To uproot grasping at self, we need to realize wisdom. To
realize wisdom, we need merit. Merit releases us from negative emotions, the
cause of samsaric suffering, and loosens our grasping at self. As that happens,
we glimpse the true nature of our mind. Once we do, we can meditate on the true
nature to perfect the realization of wisdom. Until then, we need to make merit.
The roots of Buddhist practice ~
Humans are set apart from other types of sentient beings
by their ability to naturally connect with sharp intelligence and with
nonviolence, loving-kindness, and compassion. From the moment we are born, we
are constantly chasing after happiness, thinking of ways we can become happy
and free from suffering, and we actively try to bring those desires to
fruition. The propensities toward loving-kindness, compassion, and nonviolence
we display in following this quest for happiness demonstrate what makes human
beings unique.
For any species of sentient being to continue existing,
the members of that species must have affection for each other and they must
support each other. In order for our human community to survive, we must
nurture and sustain connections of love, compassion, nonviolence, and altruism.
These connections are what will allow us not only to survive, but to make our
lives meaningful. If we concentrate on ensuring that these connections are
present, that in itself will be enough.
All of the Buddha’s teachings are based on refraining
from harming others and engaging in helping others. It is therefore of great
importance for Buddhists to have these two principles as the ground of their
practice. The roots of Buddhist practice are the attitudes of altruism and
non-harm. In other words, the roots of Buddhist practice are loving-kindness
and compassion.
Practicing the authentic Buddhist path ~
It is not enough to have just obtained this human form.
You must at
once practice the authentic Buddhist path since the time
of your death is
unpredictable. Furthermore, at death you should have no
regrets and
should not be ashamed of yourself, like Jetsun Milarepa:
In my, Milarepa’s, religious tradition,
We live so as not to be ashamed of ourselves.
from the book "Wisdom Nectar: Dudjom Rinpoche's
Heart Advice"
Overcoming the inner enemy ~
If we had no negativity in our mind, there would be no
opportunity for suffering to arise. The first thing to do is overcome the inner
enemy: the real enemy isn’t outside of us, it is the negativity within us that
leads us to do negative things that cause suffering. If we can overcome this inner enemy, we will
really be heroes who can find happiness and who can go beyond suffering.
from the book "Jewel Ornament of Liberation"
Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum
"One of the ways that people in Tibet generate
compassion is by visualizing the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara,
and reciting his mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM. I have memories of my mother’s
mother from when I was young reciting the mantra of Avalokiteshvara all the
time. Even though she was blind, she continued to recite mantras with great
diligence. She always had a cheerful demeanor and smile, as if she didn’t have
any problems at all. She always maintained a graceful and dignified presence,
and the gaze of her eyes was like that of a normal, seeing person. Such is the
power of practicing loving-kindness and compassion. The great affection for and
continual supplication to the Bodhisattva of compassion was a binding force for
our family. My grandmother passed it to my mother, and my mother passed it to
me, and I am passing it to you, like an heirloom or an inheritance. My family
was not wealthy in a material way, so this is what I have to offer as my main
family heirloom."
