A Few Good Ways to Be a Student of the Buddha by Dawa Tarchin Phillips

THE PATH

Dedicated to the Realization of Wisdom and Compassion Bodhi Path Buddhist Centers Autumn 2012 A Few Good Ways To Be a Student of the Buddha By Dawa Tarchin Phillips

Yes, the Buddha also was a man – Siddhartha Gautama – who lived more than 2,500 years ago, and he was actually born not a Buddhist. As a young husband and father, Siddhartha remained spiritually hungry, even after having a fortunate childhood and a good education in the religious prin- ciples of his family. And so he set out to seek answers to his most pressing questions: What does it mean to be here as a human being, subject to birth, old age, possible sickness and eventu- al death? What is really going on? How do we all get here, where are we going, and how can we make the most out of this precious human life? What really matters? How may we best live our lives? Siddhartha left his young family to answer these questions for himself, and one could argue this difficult decision brought much pain and strain upon his young wife and fledgling infant son – and that we all owe her gratitude for supporting him anyway. Theirs is a story well worth reading in any authentic account of the life of the Buddha. After years spent living and studying with the important teachers of his time and about life from a friend (or an enemy!), or goes to a place, Siddhartha eventually concluded he had Buddhist teaching. Perhaps an illness, a loss, or even reached a point where he needed to continue his a happy event like the birth of a child sparks confu- training and practice on his own, and he did so by sion or curiosity about life and the nature of reality. engaging in extensive meditation practice. In your daily life, certain moments stand out – According to historic accounts, Siddhartha attained thought-provoking moments that somehow change full enlightenment at the age of 35, and spent the everything. Right then you are embarking on a simi- next 45 years of his life sharing what he had discov- lar path of inquiry as pursued by Siddhartha centu- ered with anyone who asked. He became known as ries ago – a personal inquiry into what is going on, the Buddha, “the awakened one,” and this period was into what is and what isn’t true. And because of the the naissance of Buddhism. unbroken transmission of the Buddha’s teachings and What this revered man awakened to was the nature realization of enlightenment from one generation to of mind and of reality as such, and the true qualities the next and to the next, you have the great good for- of this nature. This nature itself is known today by tune – today in your own life – to become a student his followers as “Buddha,” the timeless state of illu- of the Buddha, and to seek realization of your own minated awareness that is your own fundamental inherent Buddha-nature right here and now in the nature. midst of your life. What you and I can learn from the Buddha Various Buddhist traditions arose out of particular periods and geographical regions in human history, Starting with the first students to learn directly from and have steadily spread around the globe as people the Buddha approximately 2,500 years ago, and con- everywhere have become, and are becoming, interest- tinuing to this day, many individuals have realized ed in these priceless teachings. It seems there is less their inherent Buddha-nature with the guidance of desire today in the general public to belong to a par- qualified teachers and through correct personal prac- ticular religious tradition, or to adopt a certain school tice. Yes, everybody starts out somewhere, by asking of thought. It seems to be a common wish, however, certain questions or facing challenging life experienc- to deeply investigate what it means to be a human es. Maybe one reads a book, or learns something Continued being, and to live more consciously and more awake, on page 14

1 Long Life Practice for Shamar Rinpoche by Annie Heckman

In autumn 2011, Dharma Teacher Rachel Parrish, with a visit from Bart Mendel and Suzan Garner Trinlay Rinpoche at the end of the sent news of their preparations for week. Sonam Chhopel translated a Long-Life Practice for Shamar the teachings for us, and Dharma Rinpoche in Menlo Park, Teacher Bart held question and California, led by Khenchen answer sessions after practice on Rinpoche. A small group of us several days to help us further from Chicago decided to make the understand how the teachings journey, along with Dharma related to our daily lives. Teacher Rachel Parrish – setting Khenchen Rinpoche offered teach- up a trip to go together for a week ings on the Heart Sutra at the of teachings and practice at the beginning of the week, followed end of December. by teachings and empowerment When we arrived at the Bodhi for White Tara, with several days Path Center in Menlo Park, Lama of practice. For many of us this Jampa and a team of volunteers was a first encounter with these greeted us warmly. Our days teachings, and Khenchen included an early tea time to get Rinpoche kindly guided us settled, morning practice, a lunch throughout the week. Through his break with beautiful walks in the wisdom and compassion, we were neighborhood surrounding the able to practice confidently, make nearby Stanford campus, practice wishes for Shamar Rinpoche’s long in the afternoon followed by a life, and work to purify our own shared dinner. habitual tendencies and create pos- We had the pre- itive conditions for further prac- cious opportuni- tice. ty to learn from From the Bodhi Path curriculum Khenchen we are familiar with the seven- Rinpoche, branch prayer, in which we entreat Tsultrim the Buddhas to teach us and then Rinpoche, Lama beseech them to remain for the Jampa, Lama benefit of beings. Khenchen Phurpa, Ani Rinpoche and Dharma Teacher Rinzin, Dharma Bart helped us to understand the Teachers Sonam motivation for the Long-Life Chhopel, Bart Practice in relation to these Mendel, and requests, as we practiced with

