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ORIGINALLY RELEASED Feb 17, 2025 Dr. Rory Dickson is a professor of Islamic Religion and Culture and author of several publications on Sufism, the mystical path within Islam. He joins Breht to have an incredibly deep conversation about the Sufi poet Rumi, his life and work, Rumi's relationship to his teacher Shams of Tabriz, the concepts of fana (annihilation of the self) and baqa (subsistence in God), the spiritual practices of Sufism, non-duality and perennialism, "dying before you die", Buddhist enlightenment, the Quran, Serving the People in politics and religion, the role of Divine Love in spiritual transformation, transcending the ego, Bodhicitta and the Heart of the Bodhisattva, the counter-cultural aspects of the historical dervishes, The Masnavi (aka the "Persian Quran"), Christian Mysticism, the evolution of human consciousness, the linguistics of translation, and much, much more! Check out Rory's book "Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy" Recommendations for Further Exploration: Rumi's World: The Life and Work of the Great Sufi Poet The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi Check out our related episodes with Dr. Adnan Husain: Sufism: Islamic Mysticism and the Annihilation of Self in God St. Francis of Assisi: Patron Saint of Ecology & Brother to All Creation ------------------------------------------------------------ Outro Music: Something's Out There by Neva Dinova Support Rev Left and get bonus episodes on Patreon Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio Learn more about Rev Left HERE
Lama Zopa Rinpoche explains how to do the meditation with the requesting prayer. The way to meditate is to realize Guru Vajradhara, the Dharmakaya Buddha, as the root virtuous friend that embodies and pervades all the manifested billions of mandalas or deities.Rinpoche highlights that the purpose of our life is to free all sentient beings from suffering and cause them happiness. He says that working for others accomplishes two purposes: others' happiness and our own happiness. Thus, working for others' happiness has limitless skies of benefit. To illustrate this, Rinpoche gives an example from the Avatamsaka Sutra, which describes how one person with bodhicitta offering a tiny flower to the Buddha collects far greater merit than if all sentient beings living in the great three thousand universes built stupas made of jewels that covered the entire universe. From this example, you can understand how bodhicitta is the treasure of merit.Rinpoche says that all the infinite qualities of Buddha's holy body, speech, and mind came from bodhicitta. The Buddha came from a bodhisattva, and bodhisattvas come from bodhicitta. Thus, all one's past, present, and future happiness come from bodhicitta.Rinpoche also explains how the development of bodhicitta depends on suffering sentient beings. He says that bodhicitta came from great compassion and great compassion is generated by depending on the existence of suffering beings. Therefore, these sentient beings are unbelievably precious.From April 10 to May 10, 2004, Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave extensive teachings during the Mahamudra Retreat at Buddha House in Australia. While the retreat focused on Mahamudra, Rinpoche also taught on a wide range of Lamrim topics. This retreat marked the beginning of a series of month-long retreats in Australia. Subsequent retreats were held in 2011, 2014, and 2018, hosted by the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo.Find out more about Lama Zopa Rinpoche, his teachings and projects at https://fpmt.org/
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Bodhicitta—the mind of awakening—is the aspiration to attain awakening for the benefit of all. Seeing our practice in this light can be a source of inspiration and counteract the tendency to self-centeredness. The talk discusses the historical development of the concept and explains what it means.
Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Insight Meditation Society - Retreat Center) Bodhicitta—the mind of awakening—is the aspiration to attain awakening for the benefit of all. Seeing our practice in this light can be a source of inspiration and counteract the tendency to self-centeredness. The talk discusses the historical development of the concept and explains what it means.
