A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones

Part 1

The “Four Seals” examine whether a particular teaching of the View came direct from the Buddha. Brief history of early Buddhism – 18 different schools, all correct teachings. The criteria are the Four Seals.

1^st Everything that is compounded is impermanent

2^nd Where there are destructive emotions, there will be suffering.

3^rd All phenomena are empty of self and devoid of self

4^th Only Nirvana is peace.

First.  We know that everything is impermanent but we don’t want to know this and react accordingly with shock, anger, distress, but if we can be realistic, have less attachment, and accept impermanence we shall be happier. Parable to illustrate this. We “know” this fact but must live by it.   Q & A

Part 2

Second  Three main categories: – aversion (inc. anger, hatred, anything unpleasant) attachment (inc. greed, craving); and ignorance – not seeing things clearly, misunderstanding. Jealousy and envy are additions to make 5. When these are in control, they create problems for you and others; you will never find satisfaction or contentment. ALL the problems come from ignorance. How can we change this awful control? 2 methods – the negative we counter with compassion; and ignorance with wisdom. It is not easy but even these negative emotions are not permanent and therefore can be ended.

ALL Buddhist practices are aimed at transforming these negative emotions; and different methods are needed for different people mainly

1. Letting go.
2. Changing your approach
3. Understanding “Why”. The difference between repressing emotions and observing them.    Q & A

Part 3

Third  This is the 3^rd Noble Truth. All our problems come from our negative emotions but they have no inherent existence. If we can understand how they truly exist they will become like shadows. We create Samsara; now we must learn to review it with “wisdom” – not “knowledge”. It is not an intellectual pursuit. Different forms of Wisdom. Simple belief is not enough – you must experience it in your heart; for this you need to learn from a good teacher, ask questions, clear your doubts. Seeing things as “solid” is called “dualism” – the source of all troubles. We can see that things are constantly changing – ageing, seasons, etc. – thus everything exists only in a relative, interdependent manner. Consciousness mind, is unborn, unceasing and cannot be found.   Q & A

Part 4

Fourth The complete acceptance, experience, of Shunyata –  the lack of solid existence in all things – IS Nirvana, contentment. “Happiness” is a difficult word. What do we mean? Peace and quiet? Some dismiss this as boring but this is superficial. “Contentment” says everything. There are different levels of attainment; an Arhat is completely free but there are still traces of samsaric approach. In Vajrayana we have the 5 stages and 10 bhumis; the 8-fold Path, primarily in the Theravadin tradition, in Vajrayana terms is known as the “preparatory stage”. We must follow this path with meditation and joy.   Q & A

     For further information on Bhumis see https://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Bhumi

The teaching on the Four Seals of Dharma was given at Palpung Changchub Dargye Ling in Wales.

For more information, visit: https://www.palpung.org.uk/