Above: Khenchen Rinpoche Right: Khenchen Rinpoche and Trinlay Rinpoche

The Dancing Snake by Julia Stenzel

In the spring of 2006, I arrived at an old Tibetan tune. Sitting near- There seemed to be no head either, Shamar Rinpoche’s Bodhi Path by and listening, I looked at the just a plant moving in the water. residence and center in Natural beauty of the land. Then, however, we realized it was Bridge, Virginia. It is a wonderful After some time we walked onto a miniature snake which seemed place, lushly green at that time of the wooden bridge. The dark to be dancing with its tiny body to the year, with dogwoods and water held a special attraction, and the rhythm of the melodious tune. other trees and bushes blossoming. so we just stood and watched the Rinpoche noticed it at the same One morning in April, everyone movements on and beneath the moment and pointed it out to me. had left, with some business to surface while Rinpoche took up The small snake was turning left tend to, so Shamar Rinpoche whistling the Tibetan song again, and right, left and right in the decided to go for a walk and I a tune of melancholic noncha- water and its body took on the accompanied him. We walked to lance. Suddenly, there was an shape of a vertical wave. the pond at the bottom of the hill. unusual movement in the water. At first, when Rinpoche noticed There were wooden benches and a We did not recognize it as a living the creature’s dance, he exclaimed table beneath the trees on the edge being at first; we just saw some- a joyful shout of surprise, and of the pond. Rinpoche took a seat thing slim like a blade of grass or a right then, the snake stopped the at the table, and started whistling thin root, golden yellow in color. movements and temporarily sank

2 wishes that Shamar Rinpoche, and all our teachers, may have a long life to continue their beneficial activities; and that likewise through their example, we may see our own enlightened potential and work with our minds to be of benefit to all sentient beings. Seeing Dharma friends from around the world at this event was inspiring. We met practitioners traveling from both coasts, Canada, Korea, and Europe – all brought together by Shamar Rinpoche’s activities. His tireless activities for the Dharma have touched so many, and we were instantly brought together by these strong connections. The group included friends who practice regularly with Bodhi Path, Diamond Way, and Dharmakaya groups; and we took many opportunities throughout the week to learn about each others’ communities. Brought together at this event by Shamar Rinpoche’s activities, we gained direct experience of the effects of his great wisdom and compassion, visible in the commitment and generosity of his many students throughout the world. The kindness of our hosts in California offered us a beautiful petersimon.com of courtesy Photograph example of Shamar Rinpoche’s activities reflected through his students, and we returned to Chicago with renewed energy to study, practice, and work together in an effort to embody this example.

Shamar Rinpoche

into the darker and surface. I think I even saw it take Some years later I met Rinpoche deeper layers of the a breath from time to time, but I in Kalimpong, West Bengal, and pond. As soon as can’t be sure. The longer we once again he started talking of Rinpoche continued the watched, the greater Rinpoche’s the dancing snake. Leaning on a tune though, it continued its delight grew. He expressed his chair in his living room, he whis- water dance. In this way things amazement at the rarity and won- tled the same Tibetan tune and continued for a while. As der of such an experience. He told imitated the dance movements of soon as the song would end, me then and many times after- the snake with his hand. Then he the yellow snake relaxed wards that I was a machine-mind- stood there for a while, apparently and sank to the bottom ed person who had to be told to savoring the memories of that of the dark water, and rejoice, as I wasn’t able to recog- April morning. I am not sure, but when Rinpoche took up nize something wonderful on my I think I received another exhorta- whistling, it would own. Rinpoche regretted deeply tion to abandon machine-minded- rhythmically move to the that he hadn’t brought anything ness. As Rinpoche has asked me with which he could film the several times to share this story snake’s dance. After a while, the with others, I am happy I finally rain set in and we walked back. found an opportunity to do so!

