Thursday 27 July 2017

The Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Introduction.

Modern Buddhism has roots in Buddha Shakyamuni's teachings, there are many Lineages/Schools, many Teachers, many Sanghas.

Schools include the Four Schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Zen (Chan) Buddhism created by Buddha Bodhidharma, and many other.


Kagyü lineage/school, Kagyüpas.

'The accomplisher transmission within the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Encompassess the old (Tib. Nyingma) and new (Tib. Sarma) teachings that reached Tibet. Being heavily practice-oriented it is sometimes called the 'oral' or 'perfecting' school.

It was brought to Tibet around 1050 by the hero Marpa and draws its strength from close relationship betweeen teacher and student.

Four major and eight minor schools have their origin in four main students of Gampopa. Major and minor relate to the direct connection to Gampopa (major or main schools) or indirect connection through a student of Gampopa (minor or subsidiary schools).

Today, out of the major schools, only the Karma Kagyü, whose spiritual leader is the Karmapa, remains.

From the eight minor schools, the Drugpa and Drikung Kagyü have many supporters in Bhutan and Ladakh.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Nyingma lineage/school, Nyingmapas.

'The oldest of the four main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, 'the old school'.

It was founded in the eight century by the Indian master Guru Rinpoche (Tib., Skt. Padmasambhava).

There is a distinction between Karma tradition (the school of direct transmission from teacher to student, which goes all the way back to Buddha Shakyamuni) and the Terma tradition, the transmission of hidden 'treasures' which were rediscovered and propagated later.

In the year 800, King Langdarma turned against Buddhism and destroyed these transmission lineages. But the tertöns (treasure finders) rediscovered the teachings of Guru Rinpoche for us today. Many tertons were Kagyüs, and were together with women. In sharing the transmission, a close connection developed between the Kagyü and Nyingma schools.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Sakya lineage/school, Sakyapas.

'One of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Khön Köonchok Gyalpo in the eleventh century; in this school weight is given to both intellectual study and meditation practice.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Gelug lineage/school, Gelugpas.

'(Tib. two possible translations: the Ganden School, named after their main monastery, or the Virtuous School): also called the 'Yellow Hat' School;

The newest of the four main lineages of Tibetan Buddhism.

This reformed school, first found in the 14th century by Tsongkhapa, emphasizes the textual studies as well as the monastic tradition.

Although this school also possesses various tantric transmissions, they see themselves mainly as Great Way rather than Diamond Way.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.

Conditions for Meditation & Dharma Practice.

Introduction.

Precious human rebirth is something rare, something that is the result of karma accumulated through many lives.

Just having a human life doesn’t mean we have a precious human life. A precious human life means that we have all the conditions for Dharma practice.

There are are eight freedoms and ten fortunes that make spiritual development in Dharma possible & efficient.

Eight Freedoms:
1. One is not reborn in the hells,
2. One is not reborn in the hungry ghost realm,
3. One is not reborn as an animal,
4. One is not reborn as a god,
5. One is not reborn 'as a barbarian among uncivilized savages' - where spiritual growth & dharma practice is difficult,
6. One is not reborn in a place or at a time when the Buddha’s teachings are unavailable—where a buddha hasn’t appeared and taught,
7. One is not reborn with impaired senses: being blind or deaf or mentally retarded. It doesn’t mean that those people can’t practice the Dharma but there’s a lot of impediment. Nowadays it’s better actually. In ancient times if you were blind you couldn’t read the scriptures. Now they’ll have Buddhist books read on audio tapes and maybe something in braille, so it’s easier. Same with being deaf in ancient times: very difficult to listen to teachings. Now I’ve taught at times where somebody signed the teachings so that people can hear them. Still it makes it harder,
8. One is not reborn as somebody who has wrong views.

Ten Fortunes:
1. One is reborn as a human. With a human body then we have human intelligence. This is really something to rejoice at,
2. One is reborn in a Buddhist region. This is a place where you can receive the teachings and where you can receive ordination,
3. One is reborn with complete and healthy sense faculties: so being able to see, being able to hear, having our mind be sharp,
4. One is not having created any of the five heinous crimes. These five heinous actions are ones that if you commit them, then in your next life you instantly get reborn in a hell realm because of the severity of these actions. They include killing our father, killing our mother, killing an arhat, causing schism in the Sangha, and causing blood to be drawn from a buddha,
5. One is having an instinctive belief in things that are worthy of respect. One has in our heart an instinctive interest in the Dharma, an instinctive curiosity about spiritual practice,
6. One lives where and when a Buddha has appeared,
7. One lives where and when a Buddha has not only appeared but taught,
8. One lives where and when Dharma still exists,
9. One lives when and where there’s a Sangha community following the Buddha’s teachings. It’s nice to have that example of other Sangha members for us to follow; and to be able to go to them for questions and support in our practice, especially if they are Buddhist monks or nuns,
10. One lives when and where there are others with loving concern. Loving concern refers to benefactors—the people who offer us food, clothing, medicine, and shelter (the four requisites) so that we can practice. Loving concern also refers to the people who are our Dharma teachers. They teach us with loving concern for our spiritual well-being. Having the support of others is very important for our practice.