Ep. 176 (Part 3 of 3) | Longtime spiritual practitioner, gifted teacher, Tibetan Buddhist lama, and developmental psychology specialist Kimberley Lafferty integrates contemporary psychology and wisdom tradition in this lively, luminous conversation about the process of awakening, the evolution of ethics, and the extraordinary capacities that come online as we mature into later stages of development. What do developmental perspectives have to add to our understanding of human nature and to spiritual practice? Our meaning-making shifts radically as we develop, Kimberley says, and because of that our reality itself shifts. This is why communicating with people with very different points of view can fail so miserably—one person's reality is simply not the same as the next person's reality. We need to discern, what is their meaning-making reality in this moment? What is ours?Throughout, Kimberley grounds the discussion in practical, real-life scenarios; she also shares intriguing research on later stage development that has found that as we mature, our senses evolve: our hearing evolves to deep attunement; our seeing evolves to witnessing, our capacity of touch evolves to embody presence. It's exciting and inspiring to see the road ahead, to acquire new insights and tools to improve communication across cultural (and age) divides, to have the concept of bodhicitta unpacked so deftly and common misperceptions about emptiness corrected—and to witness Kimberley's wise and zesty approach to life: “What connects us all is our luminous, aware consciousness,” she says, “and if we can lean into the messiness, I think we can find our way through.” Recorded October 3, 2024.“How can I reconstruct myself to be truth, goodness, and beauty?”Topics & Time Stamps – Part 3What are some of the capacities that come online as people mature? (01:26)At late stage development, people awaken to individual construction; this is meta-awareness or 5th person perspective (03:40)It's like waking up in a lucid dream and realizing you're dreaming (06:00)How can I reconstruct myself to be truth, goodness, and beauty? (07:24)Development is a balloon, not a ladder (10:15)How developmental theory illuminates broader perspective taking: the capacity of skillful means (13:12)Siddhis (transpersonal powers) start to come on: precognitive capacities, the capacity of empathy (16:24)What challenges come about as we develop? (17:40)What connects us is our luminous, aware consciousness—if we can lean into the messiness, we can find our way through (22:43)What are humans becoming? The possibility of becoming trans-human (25:28)In later stages, our senses evolve: our hearing evolves to deep attunement; our seeing evolves to witnessing, to see through time and space, our capacity of touch evolves to embody presence (28:49)Seeing polarities rather than opposites: polarities are the building blocks of how we construct reality (31:50)Bodhicitta taps us into our ultimate nature (35:12)Correcting misperceptions of the bodhisattva vow (40:34)The tradition of debate in the Tibetan-Buddhist tradition (42:30)You are not alone; there is spiritual support available (45:36)Resources & ReferencesKimberley Lafferty's website: The Confluence Experience (Education,...
Bright on Buddhism - Shōji Jissō GiJoin us as we read and discuss the Hakeda Yoshito translation of the Shōji Jissō Gi by Kūkai in its entirety. Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlightenment in This Very Existence, Buddhist Studies Reviews 17 (2), 207-220; Giebel, Rolf W.; Todaro, Dale A.; trans. (2004). Shingon texts, Berkeley, Calif.: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research; Green, Ronald S. (2003). "Kūkai, Founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism: Portraits of His Life." Ph.D. dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison.; Hakeda Yoshito. 1972. Kūkai – Major Works. New York, USA: Columbia University Press.; Inagaki Hisao (1972). "Kukai's Sokushin-Jobutsu-Gi" (Principle of Attaining Buddhahood with the Present Body), Asia Major (New Series) 17 (2), 190-215; Skilton, A. 1994. A Concise History of Buddhism. Birmingham: Windhorse Publications.; Wayman, A and Tajima, R. 1998 The Enlightenment of Vairocana. Delhi: Motilal Barnasidass [includes Study of the Vairocanābhisambodhitantra (Wayman) and Study of the Mahāvairocana-Sūtra (Tajima)].; White, Kenneth R. 2005. The Role of Bodhicitta in Buddhist Enlightenment. New York: The Edwin Mellen Press (includes Bodhicitta-śāstra, Benkenmitsu-nikyōron, Sanmaya-kaijō); Ryūichi Abe (2000). The Weaving of Mantra: Kūkai and the Construction of Esoteric Buddhist Discourse. Columbia University Press. pp. 3, 113–4, 391–3. ISBN 978-0-231-11287-1.; Hakeda, Yoshito S. (1972). Kūkai and His Major Works. Columbia University Press. ISBN 978-0-231-05933-6.Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhismCredits:Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
Dr. Rory Dickson is a professor of Islamic Religion and Culture and author of several publications on Sufism, the mystical path within Islam. He joins Breht to have an incredibly deep conversation about the Sufi poet Rumi, his life and work, Rumi's relationship to his teacher Shams of Tabriz, the concepts of fana (annihilation of the self) and baqa (subsistence in God), the spiritual practices of Sufism, non-duality and perennialism, "dying before you die", Buddhist enlightenment, the Quran, Serving the People in politics and religion, the role of Divine Love in spiritual transformation, transcending the ego, Bodhicitta and the Heart of the Bodhisattva, the counter-cultural aspects of the historical dervishes, The Masnavi (aka the "Persian Quran"), Christian Mysticism, the evolution of human consciousness, the linguistics of translation, and much, much more! Check out Rory's book "Dissolving into Being: The Wisdom of Sufi Philosophy" Recommendations for Further Exploration: Rumi's World: The Life and Work of the Great Sufi Poet The Sufi Path of Love: The Spiritual Teachings of Rumi Check out our related episodes with Dr. Adnan Husain: Sufism: Islamic Mysticism and the Annihilation of Self in God St. Francis of Assisi: Patron Saint of Ecology & Brother to All Creation ------------------------------------------------------------ Outro Music: Something's Out There by Neva Dinova Support the show on Patreon Follow RLR on IG HERE Make a one-time donation to Rev Left at BuyMeACoffee.com/revleftradio