3 Bodhi Path Worldwide

Dharma in the BP Europe’s indefatigable coordi- texts, articles and instructions have nator, provided the valuable infor- been translated into Serbian, often Balkans mation necessary to get them – and skillfully – by Petar. The by Pamela Gayle White going. question now is how to go on. Few In 2009, primarily at the request practitioners have the required of founding knowledge to translate well, but member Petar, there are some very generous mem- my first visit bers who are willing to sponsor focused on trans- translations. Tamara and Viktor, mitting the prac- the current coordinators, think tice of that it would be wise to begin with Chenrezik. Now building a glossary, a basis from we are structur- which translators who are not ing teachings experienced in Buddhism can find around Shamar answers. It’s a great idea and I Rinpoche’s hope to help make it happen. Lojong commen- Fortunately there are easier tary, The Path to answers for spoken translation. Awakening. We Petar was the interpreter during began at the past visits and his generosity, beginning, and knowledge of Dharma, and natural after an intro- precision were a real gift. He is no Belgrade, in what is now Serbia, duction we explored the first longer available to translate, so was the capital of Yugoslavia. point: Train in the Preliminaries. Tamara, who runs an events plan- Although it lacks the tourist When we went over the definition ning and interpreting company, appeal of Croatia’s Zagreb or some of the Precious Human Existence, has asked a colleague named Deki of the region’s other cities, its cen- I was struck by just how improba- to replace him. He’s just learning ter is very pedestrian-friendly with ble it is that Buddhism is taking about Buddhism, but he’s sincerely an attractive, traffic-free avenue root here, and of how close Serbs interested. He’s an ace interpreter, leading to Kalemegdan, the for- are to missing the freedom of liv- and on top of that, his name in tress-park overlooking the conflu- ing in a place where the Buddha’s Tibetan means ‘happiness and ence of the Sava and Danube teachings are available. well-being’ (or nearly so). Rivers. I am told this city is a After all, this is a people with a Obviously a sign. great destination for party-goers very rich and relatively stand-alone We gather in the cozy space down- from neighboring regions and religious culture: Serbian Ortho- town that Tamara and Viktor have countries who flock to Belgrade’s dox. There are icons in every made available for Bodhi Path discos and riverside party barges. home and every business establish- activities: a room with a nice wood Serbia has traditionally been a ment. People come together for parquet, high ceiling, a beautiful mixing ground for many different national holidays and for Slavas, Buddha statue (generously filled ethnic groups in addition to the celebrations of family saints. On and blessed by Le Bost life predominant southern Slav. This is Sunday mornings when I go for retreatants Lamas Seunam and echoed in the signage and reading my pre-teaching walk, I like to Lekshé) on an improvised altar, materials that are either in Serbian stop in churches and cathedrals posters of lineage masters and Cyrillic or Roman script, inter- and am always surprised and thangkas, lots of plants, windows changeable but rarely together. delighted to see how vibrant they along one wall, and a little balco- The language is peppered with are. In France, where I live, the ny. I’m used to a cooler tempera- Turkish words; the cuisine is also churches seem too big; it can be ture, a bit more air, but the Serbs something of a hodge-podge. It disheartening to enter the soaring, have a saying: Nobody dies from feels like a place where everything eloquent spaces dotted with the smells, but a draught can kill. is perpetually splitting and coming few faithful who still attend ser- I’ve taught in the Belgrade Bodhi together – alphabets, peoples, riv- vices. Path several times now, and going ers, heritage... and so it is with the Throughout the city there are there is beginning to feel like Dharma. After earnestly working shops and stalls selling a panoply reconnecting with family. I so through some growing pains, the of icons; some churches, such as appreciate the group’s sincerity, local Bodhi Path Dharma group is St. Petka in Kalamegdan, offer probing questions, warmth and big now a wonderful mix of young healing waters and miraculous hearts. The atmosphere is increas- and old; of artists, business people, cures. How amazing, then, that ingly amicable, and there’s plenty engineers, interpreters, scientists, there is a yearning for the Dharma of space for members to express lawyers, students, and so on. here! In fact, Serbia has not yet themselves and to participate in Those who come may be deeply recognized Buddhism as a valid helping the center according to committed to practice or just curi- spiritual tradition, and public lec- their very appreciated skills, finan- ous; dyed-in-the-wool Buddhists tures have to center around gener- cial means and free time. or new age butterflies; novices or al themes: Dealing with Emotions, seasoned seekers. Other teachers are also scheduled Stress Relief, Letting Go. to stop by... and Shamar Rinpoché The center began as Dharma I join my host Tamara in a quest has promised that he’ll visit one Belgrade a few years ago; the core for Dharma books in Serbian, day. How lucky we are to be able members decided to join the with an eye to getting a book to share the Dharma in this Bodhi Path network in 2010 after group going here. We enter many improbable, hospitable place. Neka a group trip to Renchen-Ulm in shops, but there are really very few sva bića osvoje sreću i uzroke sreće! Germany and a meeting with options, and the translation is May all beings find happiness and Shamar Rinpoche. Sabine Teuber, often dodgy. Certain Dharma the cause of happiness!

4 Lama Yeshe Drolma – The Island Hopping Lama by Barbara Dacey

I first met Lama Yeshe Drolma in the spring of 2000. She had arrived on Martha’s Vineyard in February of that year, sent by Shamar Rinpoche and Jigme Rinpoche to help foster the newly established Bodhi Path center here on the island. A student in New York had told Shamar Rinpoche the Vineyard would be a great place to start a center. Although Lama Yeshe had never considered coming to America, here she was on an island off the coast of Massachusetts, far from her home in Germany, laying the ground- work for one of Rinpoche’s first centers in the United States. There was a small group of islanders that had formed to assist Lama Yeshe and Paldrub, another Brigish Alan German nun who had come to America. I became part of that group one Sunday in April when I attended an open house and teach- her early twenties when she began role as a teacher there, and meeting by Lama Yeshe, which I working in the fashion business. ing her friends and family gave me believe was her first. It may sound During her career, she traveled in the bigger picture of her life, first- strange, but the reason I first came Europe and Asia and lived for a hand. The cakes and pastries, to The Bodhi Path that spring while in Hong Kong and in Japan. afternoon tea, the beautiful towns morning was because of some In 1986, Lama Yeshe met Shamar and cities in the Black Forest were meditation cushions. There was Rinpoche in Germany and imme- all windows into her world. another meditation group on the diately became his student. She Lama Yeshe has impressed me on island related to The Insight was in retreat from 1987-2000 and countless occasions, but I would Meditation Center in Cambridge, participated in the traditional say the most notable time was dur- Massachusetts, where I had started three-year retreat under the guiding one of these trips to Germany. meditating fifteen years earlier. ance of Gendun Rinpoche. For She was leading a retreat and giv- During one program I attended, the last twelve years she has been ing teachings in German which Bodhi Path had lent the Insight teaching at the Martha’s Vineyard she translated herself into English group the burgundy cushions from Bodhi Path and has been the cata- for the two English-speaking stu- the center. I was mesmerized by lyst for the center’s growth. We dents (I was one) at the retreat. the cushions and very curious have a core group of 30 or more First of all, I was amazed that she about where they came from. And practitioners in winter that had the brainpower to pull this so my road to Bodhi Path was expands to 60-70 in summer. off, but mostly, I was touched by paved with meditation cushions. Many of these people come to the absolute commitment she In Lama Yeshe, I met my first true Bodhi Path and keep coming to demonstrated to her Bodhisattva spiritual friend. I had never heard Bodhi Path because of Lama vow. Yeshe. that expression, but as I sat with There are many teachers and Yeshe in the living room of the From the beginning, when all of friends who encourage you on the center house in those early days us were learning what it takes to path, and from the first day I met and heard the stories of her life in help a center to grow, until today, Lama Yeshe she has done that for the Dharma, I knew that things Lama Yeshe has led by example. me. Her sense of humor and her would be different now. That after Being steady and available, consis- dedication to her practice have all the years of meditating, I had tent and caring, energetic and joy- been an inspiration and a bridge entered a new and more serious ful, she has inspired us to develop to a deeper connection to the phase of my life in the Dharma. those qualities in ourselves. Dharma. Lama Yeshe Drolma was born in I have traveled to Germany a few Lama Yeshe lives in Heidelberg, 1945 on the island of Wyk Auf times to visit Lama Yeshe for part Germany and travels to centers in Foehr in Northern Germany. She holiday, part retreat. Witnessing Europe and the U.S. to teach. She lived there with her family until her in her own country and in her is in residence for three months a year at Bodhi Path Martha’s Vineyard and teaches in New York City for two months a year. While in Europe, she teaches at the Bodhi Path centers in Renchen- Ulm and Slovakia.

