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“Taming the mind does not mean eliminating outer objects or suppressing inner thoughts. It means revealing and maintaining the natural state of the mind. Taming the mind has nothing to do with cultivating certain thoughts; it is simply keeping the mind in its fundamental state, where its clarity and wisdom are revealed. The true nature of the mind is calm and clear and full of compassion and love and wisdom.
We do not always experience the mind in this way because ignorance obscures our awareness of the mind’s true nature. However, the wisdom nature is always there, and it can shine through and guide us in our lives. Even foolish people have wisdom and can exhibit beautiful qualities because this basic goodness is found equally in all beings. Not only human beings, but all sentient beings have the same nature and potential for enlightenment. The problem is that temporary obscurations cover and distort the essential nature of the mind. When we completely remove the ignorance and reveal the mind’s true nature, we are enlightened.
It is important to remember that our true nature is only temporarily hidden. When we know that, we can work with courage and joy to remove the ignorance and let the essence of the mind shine forth. It is important for our diligence to be based on a joyful attitude, because without joyful effort we cannot reveal this true nature.
We need to exert ourselves now because this opportunity will not last forever. We must remember impermanence and the changing stages of life and death. Thinking about death and impermanence is often unpleasant—we usually do not like to acknowledge that everything, including ourselves, is subject to the law of incessant change. But change has good aspects as well, because without change there is no growth or improvement. With the right techniques, skills, and effort, we can learn and make positive changes. By understanding impermanence and causality we can work toward enlightenment and make the most of this human life.”
Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches
The Buddhist Path (pgs 2-3)
Brief Teaching and Practice on the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro with Lama Laia Pema Tsultrim
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypwIGb_Hu2M&list=PLFhTzZsWmnlkkc-N47Mmq3X23_WSVMVaQ&index=15
Saturday, October 16
3:30-5:15pm EDT
As an offering to interested Sangha members, Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche has requested that Saturday Ngondro sessions with Lama Laia and Lama Dragpa be webcast.
For those who wish to join, instructions will be given on the essential points of the Dudjom Tersar Ngondro foundational practices, their vital importance within Tibetan Buddhism, as well as instructions for each section, including Refuge, Bodhichitta, Mandala, Vajrasattva practice, and Guru Yoga.
The essential meaning of this practice is that the Tibetan Buddhist foundational practices of Ngondro embody all the teachings of the Buddha. They are a perfect and complete framework for cultivating a balanced, effective, and rewarding spiritual practice.We’ll also get to practice the entire Ngondro every session!
Learn More:
In “Illuminating the Path,” Venerable Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche and Venerable Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche give clear and profound explanations on how to practice the path of Ngondro – the foundational set of practices of Tibetan Buddhism. This book includes line-by-line commentary on the concise Dudjom Tersar Ngondro revealed by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, detailed instructions on how to practice, and helpful visual illustrations. It is both deep and accessible pointing out how we can see our fundamentally enlightened nature.
Friday, October 15th is the tenth day of the waxing moon. This is a very special day for practice in the Vajrayana Sangha.
Join Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche via live webcast 4:00-6:30pm EDT!
- Shower of Blessings revealed by the great master Mipham Rinpoche will be the main text.
Additional texts to have on hand:
- Stainless King
- Daily healing practices
- If you would like to contribute to the feast offering, you can make a donation here.
As an offering to the PBC Sangha and yourself, consider quickly writing down a list of any special moments you shared with Ven. Khenchen Palden Sherab Rinpoche or Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche.
Don’t think too much, just bullet point anything you can remember, then fill in the details later.
Try to include anything you can remember. A phrase they said. A gesture. A joke. Advice. They way they looked. Group responses. Dreams. Phone calls. Letters. A blessing.
I promise you, taking an hour to list all the special moments you’ve had with Rinpoches will become one of your treasured possessions, and if you feel like sharing it privately for the PSL Archives, will become part of the living legacy of the Padmasambhava Buddhist Center.
As the years go by, details become harder and harder to recollect. Please consider taking the time now to reflect on your precious moments with the Venerable Khenpo Rinpoches, and support future PBC Sangha members with your own memories.
Share your memories with PSL Archives:
memories@padmasambhava.org
Thanks so much!