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 102 - What is bodhicitta in Buddhism? Isnt it technically a desire? How does one arouse bodhicitta? Resources: Bodhisattvabhumi (The Bodhisattva Levels); Śāntideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way Of Life (c. 700 CE),; Atisha's Bodhipathapradipa; Thogme Zangpo's Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva[35] (12th century CE); Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses for Training the Mind[36] (c. 1100 CE); Geshe Chekhawa Training the Mind in Seven Points in the 12th century CE.; Gampopa, Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen (1998). The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-Fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings. Shambhala. ISBN 9781559390927.; Gyatso, Tenzin (1995). The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0861710973.; Harvey, Peter (2000). An Introduction to Buddhist Ethics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0521556408.; Powers, John (2007). Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. Snow Lion Publications. ISBN 978-1559392822.; Sangharakshita (1990). A Guide to the Buddhist Path. Windhorse Publications. ISBN 978-1907314056.; Sopa, Geshe Lhundub; Pratt, David (2004). Steps on the Path to Enlightenment Vol. 1. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-0861713035.; Wangchuk, Dorji (2007). Studia Philologica Buddhica XXIII. The Resolve to Become a Buddha: A Study of the Bodhicitta Concept in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. International Institute for Buddhist Studies. ISBN 978-4-906267-59-0. Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu! Credits: Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host
En este video de Perlas de Sabiduría , descubre enseñanzas profundas para tu desarrollo espiritual y personal
Saccanama explores Sangha as a means to counter the individualism of our times. What exactly is the true meaning of Sangha? And how can the mysterious ‘third order of consciousness' or Bodhicitta help us to transcend our preoccupation with ourselves? Excerpted from the talk Sangha as the Way to the End of Dukkha given at Nottingham Buddhist Centre, 2020 as part of the series Challenging Dharma for Challenging Times. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting! Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favourite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
11/09/2024, Jisan Tova Green, dharma talk at City Center. This dharma talk was given at Beginner's Mind Temple by Fall 2024 Practice Period co-leader Jisan Tova Green. How can we welcome what we find unwelcome—from pain, disturbing emotions or thoughts in Zazen to events in our country or the world? Drawing from teachings on Bodhicitta (awakening mind) and her experience as a hospice worker, Tova suggests ways we can turn toward and learn from experiences we don't welcome.
Ron Hogen Green, Sensei - ZMM - 10/27/24 - Bodhicitta is simply the aspiration to save all others from suffering. Along the way, how do we go forward on an ever shifting and bumpy path? This lively dharma encounter with Hogen Sensei and the sangha is tender and encouraging of all our aspirations to be of benefit in an ever changing world.
Jody Hojin Kimmel, Sensei - ZMM - 10/25/24 - Who are these guardian beings we encounter on altars and at doorways throughout the temple and monastery? And what is true protection of oneself and others? Hojin Sensei explores how in taking refuge in the dharma we also enter the protective spirit realm, the protective realm of practicing together.
A clear and passionate talk, looking at bodhicitta and its twin aspects of love and letting go: wisdom and compassion. Maitrisiddhi explores the role of paradox and how we need to 'hold two necessary ideas together' without polarising between them. Given at Taraloka Retreat Centre as part of the Taraloka & Tiratanaloka online Great Gathering weekend, for women training for ordination and Order Members, 2021. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favorite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
In his first talk on Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara Padmavajra speaks of Sangharakshita's evocation of the Bodhicitta. He goes on to talk about his discovery of the Bodhicarayavatara and what is known of the life of Shantideva. The main part of the talk is Padmavajra's discussion of some of the verses of the first chapter of the Bodhicaryavatara, especially of verse ten, in which the Bodhicitta is likened to the highly potent quicksilver elixir of the alchemist, capable of transforming the worst of things into the Bodhicitta. Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre as part of the series Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara, 2020. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favorite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
Vessantara offers an introduction to the origin of the Bodhicitta in the brahma viharas, moves on from the blue sky to the refuges and an exploration of the view of scientific materialism. This talk was given in 2020 at Adhisthana as part of the series The Bodhicitta Practice which includes many led meditation practices. *** Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting!Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favorite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