5 Summer School for example, “Tomorrow, if the weath- easternmost end of Kathmandu, er is good, let’s go circumambulate an easy walk from the beautiful the Professor the stupa”. Then he or she shouts hills where Kopan Monastery, by Lara Braitstein “Tea! Drink!” and points at a vic- Ayang Rinpoche’s monastery, and tim, let’s say at me. Then I have to Phulahari Monastery are perched. Last summer I had the opportuni- say, in Tibetan, “Tomorrow, if the It is also a short hike from mag- ty to fulfill a dream I have nur- weather is good, let’s go drink tea”. nificent Gokarna village, which I tured since the spring of 2000 – to The problem is that I often didn’t was told it is one of the oldest spend a summer in Kathmandu fully understand the original sen- Newari villages in Nepal. Many of studying colloquial Boudha’s occupants are Tibetan. In 2000, I was Tibetan, but it is also still a graduate student home to an old commu- in Montreal, and spent a nity of Tamangs that year studying in India. I dates back to at least the had ventured up to 18th century, and there Nepal after spending are many Newari com- seven glorious months in munities nearby too. The New Delhi studying at heart of Boudha is of Karmapa International course the Stupa, and Buddhist Institute every dawn and dusk it (KIBI) where I had been becomes packed with blissfully immersed in Tibetans, Nepalis and the study of Classical foreigners who gather to Tibetan and the study of do khora (circumambula- great texts under the tion). It is a wonderful guidance of some won- feeling to just be a part of derful Khenpos: Asanga’s that gathering, and it is a Abhidharmasamuccaya lot of fun to see what with Khenpo Tsering goes on. Many people are Samdup; Gyulama there to be in the pres- (rgyud bla ma) with ence of the stupa, to Khenpo Karma make wishes, recite man- Chochok; and the Jewel tras, accumulate merit. Ornament of Liberation Sometimes it becomes a with the now-deceased social event, as you see (and sorely missed) little gangs of old momo- Khenpo Tsultrim las and popolas (grand- Sangpo. mothers and grandfa- thers) clustering on In Kathmandu, at the tence, and was concentrating so benches and chatting animatedly, Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI), I hard on trying to remember it, or teenagers doing that adolescent encountered a small team of peo- that I couldn’t retain the modifi- thing – looking good, and careful- ple who seemed to me to have cations I was supposed to make. ly checking out who else is looking mastered the Tibetan language, Often when the driller pointed at good – some stroll at a leisurely and were skillfully and happily me, there was an uncomfortable pace, some weave through the interpreting for their teachers. I silence in the room, or I would crowd as quickly as they can, and hatched a wish at that time to be just start laughing. I did improve I did on occasion have to leap out that good at Tibetan, and decided as the semester wore on, but it of the way of a motorcycle. One of that Kathmandu was the place to never felt easy. I was in class from my favourite activities at the stupa do it. Unfortunately, after my 9-3 every day; then the afternoons was doing prostrations in the early return to Canada I was unable to would fly by while I was memoriz- morning. Head down there at 5:30 find the combination of resources ing vocab and doing homework. A or 6, and you will find most of the and time I would need to make month into the program I decided prostration boards already occu- progress with my language train- that 6 hours a day of class wasn’t pied, but I never had trouble finding until the summer of 2011. So enough and signed myself up for ing one free somewhere. it was with tremendous excitement extra tutoring with an extraordi- Sometimes you have to gently ask – and a lot of expectations – that I nary woman. Her name is Urgyen a snoozing street dog to make set out for Kathmandu in early and she’s a former nun from room for you, but they are happy June 2011 to make some progress Tibet. She’s smart as a whip, to oblige. As many of you reading with my spoken Tibetan. tough, brilliant - just wonderful. this know very well, it is a won- I was accepted into the Interme- She and her husband Samten are derful experience to do prostra- diate level of the intensive collo- probably the two most sought- tions in front of a powerful stupa, quial class, and was dazzled by the after tutors in Boudha, and they surrounded by people on all sides program from the outset: 2 hours have taught quite a number of doing the same. And there are each day in a formal classroom Bodhi Path teachers who have people there expressing their devo- setting; 2 more hours of one-on- gone to study in Nepal. She’s a tion in all kinds of ways – some one conversation with a Tibetan great teacher, and never let me get weaving between the prostration language partner; and the dreaded away with poor grammar and boards filling up offering bowls drill sessions. Drills are terrifying incomplete sentences! with water, or sweeping the and stressful. Six students, one The RYI is in Boudha, the neigh- ground, or offering hot sweet milk teacher. The teacher spins out borhood surrounding Boudhanath tea and fresh bread to everyone some long sentence in Tibetan, for Stupa. Boudha is located in the who is doing prostrations. It is so

