Dealing with emotions-Dusum Khyenpa
In these teachings given at Palpung Changchub Dargyeling in Brynmawr, Wales, Ringu Tulku continued his tour celebrating the 900th Anniversary of Dusum Khyenpa, the First Karmapa in 2011.
On the evening of Wed 20/4/11, the topic was Working with Emotions that Disturb the Mind. Rinpoche emphasized that the more attached we are to something, the more we will experience fear of losing it. The person who forgives becomes more peaceful and lives a more harmonious life. Why then, should we hold onto a negative emotion, that will only bring unhappiness to ourselves and others? We are encouraged to relax when strong emotions arise; rather than fighting them, or paying too much attention to them. Instead, we relax in that state. Such techniques have the potential to increase our confidence.
On Thurs 21/4/11, Rinpoche gave a day’s teaching on Karmapa Dusum Khyenpa’s “The Elements of The Path To Achieve Enlightenment“.
Rinpoche commences his commentary on the text at 29:19 of the second session. Emphasized are the four most important things to enable one to become enlightened:
- Abiding by Right Conduct
- Study / Listening
- Reflection (contemplation)
- Meditation
Rather than accepting things at face value, we are encouraged to investigate, but not to criticise what is being said, before we know what is actually being said! We can only investigate if we have listened carefully. We should not assume what is being said.
In Meditation, we can find joy in not being attached to things.
Rinpoche concluded the day by discussing the Nature of Mind, where there is nothing to be purified, or taken away, nothing to be brought in. Instead we see it as it is. Then we are freed.
Anyone inspired by these teachings is encouraged to read “The First Karmapa, The Life and Teachings of Dusum Khyenpa” translated by David Karma Choephel and Michele Martin, published by KTD. The source text can be found on pages 155 to 159.
Photography taken by Conrad Harvey during the sessions (Rinpoche is seen demonstrating the singing mudra of Milarepa during the Thursday morning session).