Vidyamala explores how a Mahayana approach of cultivating Bodhicitta is a brilliant way to 'flip' our habitual self-centredness and cultivate a new default setting of continually thinking of others. Excepted from the talk Citta and Bodhicitta given at Rivendell as part of the series An Exploration of the Satipatthana Sutta 2018. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting! Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favourite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
Spirit Rock Meditation Center: dharma talks and meditation instruction
(Spirit Rock Meditation Center)
Dear Ones,Today is an important day in the ongoing story of 2024. As Mars transits into Gemini, he activates his square with Saturn, as well as one of the most important configurations of this year: the Jupiter-Saturn square. Theresa and I spend most of this episode discussing what this means for the next six weeks. As Mars forces the conversation between these two heavyweights to the forefront, we can expect to encounter a surge of activity and circumstances weighted with importance and urgency, activating a deeper story about who we are in the world and our core values.Tomorrow is my birthday, and Theresa and I are visiting a few close friends in Northern California. We won't be recording a podcast next week, but we are offering two public meditations tomorrow that anyone is welcome to join via Zoom. Sign-up information below!Meditations: Sunday, July 21— Tibetan Healing Chö with Paige Hetherington: Chö is a traditional Tibetan healing ceremony utilized for transformation of obstacles and cleansing spiritual consciousness. It combines sacred song, ritual instruments, and chanting to purify the five elements which compose the body and mind. It is renowned for its remarkable ability to access our deepest blockages and to harmonize patterns and imprints that are resistant to other therapies. Participants are invited to set intentions to direct its impact and simply relax while the ceremony takes place. Chö is offered in the spirit of something referred to as Bodhicitta (enlightened mind). It means that the practice is expressed with the intention of benefiting the welfare of all sentient beings. Every time you participate you are making an offering to the collective, beyond individual interests. During times of increasing tension and upheaval, it is a wonderful way to not only care for ourselves but meet the persistant instability of the outer world. (1 PM PST)SIGN UP HERELonging for God: A monthly transmission/meditation to strengthen our connection to the Divine. (5 PM PST) SIGN UP HEREPAID SUBSCRIBER OFFERING:A five to ten-minute recorded message describing a few blessings, challenges, and themes that may arise for you under this configuration.If you would like to participate, send me a DM on Substack or an email (christina@skiesofgrace.com) with your birth information.With Love,Christina & TheresaWork with Christina: Skies of Grace AstrologyWorking with Theresa: Inner Currents Get full access to Skies and Currents at skiesofgrace.substack.com/subscribe
https://youtu.be/nSp3HoCrHAU
Subhadramati explores forgiveness and the arising of the Bodhicitta. The ego sustains itself by blaming - forgiveness means letting go of our egoic reactions and becoming a conduit for the mind of Bodhicitta. Excerpted from Being a Conduit For the Mind of Bodhicitta during the Women's Area Order Weekend, 2018. *** Subscribe to our Dharmabytes podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts Bite-sized inspiration three times every week. Subscribe to our Free Buddhist Audio podcast: On Apple Podcasts | On Spotify | On Google Podcasts A full, curated, quality Dharma talk, every week. 3,000,000 downloads and counting! Subscribe using these RSS feeds or search for Free Buddhist Audio or Dharmabytes in your favourite podcast service! Help us keep FBA Podcasts free for everyone: donate now! Follow Free Buddhist Audio: YouTube | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Soundcloud
Suzanne Taikyo Gilman, Senior Monastic - ZMM - 6/28/24 - The heart of enlightened mind, or bodhicitta, is an aspect of dharma practice that brings our aspirations to life. In this sesshin talk, Taikyo explores some teachings of bodhicitta, how it is cultivated, and how bodhicitta relates to the practice of zazen.
The Lojong mind training slogans don't offer practitioners advice so that we might simply become nice or agreeable people. Mind training aims to aid us in genuine transformation, but we need to challenge ourselves to understand its deeper, nuanced layers. In this episode, Jampal Norbu is joined by Dharma teacher, Elizabeth Mattis Namgyel, in contemplation of Verse 26: “Do Not Ponder Others' Business”.
Lisa Dale Miller starts this episode with an explanation of why the Groundless Ground Podcast has been on hiatus for the last year. Then the episode presents a dharma talk Lisa gave at Marin Sangha one month ago. Her talk is a reminder that every moment is an invitation to decrease the mass of human suffering by seeding the world with at least one more quiescent, wise, and compassionate mind committed to non-harming. Lisa explicates why cultivation of Bodhicitta is the ultimate path to accomplishing that aim, right in the midst of ordinary daily life. Longchenpa's Finding Rest in the Nature of MindLisa Dale Miller, LMFT, LPCC, SEP specializes in working with high-performing professionals (engineers, scientists, executives, physicians/psychologists, first responders) struggling with unresolved traumatic experiences: particularly medical trauma, C-PTSD, combat and war trauma, moral injury, high-impact injuries, burnout, workplace harassment, traumatic grief, and challenging life transitions.Lisa authored Effortless Mindfulness: Genuine mental health through awakened presence a highly regarded textbook on Buddhist psychology for mental health professionals. Lisa has been an outpatient clinician for the VA San Jose, has taught a variety of Mindfulness-based Interventions, and is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow. Lisa is a Buddhist teacher and has been a yogic and Buddhist meditation practitioner for over four decades.