6 Boudhanath Stupa Annual Teacher Training by Rachel Parish beautiful the way people who are This May marks the 6th annual gram from teachers mostly based not doing prostrations share in the teacher-training course given by in Europe, the next year’s teach- merit-making in all these ways. Shamar Rinpoche. Started in ings were held in Dhagpo Kagyu As part of my intensive language 2007 at the Natural Bridge center, Ling in France. This time around training program I lived with a and resulting from Rinpoche’s 80 teachers were present, and local Tibetan family for the dura- increasing U.S. activity and the Shamar Rinpoche began his tion of my stay. I stayed for two development of Bodhi Path centers transmission of the abhidharma months in the shrine room of a around the world, the first session (Buddhist philosophy) topics, fol- small family who lived next to the was an intensive program of teach- lowing the same general format monastery where the RYI is locat- ings that lasted two weeks and was found in Mipham Rinpoche’s ed. I like sleeping next to a giant attended by about a dozen teachers Gateway to Knowledge. altar, and my window opened onto who had accomplished at least one That year he covered the curricu- a garden of sorts. So at night I 3 year retreat in France. During lum topics of both the 5 skandhas mostly heard frogs and crickets, this time, Rinpoche covered such (Aggregates) and the 51 mental and the occasional passing rat or curriculum topics as The Bringing events, presenting them in the barking dogs... oh yes, and the of the Qualities of the Three Jewels traditional way, but as usual add- monastery bells at 5am. My host to Mind Sutra and Lojong, as well ing his own unique commentary family were really kind, gentle as many other ‘background’ teach- that helped transform these philo- people. Only one of their three ings that are not specifically part sophical topics into subjects which children was still living at home, of the Bodhi Path Curriculum but clarified and enriched meditation and at 7 years old he was an amaz- provide a context for the topics practice. The following year, ingly well-behaved boy. that are. 2010, he taught on the curriculum I love Kathmandu. I love the peo- The following year the training topics of 18 mental seeds (dhatu); ple who live there; I love the city was also held in Virginia, and this and in 2011, the 12 sense sources itself, the nature surrounding it, time there were almost double the (ayatana) and the 12 links of and more than anything I love amount of teachers who flew in interdependence, all of which help being in a place filled with power- from France to attend. Rinpoche to establish the proper view need- ful Buddhist places and a stun- took one week to go deeply ed for accomplishing the path. ning diversity of Buddhists prac- through Nagarjuna’s Letter to a This year he will continue to ticing Buddhism in so many dif- Friend, a text which manages to transmit the curriculum teachings ferent ways. My colloquial Tibetan lay out the entire Mahayana path to the Bodhi Path teachers, mak- is much improved, but remains in just 123 verses, and Rinpoche’s ing even the most dense philo- halting and painful to listen to – I explanations and commentary of it sophical topics practical and use- still have a long way to go. helped to elucidate one of the ful for one’s practice; enabling the Happily that gives me the perfect main teachings of the Bodhi Path teachers to bring these teachings excuse to head right back to curriculum. into Bodhi Path centers around Kathmandu this summer! Realizing there was an overwhelm- the world. ing interest in this training pro-

