Welcome to our eighth online suggested practise for the week. We are now broadcasting a live teaching each Monday evening. If you would like to participate please contact us using the contact form on the homepage.
1.0) If you feel so inclined, begin by reciting the usual prayers (please follow below links for text). Alternatively, try to think or articulate a wish for all beings to achieve liberation from suffering, etc .
- Four Thoughts: contemplating each in turn – http://northantsbuddhists.com/the-four-thoughts/
- Refuge Prayer: twice in Tibetan, once in English – http://northantsbuddhists.com/the-refuge-prayer/
2.0) Dharma
From a Buddhist perspective, how may we understand the cartoon?
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche tells us: “The suffering of Samsara is only to be found in the act of thinking”
Thich Nhat Hanh explains: “When an unpleasant feeling, physical or mental, arises in him, the wise man does not complain, weep, pound his chest, pull his hair, torture his body and mind, or faint. He calmly observes his feeling and is aware that it is only a feeling. He knows he is not that feeling, and is not caught by the feeling. Therefore, the pain cannot bind him.”
Selections from: Ringu Tulku Rinpoche’s Relaxing in Natural Awareness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4kYUzWwsNs
Selections from: Khenpo Gangshar’s Naturally Liberating Whatever You Meet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2KIYqDYcmA
Conclusion: returning once again to Gampopa’s advice to his student, Düsum Khyenpa (‘knower of the three times’), who became the 1st Karmapa:
“Whatever you are doing, be mindful of the stillness of your awareness amidst the movement of Samsara”
And finally, Thích Nhất Hạnh tells us: “Fearlessness is not only possible, it is the ultimate joy. When you touch non-fear, you are free.”