Bodhisatta or Bodhisattva is a term often used to describe an enlightened individual who possesses wisdom and compassion. These are people who demonstrate the paramitas or perfections in their lifestyle. We says this as a compliment, a form of admiration. The definition of Bodhisattva extends beyond being a beacon of relief in a world of suffering, especially when considering the term across the three major ways of being Buddhist - Theravāda, Mahāyana, and Vajrayāna. However, we won't explore a full-scale exposition of what Bodhisattva signifies in these varied paths of Buddhism this time around. Instead, we ponder, how fully developed does one need to be in order to help others with their suffering? Are all those who help others deal with their suffering Bodhisattvas? Must one wait to embark on the noble journey of aiding others in their suffering?
Lama Tsomo is a spiritual teacher, author, and co-founder of Namchak Foundation and Namchak Retreat Ranch, which preserves and shares Tibetan Buddhist practice in accessible, contemporary ways. Under the tutelage of Tulku Sangak Rinpoche, international holder of the Namchak lineage, Lama Tsomo has done extensive spiritual retreats in the U.S. and abroad and is fluent in Tibetan. Today, she is dedicated to sharing the teachings of the Namchak lineage with Western students, bringing greater happiness and meaning to life through meditation practice, community, and retreat. She is passionate about reaching young people and supporting those working for positive social change. Lama Tsomo holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and is the author of Ancient Wisdom for Our Times: Tibetan Buddhist Practice Series and coauthor of The Lotus & the Rose: A Conversation Between Tibetan Buddhism & Mystical Christianity and the Taking a Breath meditation journal. Links: Namchak Website Saving Each Other Together Project Four Immeasurables Retreat Namchak's Instagram Deepening Our Feeling for “Us”: Lama Tsomo from SAND19 Music from Today's episode: Chenrezig Sadhana – Tibetan Vajrayana Mantra Meditation Now I Walk In Beauty Libana- Fire Within Now I Walk in Beauty (sheet music) Topics: 0:00 – Introduction 2:58 – Lama Intro Story and Path to Buddhism 8:13 – Major Schools of Buddhism in the U.S. 10:35 – Balancing Mindfulness & Compassion 16:45 – The Predictions of Guru Rinpoche 24:45 – The Importance of Mantra 25:53 – The One Ocean 32:13 – Sharing in Sangha in Mantra 37:49 – Chenrezig / Avalokiteśvara chanting practice 50:53 – Working Skillfully With Equanimity 54:19 – The Importance of Sangha 58:57 – Aspirational and Engaged Boddhicitta
This episode on Bodhicitta, or Way-Seeking Mind, is chapter two of my book The Ten Fields of Zen Practice: A Primer for Practitioners.” Bodhicitta is the first Field of practice because without it we never even begin practice, and, if we don't nurture and sustain it, our practice will wither and die. I discuss the first arising of Bodhicitta, its function, how to cultivate it, and its profound nature.
In the spirit of the holiday season, I am re-releasing a popular episode from 2019: The Boundless Heart - Bodhicitta. It is my wish that we all try to practice being a Bodhisattva during this holiday season … Starting with me! ;) Stating the obvious, it's been a rough 7 years or so. Years marked by war, pandemic, social injustice, tribalism and, overall, something called "high conflict" made popular by Amanda Ripley's book of the same name, where conflict is the ruling energy and that leads to the stress, fear, anxiousness, and despair most of us have been feeling. She writes: The challenge of our time is to mobilize great masses of people to make change without dehumanizing one another. Not just because it's morally right but because it works. Lasting change, the kind that seeps into people's hearts, has only ever come about through a combination of pressure and good conflict. Both matter. That's why, over the course of history, nonviolent movements have been more than twice as likely to succeed as violent ones. It with this in mind I offer the replay of this 2019 episode, a reflection on bodhicitta, the good heart—something we can all practice even if we don't participate in nonviolent movements or the "good conflict" Amanda Ripley refers to. I know it's been far too easy for me to react in anger when I'm really just afraid and to dismiss instead of disagreeing, which is a dehumanizing activity. So, in the spirit of holiday peace, good will, and reflection, I will remember the bodhicitta. Bodhicitta characterizes the path of a Mahayana practitioner. It is Bodhicitta that creates a Bodhisattva and it is Bodhicitta that ultimately creates a Buddha. In Tibetan, compassion is translated as the nobility or greatness of heart which implies wisdom, discernment, empathy, unselfishness, and abundant kindness. Bodhicitta is compassion working with a mind awakened by right view. It is the joining of compassion and emptiness. We'll examine how to use the Four Bodhisattva Vows to supercharge Right Intention with Right View and discover the same spacious freedom of a flower that blooms despite its circumstances. Please join me as you listen to this "best of" episode. Book by Amanda Ripley referenced in podcast (Amazon affiliate link): High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out Become a patron to support this podcast and get special member benefits, including a membership community and virtual sangha:https://www.patreon.com/EverydayBuddhism If this podcast has helped you understand Buddhism or help in your everyday life, consider making a one-time donation here: https://donorbox.org/podcast-donations Subscribe to my premium Substack feed and podcast, Words From My Teachers: Subscribe to "Words From My Teachers" Support the podcast through the affiliate link to buy the book, Everyday Buddhism: Real-Life Buddhist Teachings & Practices for Real Change: Buy the book, Everyday Buddhism