7 Freedom Is Happiness by Tsony

Excerpt of a talk given in Zeltweg, people, such as “I’m happy to see when we look at all of this there is Austria 2011 you” or “I am happy I got this no way out; it’s just a pit of suffer- Transcribed by Wendelin Wagner job,” and this form could be called ing. What do we do? Most of the conditioned happiness because it time we forget. We have a little What is the definition of happi- depends on a certain situation. happiness; it goes away. We go ness? There might be as many def- The other type of happiness is through the bad weather and hope initions as there are people. What unconditional. It does not depend for a little more happiness; then go seems to be happiness for some on situations and objects, but rath- through more bad weather until can seem to be a prison for others. er on one’s state of mind, as in our days run out. It’s like when we For the sake of discussion, we “she is a happy person” or “he has are hungry and we are looking for could contrast two types of happi- a positive outlook.” This has noth- a hot dog, so we eat this big bun ness. There is one form that is ing to do with having a lot or not; to get to this little hot dog – and related to situations or objects or it is the result of an undisturbed then sometimes it’s only bun. We mind. So we have different aspira- might feel depressed. How can we tions; sometimes we may want to talk about happiness in such a attain this very free, unconditional context? When we realize we are form of happiness or peace of trapped, this is the moment when Morning Thought mind. But sometimes we are more we can conceive that we want to down to earth, and we aspire to get out; it is the beginning of our by Fae Kontje-Gibbs have a basic happiness that comes freedom. Being trapped ignites the from having a roof and a good motivation to use all of our intelli- Sitting down to meditate, meal or good company. In itself, gence and all of our resources to I breeze through The Four Limitless Thoughts, this wish for basic happiness is find a way out. As long as there is tossing off a wish that fine, but because it is conditioned a little illusion that there may be some hot dog in the bun, we keep “all sentient beings enjoy true happiness to the presence of somebody, or a certain time or place, it is not real- eating buns. that is beyond suffering” ly a sustainable happiness. Maybe it’s a paradox: to find the as if dropping pennies carelessly on the ground Everything is constantly changing; for someone else’s pick up of good luck. true happiness – unconditional nothing stays forever. happiness – we have to give up the My words tumble out, quick to get it So there is always a little sadness, obsession to be happy. I have seen over with so I can get like when we receive our family at people engaged in the spiritual on with it. home and we are having a good path because they were obsessed But, time, but we have an eye on the with obtaining a spiritual happi- I am here to hear the sound clock. We are still very happy to ness. They were not happy. of my own distraction, and have them, but we know that very Because as long as you think hap- I make a decision soon they will go and we will be piness is something to have or to on the spot; left with the dishes. All that gath- do, then you are missing the I will shift my self ers will some day disperse; it is in point. You cannot transform what in this day the nature of reality. Through this is a state of being into an object from being insight, we realize change is a nat- that you try to find, grasp or so whizzing busy ural movement, and perhaps we achieve. This kind of happiness is like the wet soap in the bathtub, to being alertly could let go of our grasping and accept this moment as imperma- you try to grasp it and – whoosh – present. (Can I?) nent. But it’s not easy, because if it’s gone. You have a little bit of Not just aware while we have based all our hopes for soap under your nails, but you check-listing from task to task, but happiness on a certain situation, can’t really use it. Happiness is awake then when it goes, we are totally more about being, rather than each moment, lost. But what is the alternative? having or doing. to feeling, to We cannot say “I’m going to be The Buddha would say, why don’t seeing, to very unhappy all my life so I won’t you open your hand and let that what happens, suffer when happiness goes away.” be? If a happy circumstance comes to allowing There is a poet who wrote: “Run your way you don’t have to reject all matter of mystery away from happiness before it it, but you don’t have to close your to roll. escapes.” But this doesn’t make us hand on it either. You can enjoy The eagerness happy either; it’s a catch 22 – the moment, celebrate it and either way it’s wrong. We try to to DO this acknowledge its departure. But it’s find happiness in drink, but there not easy, because we don’t want to pulls me toward standing, is always the moment where there but I am sitting, “let the good times roll”; we want is a hangover. We are really them to stay. We don’t want the and I sit. trapped. This is one of our main challenging times to stay too long Here Now is the country I wish to inhabit sufferings – it seems we are – and if possible, we would like and yet is the place trapped. There may be an alterna- them to take the beltway and go from which tive, but we don’t see it. around! This attitude of mind I seem to be most often Things are changing and it is comes from an attachment to hap- traveling away, and so, painful; we are trapped and it piness and a sort of addiction to I sit, I heal, I stay. hurts. As we are dealing with this, comfort; and therefore, a denial of we are also getting older; and we reality. And things never go right get sick and then we die. It seems when you are in denial.

8 distance, we don’t try to grasp the words; we just hear the noise coming and going. We know that if we want to stabilize this capacity for touching peace of mind, we will have to train in it as often as possible. The third workshop is insight or wisdom. “I realize that all phe- nomenon are truly impermanent, and I am more and more at ease with this.” “When I look at phenomena I can see that they have no substance; they are not grasp- able.” Take a “pleasant” object as an example. There is no such thing as a pleasant object outside of me describing it as a pleasant object. Pleasant and unpleasant are not absolute realities; they are subjective realities. Therefore, I realize that I have a great influ- ence on pleasant and unpleasant The Buddha’s teaching can be How do we do that? As regularly in this world. If I decide I’m going summarized in two parts. First, as possible. (laughs) It doesn’t have to use this situation to promote how can I arrive at contentment? to be at a special time or place – it my experience of fair trade, I recy- Second, how can I help everybody could be indoors or outdoors – cle what was unpleasant into to come there? I cannot make you wherever you can find a spot that something that is profitable, happy, but I can contribute to is clear, fresh and luminous. which is pleasant. your liberation. For example, we Basically we sit, and we decide With this outlook, your mind is are walking, we have to walk, and that for a while – 10 minutes or no longer trapped in the pleasant/ we are tired. I can carry your bags, 20 minutes – we are not going to unpleasant duality, but rather but I cannot walk for you. And do anything special. All the past is becomes free to choose – and use– then, because I help you with your gone. It’s too late to do anything every situation to sustain the fair baggage, perhaps your mind is a about it. It was good, it was bad; it trade project. But you are the one bit lighter so you find a bit more could have been better – whatever, who will decide. You have to rec- courage to walk. Actually these it’s done. The future will come in ognize it; you have to want it; you two projects can be combined. I 10 minutes, we can forget it for a have to implement it. Then when cannot find real contentment and while. (When you go into the you are distracted and forget it, see the rest of the world around bathroom for 10 minutes your you have to come back to it. This me in total chaos and sorrow. This family doesn’t fall apart.) So we sit is how the Buddha described the can be the basis of our interaction; with dignity, with a straight back. progressive path to unconditional we know we are interdependent. Our feet are touching the earth . contentment or peace. You go So this is our project – common We are really grounded; we are not beyond duality and the up and benefit, peace and contentment for flying in the air. We feel our body, down of conditioned happiness. everybody. and the breath in our body. This is not an other-worldly proj- So how are we going to do it? Maybe we see thoughts coming ect; it is totally feasible within There are 3 workshops, the first connected with our past, our your own abilities, at your own one is fair trade – harmonious future and what we should be pace. Of course, you are going to exchange between us and the doing right now, instead of doing fail now and then. When you fail, world. For this we shouldn’t wait nothing. We let them come and learn from it and come back to for it to be fair on the other side; let them go, like clouds passing in your project. Be happy. we start on our side first because the sky. Like a discussion in the even if the world is not fair, if we are fair then we feel good. The second workshop is familiar- ization – to become comfortable Calling All Writers with this process. For this, we Would you like to write an have to work with our mind; we article for future editions of the have to tame our mind. Because PATH? All Bodhi Path center the mind is anxious, the mind is participants across the globe are impatient. Through freedom from encouraged to contribute anxiety, we can bring quietness in writing that is relevant to our the mind. If our mind is restless community. Please consider we cannot work on the fair trade what you may like to submit project, and we cannot free our- and send an inquiry to selves from old habits, so we must [email protected]. develop a right motivation. We Thank you for your interest must also cultivate proper atten- and creativity. tiveness. This is facilitated by the regular exercise of meditation.

