On his first visit to Serbia, Rinpoche was asked to teach on the topic Loving Kindness and Compassion at Triyana Prajna School of Dharma in Belgrade. Rinpoche taught on the three different ways of dealing with negative emotions and also gave a teaching on the Four Immeasurables.

Appr. 30 minutes is missing from the beginning of the audio recording of part 4.

Image thanks to Triyana Prajna Facebook page.

A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones

Part 1

Loving-kindness is easy to discuss, less easy to practice but is most important for the world. We all want to receive it, so why don’t we do it? When we make war we create so much suffering and pain. Sometimes people make it grand – but it is not. There are no winners. We spread hatred, envy, and then make war. It is our negative emotions. Nobody disagrees that loving-kindness is important but somehow it is less important than our anger. We could stop tomorrow but somehow we don’t believe that we can live peacefully. We elect strong leaders but are they compassionate? You can be both.

The universal golden rule: “Treat others as you would be treated”. Our kleshas * (negative emotions) prevent us. They control us. Delay your reactions. Story of George Washington. It is not impossible to change your reactions – this is the Buddhist practice. Mindfulness is our tool – being aware of what is happening. This gives me control over myself and I act more patiently. “Ordinary people take revenge; intelligent forgive; wise people ignore”. Forgiveness is not condoning. YOU are the person that benefits most. Do not look for praise. Story on Edinburgh tombstone   Q & A

      *Kleshas (negative emotions) Anger, Jealousy, Pride, Attachment/Aversion, Ignorance

Part 2

As long as these negative emotions are strong, compassion will be second. We must reduce their affects and develop loving-kindness. There are many instructions on how to accomplish this. Story of Atish Dipankar’s over-intense student. If your practice has no affect on your kleshas, then it is pointless. If you notice a klesha arising, 1^st Abandon it. Anger and compassion can be close. Together they have achieved all reforms. But be constructive; keep your focus on the issue and not on the people.  2^nd Delay your reactions, consider the issue. Story of conflict between mother-in-law and wife. Misunderstandings can cause conflict. Repression of emotions is “holding on”. 3^rd Transform it; focussing on something good may help. 4^th Understanding. Everything we feel, hear, comes from our mind, our consciousness. Thoughts come like waves on the sea, and do not last. Likewise, thoughts are the waves of the mind. We must remember this advice and use it in our life. Book knowledge on its own is useless. Story of Milarepa and the Geshe.    Q & A

Part 3

The 3 yanas give us three different ways of working on our kleshas.

1^st Shravakayana which contains the vinaya, advises us to refrain from negative actions.

2^nd Vajrayana using the result as the path, focussing on great beings and their example.

3^rd Core instructions on how to recognise our own Buddha nature, then our negative emotions will transform into wisdom. The Four Immeasurables * are very important. Bring  these into your life. Explanation. We always say “loving-kindness” as “love” on its own has many meanings. “Love” is giving and unconditional; “attachment” can be demanding and controlling. Traditional Buddhist view of the universe and its countless beings. “Evil” people often do wrong in their search for happiness. Wishing happiness for all beings will benefit you by purifying your mind. Story of girl with no legs. Thinking about others takes your mind off your own complaints. All people are samsaric, subject to emotions. If you can help, do it, if not – then don’t feel guilty. Make sure that you are really helping; be practical.   Q & A

          * Loving-kindness; compassion; joy; equanimity

Part 4

Story about subjects for dedication. Joy includes rejoicing in others’ good fortune. Equanimity is absence of attraction and aversion which cause most problems. To really free ourselves from these two we must realise that everything is interdependent and has no true existence – and that includes yourself. What is “it” that feels this attachment? Story about expensive gift. When you are free from this, that is wisdom, equanimity and will free you from samsara. Loving-kindness is good, beneficial to all but not enough and sometimes contains ego. But start from where you are. Remember “diligence” – joy in what you do. Make your practice your hobby!   Q & A

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/triyanaprajna