From KCC Portland introduction of this event:
“All of the teachings and techniques of the Mahayana path could be subsumed in the complementary components of wisdom and compassion. A bodhisattva is one who is committed to cultivating these qualities for the highest benefit of both self and other. Through our view and meditation we begin to access the wisdom or deep understanding inherent to all beings and thus, come to see, ever more clearly, the true nature of reality. And during our time off of the cushion, we strive to live and act in ways that are of ever-increasing benefit supported by the motivation to eventually lead both ourselves and others to ways of being that are free of confusion and suffering.
In short, wisdom and compassion are our nature, and the path to awakening is as simple as discovering, nurturing, and stabilizing these qualities that lead to greater and greater wellbeing for all. Please join us for what is sure to be an insightful, lively, and deeply beneficial presentation of the bodhisattva path from a contemporary master who brings much clarity and joy!”
A SUMMARY
by Maggy Jones
Part 1
I am teaching from a text by Patrul Rinpoche on putting the Bodhicharyavatara into practice. Buddha taught different things for different types of people. ; A. Those who want a positive fulfilling life, creating opportunities for a good rebirth. B Those who see that however positive your life, there will always be difficulties – birth, old age, sickness and death – that samsara is in everything; thy follow the Buddha’s example, and work to transform their attitudes; C. Those that say achieving enlightenment for yourself is not enough; it must be for the benefit of all beings. That person has generated Bodhicitta and may become a bodhisattva.
Attitude, motivation are the most important. Relative and Absolute Bodhicitta. Beware of jealousy, it brings loneliness;. Bodhicitta brings friendship and good karma. Start with yourself. You don’t have to be a “Buddhist” to be a Bodhisattva. The 3 Yanas, the 3 forms of Buddhism. Q & A
Part 2
The importance of the 7-branch prayer. 1st Homage. Always show respect. 2nd Offering or giving. When you give, you show you have enough. 3rd Confession, or purification. Forgive yourself and let go. 4th Rejoice! The opposite of jealousy. 5th Requesting teachings – to enlighten our ignorance but look carefully at the teacher. 6th Requesting great Beings to live among us; appreciation of positive people and their contributions to society. Our history shows us that we kill living great beings and worship the dead! 7th Dedication. This will increase the positive benefit of what we have done or said. Motivation is the most important, then avoid attraction / aversion. The dedication sets the seal. Dharma practice is working on yourself. Q & A
Part 3
We discussed the different forms of dharma for different cultures, but the essence is “Dharma practice is yourself” working on your kleshas (mind poisons) *, The main cause of suffering is kleshas and karma. For this you do not need a text book or rules. The tool is mindfulness – being aware of what is going on when it is happening. This exercise transcends culture. Story about Atisha Dipankara and the over enthusiastic student. If your practice does not affect your kleshas, then it is not dharma practice. All wars, everything negative, comes from our kleshas. Story of Buddha’s debate with a Hindu master on priorities.
The Bodhisattva vow commits you to the impossible, but you start, and you try. Comments on Taking Refuge. Rely on the Dharma not on personalities. Advice on living with the Bodhisattva Vow. Q & A
*Kleshas: Anger, Jealousy, Pride, Attraction / Aversion ( count as 1) Ignorance.
Part 4
Rinpoche gives the Bodhisattva Vow in English. Invite the great masters; generate Bodhicitta and vow that you will train yourself step by step. All recite the vow then rejoice in this amazing opportunity; the 7-branch prayer. All recite the four immeasurables. Rinpoche gives advice on what to do next. Never give up on anybody, 4 things you should do, four things you should not. That is “Aspiration Bodhicitta”. “Action Bodhicitta” is the 6 paramitas.
Rinpoche explains the deep meaning of “clear light” combing with “emptiness”. Awareness is always present even when we do not realise the subtle levels, like sleep. Then there is no sense of “I”; we experience our true nature. Legend of the origins of amrita.
1. Paramita of Generosity. Story of how generosity can liberate; Anapindika’s training. Contentment is the greatest riches.
2.Discipline, good conduct. Develop self-control so that you naturally do the right thing. Q & A
Part 5
According to Gampopa these 6 paramitas can be summed up in the 3 trainings. The first 3 are the training, meditation and wisdom are the 2nd and 3rd and the 4th, diligence, is needed for all.
3. Patience, or “forbearance”. Things that are worth-while do not come easily; we have to work on them. The paramita is the perfection.
4. Diligence is not pushing yourself to do something but to take joy in doing it. If it is a burden you will not continue for long. The task should bring you happiness. Three kinds of laziness. Organise your priorities – you could die at any time. Make your practice your main hobby. Q & A
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5. Meditation. There are 2 forms – shamatha and vipassana. Shamatha is to settle our mind, make it calm and clear. This is important so that we are not in the power of our emotions. We must keep our mindfulness and awareness while we relax with shamatha, like letting muddy water settle. Sometimes we try to force “meditation” – no use, just relax. Rinpoche describes his driving lessons to show that study is not enough. Meditate on impermanence, on compassion, on any of the paramitas. Meditate deeply and understand the value of your life. Happiness, unhappiness depend on your attitude so train your mind accordingly. Dealing with jealousy. Main practice is dealing with kleshas.
6. Wisdom This comes from vipassana meditation; deep insight into the way things really are. Nothing has a solid existence – everything is interdependent. Our attractions, aversions create our samsara. Get rid of these and there will be no more misery. This wisdom is completely liberating. Realising the true nature of things brings enlightenment. You do not change any-thing, you change your way of reacting. This is the profound view. Q & A