9 Programs

skandhas, the six causes and 1 than form, form is no other than effect, along with the twelve links emptiness...” Something to look at of dependent origination, the four while meditating, certainly, but noble truths, and the six perfec- with her very skillful guidance tions. Phew!!! into the inner and profound mean- Lara is amazing at teasing out this ing of those words along with material in a comprehensive and Tsony helping us all to keep our organized presentation. Okay, it’s seats, encouraging us to let it all February in Virginia true there was smoke coming out work on us, the week was fruitful of ears and springs popping out of indeed. is Delightful heads, but really the purpose is to Also joyful. The outdoor environ- by Sharon Gamsby point to something we might ment at the Natural Bridge center encounter in our meditation prac- is physically beautiful, and the tice. She is a learned scholar cer- local hosts make the experience In mid-February 2012, I flew from tainly, but in this environment welcoming, warm, and yes, won- Boston, Massachusetts to Lara reminds us that the basis of derful. Comfortable. Friendly. We Roanoke, Virginia with two other our interest has to be our path: had every type of weather there on Bodhi Path Martha’s Vineyard our refuge and our bodhisattva the hilltop between the Blue Ridge enthusiasts to participate in the commitment. This opportunity to and the Allegheny mountains. winter retreat led by the dynamic construct and deconstruct this Snow, rain, sun, high winds, and duo of Tsony, resident Dharma material on the nature of mind is then balmy days. Daffodils and teacher at the Natural Bridge not meant to be tested as one crocuses were starting to bloom, Bodhi Path, and Lara Braitstein, would in the classroom, but to be especially in sunny patches around college professor at McGill actualized on the cushion. Shamar Rinpoche’s house. We saw University, translator and friend in large herds of deer, and saw beaver the Dharma. And so there is Tsony, our guide toward mindfulness. Over the tracks; we saw a coyote, and heard This event was the third annual span of the seven days we had lots a bear roar in the woods. Beautiful February retreat led by this pair, of time to meditate, each session a starry skies, a sliver of moon, who provide a wonderful balance half hour long, then a minute to Venus and Jupiter. of meditation and philosophical stretch, another half hour, outdoor Everyday lunch arrived from food for the Dharma practitioner; walking mindfulness, tea, a half town..a hearty soup, salad, a bit of a genuine pointing out for the sup- hour meditating, stretch, another bread and cheese and somehow, port of sitting meditation. And so half hour meditating...lunch, or happily, the appearance of choco- we did, for those 7 days. tea, and then repeat. Tsony, in this late over the many days. Our The teachings that Lara prepares setting, after Lara’s teaching on accommodations were much more for these retreats are vast subjects; the profound prajnaparamita, than adequate. There were walks, one year Madhyamika, the next would gently inject a reminder of some quite far. And after the Yogacara, and this year, 2012, the a way to focus, primarily using the retreat was done, a gathering, with Heart Sutra. observation of sensation, or a music and singing, a relaxed tran- Wow. I know, right? quote he had prepared. He had sition. Some of us spent the last lately been teaching the local day in Virginia walking up a 2010, Madhyamika....think group based on the four Founda- mountain beside a large waterfall. Nagarjuna, the two truths, tions of Mindfulness, and so these An hour and a half up, an hour dependently co-arisen, dependent were integrated into the retreat. At down. For us islanders especially, designation, svabhava, emptiness, the end of each afternoon Tsony used to far horizons and salt air, the middle way. allotted time for people to report the chance to walk in the woods 2011, Yogacara. The three natures, their experiences, or ask medita- next to that powerful careening eight consciousnesses, emptiness, tion related questions. Lara’s water was lovely. Walking with “nothing is experienced that is not teaching certainly set the stage for friends, after a week of sitting and mediated by mind....” a rich meditation experience. listening to the Dharma; Virginia 2012, The Heart Sutra. The two “Form is emptiness, emptiness also is not too far to travel for such truths, the 3 spheres, the five is form, Emptiness is no other pleasures.