Blog author's situation & comments.

i was in this fortunate situation that i could meditate at a Buddhist Center, and take Refuge in Lama Ole Nydahl in this life.

During our three lights meditation, we remember that conditions for meditation are rare, precious and we don't know how long these will last.

So it was with me - i could meditate with Sangha, it was precious & uplifting experience.

Then my mental illness caused me in being unable to continue.

i think i understand why, for a few of reasons:
1. 'Junk' from subconsciousness was drawn out to purify. i still experience this karma, i know it's being purified quickly & efficiently - but there's a lot of it; Such purifications are unpleasant and sometimes dangerous to my life (i suffer from obstacles of looking for incoming cars when i pass the street for example), if i meditated more there would be more of such karma for me to face & purify.
2. Investing one's own karma & time is great but costly - Teachers bless us, give lessons and one should repay them with their support or help; Otherwise there's a risk of getting addicted to the Teachers & blessings coming from them, i think.

After a mental crisis & times of trying to reach for more of meditation-time despite Sangha's wisdom, i finally let go.

i try to seed the causes for future meditation possibility for me - by speaking about sectarianism, by creating conditions for others to meditate efficiently.

My situation is not so bad as well, i read ... for i can recite mantras, read about buddhist wisdom, i can help other people. i read that progress is possible even without powerful meditation methods, that way.

Occasionally i do meditate however, carefully, with a guidance of insights to when i can, on my own responsibility. i prefer quick development, so i do - even if there are inconveniences & risks associated.

One of sectarian accusations i wish to address here as well is about Sangha 'seducing & ditching' their members.

i think that not everyone has karmic conditions to meditate with Sangha for whole life, but even a short time of practice is beneficial for them.

One can progress by cultivating Wisdom & Compassion, as well.


Wishes.

i wish all beings - including me - to be able to meditate skillfully & efficiently,

i wish all beings - including me - to be able to progress fast to Liberation & Enlightenment.


Mantras.

OM MAHAKALAYE SOHA
OM A RA PA CA NA DHIH
OM MANI PEME HUNG

OM AMI DEWA HRI
OM KALACHAKRA SOHA

OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

SHAMARPA CHENNO

KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, blessed be.

Wednesday 26 July 2017

Better Reincarnation.

Pure Land.

'pure land: The power-field of a buddha; a beyond-personal, unconditioned, joyful state of mind in which all conditions for Buddhist practice for realization and enlightenment exist, and great merit can be accumulated.

The most well-known Pure Land is The Pure Land of Highest Joy (Dewachen) of the Buddha of Limitless Light.

See also Phowa.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Pure Land of Highest Joy.

'Pure Land of Highest Joy (Skt. Sukhavati, Tib. Dewachen): The pure land of Buddha of Limitless Light.

It is particularly easy to reach through practices on the Buddha of Limitless Light and Phowa.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Buddha of Limitless Light.



'Buddha of Limitless Light (Skt. Amitabha, Tib. Öpame): Buddha of discriminating wisdom, ruby-colored and sitting.

His hands rest in his lap and hold a bowl with the nectar of highest accomplishment.

His realm of consciousness is the Pure Land of Highest Joy (Dewachen), which beings with strong wishes are able to reach thanks to this buddha's previous promises.'

-- Quoted from 'Fearless Death' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Blog author's comments.

Long time ago i made a wish to reincarnate in a Buddhist family.

i wish to keep this wish, enhancing it with a wish to reincarnate in a Buddhist family in Buddha Amitabha's Pure Land of Highest Joy.

In Buddha Amitabha's Pure Land of Highest Joy beings may develop & accumulate merit still, way to Enlightenment is open for them.

It's better reincarnation than in Heavenly Realms, because as God being's karma only worsens. No heaven is permanent, reincarnating there is the waste of time from a Buddhist perspective.

