and other sentient beings equally.
(Sent by Girish Deshpande, a Buddhist. He lives in Pune.)
(Excerpts from the address given by H H The Dalai Lama at Sera Jey Monastery, Bylakuppe)
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