In Sanity We Trust
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Ken's Weekly Dharma Quote
Dharma Teaching for Week Ending Sept. 8, 2007
Some people find it helpful to set a determination of a reasonable period of time during which they will sit in meditation without moving. If you do this, do not make it into a contest in which you grit your teeth in pain just to say that you sat without moving for a certain length of time. That isn't conducive for focusing with wisdom on the object of meditation. On the other hand, avoid moving whenever you feel the slightest bit of restlessness or discomfort. Doing that isn't conducive for developing concentration either. Rather, note when there is the urge to move but don't move. Observe the sensation: Is it really pain or is it simply restless energy in the body? Learn to differentiate between these two. Learn, also, to differentiate between pain and discomfort. Watch and study both of those when they arise in your field of experience. | |
In general, when attachment, anger, jealousy, or other distracting emotions arise, observe them without getting involved in their stories. Experience the feeling, rather than repeat the story to yourself again and again. Be aware of what it feels like in your body when you are angry, jealous, arrogant, or clingy. Be aware of the feeling tone in your mind when one of these emotions is present. Observe how the feeling changes, never remaining the same.
...It is important to avoid criticizing yourself when your mind is distracted or dull. Do not fall into discouraging thoughts or self-hatred because these are unproductive and are to be abandoned on the path. Remember that internal transformation takes time and rejoice in your opportunity to learn and practice the Dharma. "Slowly, slowly," as Lama Thubten Yeshe used to say. Learn to be satisfied with what you are able to do now while you aspire to improve in the future.
--from Guided Meditations on the Stages of the Path, by Ven. Thubten Chodron, foreword by H.H. the Dalai Lama, published by Snow Lion Publications
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Special Dharma news:
MILAREPA: Magician, Murderer, Saint. Lama Neten Chokling Rinpoche's new movie on the life of Milarepa is due to open in a week, throughout the country. The debut showing is September 7th in New York City. It's a timeless story of personal transformation, set in 11th century Tibet. Read more about the movie.
Dalai Lama teachings. For the first time in the West, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be giving an extensive LamRim ChenMo teaching in July, 2008. The official texts for this rare teaching is the three-volume Great Treatise series, which is available at 20% discount. This will give you a chance to study the texts in advance, which is highly recommended. Event registration begins soon--learn more at dalailamajuly2008.com.
A Quote from His Holiness The XIVth Dalai Lama
Attachment increases desire, without producing any satisfaction. There are two types of desire, unreasonable and reasonable. The first is an affliction founded on ignorance, but the second is not. To live, you need resources; therefore, desire for sufficient material things is appropriate. Such feelings as, "This is good; I want this. This is useful," are not afflictions. It is also desirable to achieve altruism, wisdom, and liberation. This kind of desire is suitable; indeed, all human development comes out of desire, and these aspirations do not have to be an affliction.
...when you have attachment to material things, it is best to desist from those very activities that promote more attachment. Satisfaction is helpful when it comes to material things, but not with respect to spiritual practice. Objects to which we become attached are something to be discarded, whereas spiritual progress is something to be adopted--it can be developed limitlessly, even in old age. | |
--from How to Expand Love by H.H. the Dalai Lama, translated and edited by Jeffrey Hopkins
SNOW LION PUBLICATIONS is dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhism and culture by publishing books about this great tradition. Tibetan culture is seriously endangered in its homeland and is striving to continue outside of Tibet. To support this effort, in addition to publishing and distributing books, Snow Lion offers a wide range of dharma items, purchased primarily from Tibetans in exile. These include visual art and ritual objects, statues and thangkas, videos, traditional music, and many gift items offered through our webstore and newsletter--over 2000 items--the largest selection anywhere. To browse the complete list go to Snow Lion Publications and select any of the categories in left-hand margin.
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