Do i wish to reincarnate in Heavens then? Yes, but not for long (i think for about a 4 weeks - to help there & to fulfill beneficial wishes of those who are important to me, both Sangha & friends/allies outside Sangha). My involvement with the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn implies that i seek union with God, it's their goal. i wish to attain that goal, to better understand them & their needs - so my goal of allying Sangha with them is not empty & meaningless. But being a Buddhist, i do not wish to remain in Godly mind-states for too long, i seek reincarnation in Buddha Amitabha's Pure Land of Highest Joy instead. i don't mind visiting Heavens, Hells, Wiccan Summerland, or other Worlds after my death, to help beings there, as long as it's not for too long. i prefer to not waste time - during this life, and after.

i ask all of those who can, to do Phowa for me after i die. i am not sure if i'll be able to complete Phowa Course in this life, so i need this kind of help.

i wish to repay those who help me that way, with my services - before my death or after reincarnation - but don't know how, yet.

See also: Reincarnation.


Wishes.

May all beings - including myself - reincarnate better in Buddha Amitabha's Pure Land, if they wish.

i wish to prepare & learn Phowa practice in this life, if possible. If not possible in this life, then as soon as i can. For myself & for others.


Mantras.

OM MAHAKALAYE SOHA
OM A RA PA CA NA DHIH
OM MANI PEME HUNG

OM AMI DEWA HRI
OM KALACHAKRA SOHA

OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

SHAMARPA CHENNO

KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, blessed be.

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Planting the seed of Bodhicitta.

A Quote.

'Karmapa: we must plant the seed of Bodhicitta.

We have fertile conditions to plant the seed of this wonderful organic plant, metaphorically speaking, that is Bodhicitta – the ‘tree of enlightenment’, one could say. Therefore, we must make use of this time and not waste it. As it is said in a prayer: if the Bodhicitta has not been generated, we must find a way to generate it. Once it is generated, we must find a way to ensure that it does not decrease, but constantly make efforts to increase it. And not only increase it to an average level, but to increase and develop it to its fullest limit, which is of course limitless. So we must make the best use of this opportunity and make the most of it.'




Blog author's comments.

There are better and worse moments in our lives. Crises & conflicts are part of lives.

If things are going well, it's best to enjoy while these conditions last, without getting attached, remembering of impermanence, of empty nature of all that depends upon conditions. When good conditions leave, it's best to let go gently of things that are leaving us - thinking 'it was good', without reaching for more.

But still - we can plant seeds that will make good karma reappear in future.

When things are going bad, it's best to accept them as a lesson, as an opportunity to grow & learn, to practice with patience, compassion, wisdom & observation.

When we experience bad karma in our lives, we can plant the seeds of bodhicitta, practice six liberating actions, realize inseparability of emptiness & compassion. We can understand that conflicts are not going to last, that it's wise to plant seeds for future peace whenever conflict starts, and cultivate these all the time - even during such conflict. We should understand that people cause troubles because of ignorance, because they feel troubled themselves. When we feel attacked we should protect ourselves & those who are important to us - but without going too far, understanding that peace has to prevail in the end.

And let's consider - we do not wish to create desperates. These turn out to be our worst foes, that's how terrorists are created as well, i think.

Peace for all,
_()_ Namo Buddhaya.

Friday 21 July 2017

Aging & Impermanence.

About.

i've been interrested in computer sciences since my youth, then went to Warsaw University to study this field, learned & elegantly structured within myself a lot of basics with good & very good grades mostly.

then severe depression episode, fear of leaving home occured - i stopped attending to Uni & was removed from students list after exams.

i didn't give up, found professional work & worked there for over 4 years.

after this time i was spent, without energy, with stress accumulated - i was fired as any burnt-out employee.

i've started therapy, working on my own computer-science-related projects, learning from books when i could.

now i read article that since this September, programming education for kids will start in basic schools - that is, 7-years-young kids will have such lessons.

while this is good news for my nation (Poland), for western world as well - this makes me worried about my own future.

will younger generation replace those who had no such intense opportunities at youth?

i am a professional computer programmer with aspirations for other sciences, but so far my mental illness is major obstacle when it comes to learning mathematics & other sciences.

then i looked at HH Buddha Karmapa's portrait and had insights.

i understood it's impermanence & impermanence of conditions -related fear, that it happens in all ways of life, even in computer programming.

i had insight i should observe & learn, i should take this obstacle as a lesson & opportunity to grow, that my ambitions & plans should reach far in the future.

thankfully i've already started something as that (details: Dragonfly Algorithm), but my mental illness makes progress difficult.

i hope i'll realize my dream of becoming a great multi-disciplinary scientist that uses computing tools excellently.