Lamas Yeshe and Zopa invite everyone into the brave heart of courageous walking the world with powerful presence in troubling times. PRAJNA SPARKS follows the lunar calendar. Beginning November 2023, we are shifting to a once per month schedule. Look for new episodes on the new moons. Tibetan singing bowl interludes by Shivnee Ratna RESOURCES Meet Lama Yeshe & Lama Zopa, in Tricycle Magazine https://bit.ly/3xRySck A Song of Awakening, by Lama Yeshe, in Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Guide https://www.prajnafire.com/post/a-song-of-awakening FOLLOW US Join our Global Community for regular updates on Prajna Fire events with Yeshe and Zopa Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa offer individual spiritual counsel on formal Buddhist practice as well as innovative ways to integrate Buddhist perspective into your everyday life. Book Online at Prajna Fire with immediate confirmation (https://www.prajnafire.com/book-online) Check us out in the media https://www.prajnafire.com/media EMAIL US sparks@prajnafire.com FIND US on the Prajna Fire website (https://www.prajnafire.com/sparks) @prajnasparks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUzGmU7c4_TJdLhG9R8IDA/videos) Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa (www.prajnafire.com) IG: @karmayeshechodron @karmazopajigme Shivnee Ratna, Tibetan singing bowls (www.shivgauree.com) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/prajna-sparks/message
Tonglen Practice is a warrior practice for those who are seeking peace, tenderness and kindness within this world. Tong – giving or sending. Len – receiving or taking. It is also known as exchanging self with other. It is the aspirational precept to the path of the Bodhicitta, the seeker towards a mind that is awakened, enlightened by compassion, empathy and kindness towards all sentient beings. The practice involves breathwork which, at its most basic follows this pattern-Inhale others pain and suffering then offer them, on the exhale, peace and loving-kindness. Inhale their physical discomfort and mental anguish Exhale for them to be free from it. This practice reduces attachments that keep us stuck in our own cycle of pain, suffering and limited beliefs of existence. It reduces the separateness of us and others and gets us out of our own ego-centric focus on what we lack or what limits us. By giving, by sending and by energetically helping through a generous heart-felt thought, we develop and expand our capacity for kindness. This practice of Tonglen clears the lens of our perception and we begin to see that all deserve to be held by the wholeness of a loving presence.For this practice I offer a timely focus which you can use at home. Please use an image of the refugees and asylum seekers from the photographer Muhammed Muheisen and support his ongoing mission to document those who are victims of war and who have fled their homes for safety. Thank you for your interest in this practice. I also would ask you to consider your support for Fierce Calm who are providing free yoga classes, directly or in partnership with non-profit organisations, in shelters and community spaces, for marginalised and vulnerable groups such as refugees, survivors of domestic violence, survivors of violence and conflict, and people facing systemic bias due to sexual orientation, income, age, racial or cultural identity. They also provide YTT scholarships for marginalised and/or minoritised ethnicity students in training delivered by teachers reflecting these identities. Ourmala provides scholarships to train refugees and marginalised students, trauma informed teaching skills. They lead the delivery of the OURMALA studio, community and online beneficiary yoga programme for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. Facilitating classes with the objective to open the healing potential of yoga accessible to all, while supporting the most vulnerable in society within a diverse, welcoming environment of safety, inclusivity, dignity and empowerment. Social justice is at the heart of Fierce Calm's yoga and they strive to remove all barriers to access so that all may lead happy, fulfilling and dignified lives. Click here TO DONATE TO FIERCE CALMTo read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
(Seminarhaus Engl) Es wird auf den Zusammenhang von Weisheit und Mitgefühl hingewiesen. Die Grundlage von Mitgefühl ist die tiefe Güte des menschlichen Herzens, Metta. Güte verringert unser aller Leid. Sie stellt keine Bedingungen und kann nicht zu Enttäuschung führen. Sie ist eine unendliche Kraft in unserem Herzen, in Angesicht von Leid wandelt sie sich in Mitgefühl, wird Wohlergehen wahrgenommen, entsteht Mitfreude. Die Ausdehnung unseres Blick führt uns zu der Motivation von Bodhicitta.
