At Bodhicharya Berlin, and streamed on Zoom, Rinpoche was answering some of the questions sent by students in advance. All questions could not be answered in this short time, but Rinpoche and Bodhicharya Berlin will arrange another session in the future to answers the rest of them.

Consecutive translation to German and simultaneous translations to French and Portuguese from Zoom can be found below. The main audio is English only.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED IN THIS SESSION

Karma & Rebirth

1. Why do Buddhists believe in the cycle of rebirths and what role does karma play in this cycle? What would you recommend for practitioners who do not believe in rebirths how to deal with this topic?
2. If “I” is not definable in Buddhism, does rebirth really occur?  What is reborn then?
3. When I think and meditate on the interdependencies in existence, I come to the impression that every behavior in the network of these dependencies affects the entire being. The past of whole life determines our individual present life, just as our karma determines the future of all life in a general way. If this is right, how can karmic effects be primarily related to the individual life or even continue to have an effect through “rebirths”? Doesn’t this also contradict the illusion of every ego identity?
4. In my study of the Dharma, I understand that all phenomena arise due to conditions and nothing exists independently of these conditions. This understanding makes me wonder about the nature of volitional actions. Are these actions simply the result of prior causes and conditions? If so, how do we understand the concept of free will? How do I understand the forming of intentions and engaging in deliberate practice?

Predictions and protection

1. Many Lamas have said that according to some interpretations of the predictions of Guru Rinpoche this current year of the Dragon is a very important year for practice in order to prevent a disastrous global war in 2030. Would it be good to arrange some practice together as a sangha for that purpose? Would you give a suggestion which practices, prayers or mantras we could do?
2. “How it is possible that the mighty gods of Tibetan Buddhism don’t make the chinese government to release Tibet into freedom? How was it possible that they did’nt protect Tibet from the Invasion?” This Question is in no way thought as an affront from a teaching Rhinpoche gave some years ago, I know he welcomes even “blasphemic” questions. So my Question might be one of those “blasphemic” questions. I pray continuing for the freedom, real autonomy and peace for the people of Tibet. May all beings be free and happy.“
3. Rinpoche, could you please explain the value of smoke offering, why is it good to do it regularly at Bodhicharya and how to explain to the neighbours what the smoke and the drums are about.

Different topics

1. Dear Rinpoche. Last year in September I received from you the name Karma Tsultrim. I understand a name/names as a reminder, as direction and motivation for my practice, and as a commitment for this lifespan. How could or should we use and understand our buddhist names? Could you please share a few thoughts about the meaning of Karma Tsultrim? Thank you very much.
2. I have thought a lot about ngöndro lately and have a wish to start practicing it. I would like to ask if there is a ngöndro connected to the Shower of Blessings guru yoga, as I feel very inspired about this particular guru yoga and Guru Rinpoche?
3. What is the connection between the skandha „consciousness“ and Rigpa? Are they the same or how do the relate to each other?
4. 3 years ago You taught the Sangye Menla Sadhana of Karma Chakme. After refuge and bodhicitta it says: “All phenomena are beyond reference,  primordal emptiness.” (after this the visualization of Sangye Menla begins). Could You please explain this in more detail? How to visualize or think or feel emptiness?

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