Wishes.

May all beings have happines and causes of happiness,

May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering,

May they always experience true happiness, which is totally free from suffering,

May they remain in the great equanimity, which is beyond attachment and aversion.


Mantras.

OM MAHAKALAYE SOHA
OM A RA PA CA NA DHIH
OM MANI PEME HUNG

OM AMI DEWA HRI
OM KALACHAKRA SOHA

OM AH HUNG BENZA GURU PEMA SIDDHI HUNG

SHAMARPA CHENNO

KARMAPA CHENNO

Namaste, blessed be.

Saturday 15 July 2017

Kinds of Love.

Two Kinds of Love.

'Conditioned Love expects, hopes, fears, and wants to 'get' rather than give. Thus disturbing emotions arise and one gets increasingly poorer on the inner level.

Giving/unconditional love realizes how much beings struggle with their inner and outer worlds - that they do, say, and think things which make them unable to find lasting happiness. Consequentially, one beings to give, without thinking of one's own advantage.'

-- Quoted from 'Buddha & Love' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Agape & Eros.

'Eros is a needs-based and desire-based, egocentric and acquisitive love: in other words, we can love other humans and God with a love of eros in which we love them out of self-interest in order to acquire and possess them. It is drawn from Greek Platonic thought.

Agape, by contrast, is spontaneous, unconditional, theocentric, self-giving, self-sacrificial: in other words, we can love others and God with a love of agape in which we reject all self-gain and interest and surrender ourselves to other and love them purely for themselves.'

Source: Wikipedia.

See also, if You wish:
- Love, Enlightened,
- The Four Loves,
- ...


The Four Immeasureables.

Four Immeasureables, the (Skt. A pramana / Tib. Tse me shi): often expressed by four wishes:

1. May all beings have happines and causes of happiness (Love),
2. May they be free from suffering and the cause of suffering (Compassion),
3. May they always experience true happiness, which is totally free from suffering (Sympathetic joy),
4. May they remain in the great equanimity, which is beyond attachment and aversion (Equanimity).


Blog author's comments.

Should Buddhists love God?

In Buddhism, True Compassion should encompass every being - including one's own happiness.

Without loving oneself, one's Compassion is not complete.

In Buddhism, gods - as well as denizens of hells - are beings too, even when Buddhas are considered greater than them.

Every being should be addressed with the Four Immeasurables approach, as well.




True Compassion can be developed using Loving Eyes practice, by repeating
OM MANI PEME HUNG mantras - then it develops in Mind, Speech & Body activities as a consequence.

This blog's author prefers Unconditional Love over Conditioned Love, Agape over Eros, Love over Sex. i like sex, but it has 'lower priority' than love.

This blog's author thinks that True Love should make people grow spiritually, that Enlightened Love is a way leading for Enlightenment.

This blog's author thinks that Couples should help others as well, being beneficial & strengthening their Love that way.


Wednesday 12 July 2017

Broken Papers.

i had these insights since a while ago.

a while ago i heard in radio church's warnings about 'Freezing & Heating' sectarian weapon.

i have experienced it personally as well, i think it's a way for sects & other - more beneficial groups - to protect themselves.


then i read in the internet about sects that make their members sign under sect's dogma, as a psychological trick to brainwash & ensure loyalty, among other means.

i had insights that this trick might be called 'broken papers' - as members experience conditioned pain in mind & body if they try to break dogma/laws under they signed themselves.

i think it's also a self-protection way, an entry-certificate to higher lessons, and very dangerous way if it's abused.

i had insight that sangha wishes me to sign 'broken papers', if i agree.

i did agree in mind, i do not plan nor wish to betray afterall.

The Great Seal.

About.

'Great Seal, The (Tibetan: Chagchen and Chagya chenpo, Sanskrit: Mahamudra): The Great Seal of realization. Buddha promised that this is the ultimate teaching. It is mainly taught in the Kagyu school and leads to a direct experience of the nature of mind.

The Great Seal encompasses the basis, way and goal.

With trust in one's buddha nature, one tries to rest in the inseparability of the experiencer, that which is being experienced, and the experience itself.

As a result, mind recognizes itself and seals its enlightenment.'

-- Quoted from 'The Way Things Are' book by Lama Ole Nydahl.


Blog author's comments.

Mahamudra is not a practice for beginners.

One has to take Refuge first, then go through Ngöndro, then participate in a Mahamudra course. Only then this practice can commence.