Jetsunma takes us to a deeper understanding of the interdependence of the practices of Refuge and Bodhicitta. Leading us through the mental equations that will result in the cessation of suffering, she points out, "The cessation of suffering does not come about when everything external gets alright." The answer to the question, "How in the world am I going to fix this?" is: you're not...in the world. We have to move beyond the realm of cyclic existence to get the answer. In a less than perfect world we decide to reach for something perfect that we can't see yet. Only then can we bring comfort to others.Support the showFor more resources, teachings and practices, visit www.tara.org
(Seminarhaus Engl) Es wird auf den Zusammenhang von Weisheit und Mitgefühl hingewiesen. Die Grundlage von Mitgefühl ist die tiefe Güte des menschlichen Herzens, Metta. Güte verringert unser aller Leid. Sie stellt keine Bedingungen und kann nicht zu Enttäuschung führen. Sie ist eine unendliche Kraft in unserem Herzen, in Angesicht von Leid wandelt sie sich in Mitgefühl, wird Wohlergehen wahrgenommen, entsteht Mitfreude. Die Ausdehnung unseres Blick führt uns zu der Motivation von Bodhicitta.
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(Seminarhaus Engl) Es wird auf den Zusammenhang von Weisheit und Mitgefühl hingewiesen. Die Grundlage von Mitgefühl ist die tiefe Güte des menschlichen Herzens, Metta. Güte verringert unser aller Leid. Sie stellt keine Bedingungen und kann nicht zu Enttäuschung führen. Sie ist eine unendliche Kraft in unserem Herzen, in Angesicht von Leid wandelt sie sich in Mitgefühl, wird Wohlergehen wahrgenommen, entsteht Mitfreude. Die Ausdehnung unseres Blick führt uns zu der Motivation von Bodhicitta.
(Karunahaus) Bodhicitta - der Geist des Erwachens - ist die altruistische Motivation, für das Wohl aller Wesen zu praktizieren und zu erwachen. Diese wunderschöne Motivation befreit die Praxis von Selbstzentrierung und Instrumentalisierung und macht den Geist glücklich. Wir erkennen, dass wir einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Welt leisten können.
The primary motivation behind wanting to become a Buddha for the sake of all living beings is boundless compassion. This unconditional love and concern for the well-being and liberation of all sentient beings, without exception, takes effort to cultivate. A bodhisattva is someone who, out of compassion, vows to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. The wish itself is called "bodhicitta." What marks becoming a bodhisattva is that their intention to become a Buddha is unmovable (meaning they've developed bodhicitta). While the Bodhisattva Vow is central to the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, this aspiration to become a Buddha transcends cultural, religious, and philosophical boundaries. It is a universal call to alleviate suffering for all living beings, regardless of their background or beliefs. Some may view the aspiration to become a Buddha as a sacred duty, a calling that arises from a deep sense of responsibility towards all living beings and the world as a whole. The practice of Taking and Giving, or Tonglen, is a powerful method for cultivating compassion and ripening bodhicitta. It does so by developing empathy, erasing boundaries between self and other, transforming negative mental states, and deepening one's commitment to the welfare of all beings. Through consistent practice, we can gradually mature in our capacity for selfless love and compassion. By day shines the sun; by night shines the moon; in regalia shines the king; in meditation shines the arahat; but the Buddha in his glory shines at all times, by day and by night. Verse 387 —Buddha, The Dhammapada References and Links Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78 (Link) Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy .of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma. Retrieved from https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=386 Find us at the links below: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone Facebook Group:Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox Website: Buddhismforeveryone.com
Joseph Goldstein continues his discussion of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthourIn this lecture, Joseph:Reminds us that obstructions and defilements of thought are not intrinsic to the mindProvides us with a methodology for freeing ourselves from entanglement and attachmentCompares the clinging mind to ice and the luminous mind to waterRecognizes the causal relationship between mindfulness and compassion Teaches us that how we feel and respond to situations is up to usMaintains that cultivating compassion is a process that comes with daily practice“The development of love and compassion is a wide, round curve that can be negotiated only slowly. Not a sharp corner that can be turned all at once. It comes with daily practice.”This dharma talk from June 12, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma Seed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joseph Goldstein discusses enlightenment through the lens of the aspirational mental quality of bodhicitta – the awakened heart.This dharma talk from June 8, 2015, was recorded at the Insight Meditation Society and originally published on Dharma SeedIn this lecture, Joseph:Teaches us that there are two understandings of bodhicitta: relative bodhicitta, which is compassion, and ultimate bodhicitta, which is selflessnessHighlights the spiritual importance of cultivating both compassion and selflessnessRuminates on the challenges of living in our conventional, ordinarily understood realityReminds us that the ungovernability of life is the nexus between dukkha and freedomDescribes the union of emptiness and clarityRecognizes the need for a gradual cultivation of awareness“The mind's nature is vivid as a flawless piece of crystal. Intrinsically empty, naturally radiant and ceaselessly responsive.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
This episode of the Wisdom Podcast, recorded live as a Wisdom Dharma Chat, features a special guest, Khandro Kunga Bumma. As a young woman, Khando-la had a vision to leave her homeland of Tibet and go to Nepal. There, she met a hermit sage who told her that she had to meet His Holiness the […] The post Khandro Kunga Bumma: Bodhicitta, Happiness, and Interdependence (#165) appeared first on The Wisdom Experience.
In this episode I am joined by Charlie Morley, lucid dreaming teacher and best-selling author, and Dr Garret Yount, a scientist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Charlie and Garret discuss their recent pilot study entitled ‘Decreased Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Following a Lucid Dream Healing Workshop', published in the May 2023 issue of Traumatology, and explain why their initial results may show great promise for the use of lucid dreaming techniques in the treatment of PTSD. Charlie and Garret lay out the study's design, the participant recruitment process, the lucid dreaming techniques taught to the subjects, and reveal what they consider to be the most effective techniques for relief of PTSD symptoms. Garret responds to criticisms of the study design, including that limiting the participants to individuals with prior experience of lucid dreaming may have biased the findings, and that the significant psychotherapeutic aspects of the intervention prevent any conclusions being drawn about the efficacy of the lucid dreaming component for PTSD relief. Charlie also discusses how his religious beliefs as a Buddhist influence his work, and reflects on the flowering of the altruistic motivation known as Bodhicitta in his own life and practice. … Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep210-science-of-lucid-dream-healing-charlie-morley-dr-garret-yount Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast'. … Topics Include: 00:00 - Intro 01:29 - How the study came to be 06:12 - Securing private funding 08:22 - Charlie's predictions for the study 10:23 - Anxiety about possible lack of lucid dreams in subjects 17:02 - Garret explains the results of the study 20:05 - The study design and participant selection 26:14 - Charlie's workshop design 31:21 - Dream planning and Charlie reads participant reports 38:53 - Charlie praises the scientists 40:14 - Saliva sample collection 43:33 - Follow up study with a control group 48:13 - Was the participant selection biased? 54:15 - Why the psychological aspects of the workshop prevent conclusions being drawn about lucid dreaming efficacy 01:00:23 - Charlie on Keith McKenzie 01:01:33 - Hope vs false hope 01:05:35 - The importance of reframing nightmares 01:10:23 - Has the follow-up study broadened the selection criteria? 01:12:28 - Charlie's speculations about the mechanism of effect 01:18:16 - Charlie's altruistic motivation 01:22:05 - The flowering of Charlie's bodhicitta 01:27:24 - Religious doubts and struggles in practice 01:30:33 - Charlie assesses his own religious practice … Previous episode with Charlie Morley: - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/guru-viking-interviews-ep2-charlie-morley-2 - https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep148-wake-up-to-sleep-charlie-morley-2 To read the paper: - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371051446_Decreased_posttraumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_following_a_lucid_dream_healing_workshop To find out more about Charlie and Garret, visit: - http://www.charliemorley.com/ - https://noetic.org/profile/garret-yount/ … For more interviews, videos, and more visit: - https://www.guruviking.com Music ‘Deva Dasi' by Steve James
In this deep exploration of the union between compassion and emptiness, Joseph Goldstein breaks down the relative and absolute levels of Bodhicitta, the heart-mind of awakening.This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Click to receive 10% off your first month with your own licensed professional therapist: betterhelp.com/insighthour“The ultimate nature of Bodhicitta – the relative level is compassion – the ultimate level of Bodhicitta, is the empty, aware nature of the mind itself. And as one Tibetan teacher said, ‘When compassion and emptiness are both present, enlightenment is unavoidable.' So this is what we practice. This what we come to realize, to cultivate: the relative Bodhicitta of compassion, the ultimate Bodhicitta of emptiness.” – Joseph GoldsteinIn this episode, Joseph explores:Relative Bodhicitta, absolute Bodhicitta, and how these two levels are expressions of each other, not polaritiesThe different ways in which we can understand emptiness, including dropping into the effortless flow of experience, being reminded by our teachers, seeing the insubstantial nature of the self, and seeing that things are not amenable to our willThe nature of the mind, which is empty like space, has an innate wakefulness, and it is inherently pureHow the activity of emptiness is compassion This dharma talk from July 9, 2003, was originally published on Dharma Seed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Joseph Goldstein talks about how wisdom arises from an understanding of the true nature of impermanence, and how experiencing the truth of change can be our doorway to freedom.In this episode, Joseph explores:The nature of impermanence and why going from an intellectual understanding of it to a direct experience of it can be our doorway to freedomThe different ways we can gain liberating insights into the truth of impermanence, including reflecting on death and relationshipsHow, when we begin to see the true nature of change, we start to cultivate Bodhicitta The two levels of Bodhicitta – the relative level and the ultimate level – and how Bodhicitta manifests as responsive compassion“So this is really important because in talking about the impermanent nature of all this and how ultimately unsatisfying it all is, the implication is not that we pull back from experience, as some people might assume. Rather, it's learning to not hold on. That is the implication, and that is the doorway to freedom.” – Joseph GoldsteinThis dharma talk from March 25, 2004, was originally published on Dharma Seed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.