10 Bodhi Path On the final day, Khenpo Tsering provide a profound opportunity guided the students and additional for those interested in learning Studies Program local Bodhi Path members in a ever more deeply the meaning of by Chris Fang Tsok, the traditional offering and the Buddha Dharma, so as to ben- purification practice, and all par- efit themselves and also to help ticipated in the practice of the others. This particular program, The first annual session of the Bodhisattva of compassion, taught by Khenpo Tsering, is sim- Bodhi Path Studies Program Chenrezik. It was a meaningful ilar to courses held at the (BPSP) was held over a two week way to end a truly enriching study Karmapa International Buddhist period in 2011, from August 28 to program led by such a learned Institute, located in New Delhi, September 10, at the Natural teacher. India, and was designed with the Bridge, Virginia, Bodhi Path The 2012 session of the Bodhi intention of helping students Buddhist Center. Taught by broaden their wisdom of Dharma Khenpo Tsering Samdup and Path Studies Program is currently scheduled for Wednesday, while gaining perspective on how attended by twelve students, the profound and vast the Buddha first year’s study materials includ- September 5, through Tuesday, September 18, at the Natural Dharma actually is. This program, ed three texts: Madhyamakavatara consisting of annual two-week ses- (Entering the Middle Way) by Bridge, Virginia, Bodhi Path Center. The BPSP will start a few sions over four years, (totaling Chandrakirti, as well as The Jewel eight weeks over four years), will Ornament of Liberation by days after the U.S. Labor Day holiday and end a few days before provide teachings on four major Gampopa and Gateway to philosophy treatises. Each annual Knowledge by Mipham Rinpoche. Shamar Rinpoche’s annual program, also in Natural Bridge. This program will cover one major The program, which involved four book of each treatise. Additionally classes per day, aimed to bring stu- year’s second program will include a new text, Buddha Nature: The the program will offer teachings dents in the USA the same inten- on important supplementary phi- sive style of academic Buddhist Mahayana Uttaratantra Shastra, as well as new chapters in The Jewel losophy texts like The Jewel study typically available at institu- Ornament of Liberation and tions such as the Karmapa Ornament of Liberation and Gateway to Knowledge. Attendance Gateway to Knowledge. Students International Buddhist Institute may join at any point in the four- (KIBI), a Buddhist studies insti- at the 2011 session is not a pre- requisite for attending in 2012.For year cycle. The first year of the tute located in New Delhi, India. first four-year (In 2007, cycle was 2011. Khenpo Tsering was appointed as Khenpo Tsering the main instruc- Samdup began tor at KIBI by his Buddhist Shamar training at the Rinpoche.) Shri Karma Nalanda Institute The class format at Rumtek in involved reading Sikkim, a college the texts aloud of higher together, fol- Buddhist studies lowed by in- founded by the depth explana- 16th Gyalwa tions by Khenpo Karmapa. After Tsering. Though completing 9 this material can years of study prove daunting, there, he received the students the degree of appreciated the Acharya (Master vast exposure of Philosophy) in they were getting 1990. Khenpo to the authentic then continued Dharma. as a teacher at These determined students were more information about the texts, Nalanda for one year before being the beneficiaries of many causes or details about future programs sent by Shamar Rinpoche to teach and conditions. One challenge was as they become available, please at the Karmapa International travel obstacles posed by hurricane visit www.bodhipath.org. Among Buddhist Institute (KIBI) in New Irene, which descended on the other details, the website will Delhi. Over the next 6 years, his northeast just as the program was include more comprehensive infor- time was spent teaching at KIBI set to begin. Though travel wasn’t mation about the rich content that and throughout Europe, Southeast easy, eventually everyone arrived will be covered. If you have ques- Asia and America. In 2002, and the program went forward tions, please email studies@bod- Shamar Rinpoche appointed him smoothly. Some students stayed on hipath.org. Headmaster of Shri Diwakar site at the Natural Bridge center, General Information about the Vihara Buddhist Institute in others stayed at nearby homes of Bodhi Path Studies Program: Kalimpong. Over the past several local students, while still others years, Khenpo Tsering has taught found other comfortable off-site The North American Bodhi Path hundreds of westerners in lodging. As is usual at the Natural Buddhist centers are pleased to Buddhist centers throughout the Bridge BP courses, a delicious announce a new Buddhist Studies U.S. lunch was served, and students program being offered in the U.S. made their own dinner plans. With this program, the wish is to

11 Programs continued

Shamar Rinpoche’s Annual Teaching by Terry Burt

Each year Shamarpa comes to the blue hills of Virginia for a 3-day teaching followed by a day-long annual meeting of the Bodhi Path Buddhist centers. It is always a wonderful opportunity to be taught in an intimate setting by Rinpoche, and one we all treasure. The last event, in June 2011, the as well as from Mexico, Colombia, Teacher Tsony. On Sunday after- 4th year of such teachings, attract- Guatemala, and Germany. noon, Dharma Teachers Dawa, ed about 130 participants from all The program started on a Friday Pamela, Delphine and Khedrub around the nation – Martha’s morning with Rinpoche teaching participated in a panel discussion. Vineyard to Miami to California, from the 9th Karmapa’s This was followed by an hour-long Mahamudra on the yoga class focusing on yoga poses meditation posture that support sitting meditation led Editor’s note: The poster below is for three programs in and its 5 energies by Chris Fang. September, 2012, at the Natural Bridge, Virginia center. These conditioned by emo- Each morning under the cool programs may have already occurred before this newsletter is tions. The afternoon shade-producing tent, participants available, however, they will continue at the same time next session focused on enjoyed coffee, tea and surprise year. If you are interested in any of these programs in the future, The 6 Methods of baked goods (from the please visit bodhipath.org each spring for updated information, Tilopa to Control Washington D.C. Center), fur- or sign up for Bodhi Path’s email list. Mind. Saturday, thering the mood of congeniality. Rinpoche began the Between the morning and after- day by teaching noon teachings, friends met old from his book The friends and made new ones at the Path to Awakening, great lunches catered by one of reviewing Shinay Lexington’s best restaurants. (calm abiding) med- In an effort to offer folks a Friday itation and tonglen evening activity, the Natural (giving and taking) Bridge Center sponsored a “pizza meditation. As on and movie night” on site, showing the previous day, a beautiful film entitled Blessing. after each teaching Sunday night, of course, was the session, those annual party, featuring the attending had the beloved Bodhi Band. Under a rare opportunity to bright crescent moon peeking out ask Rinpoche any from rain clouds rang the sounds questions they had. of guitars, banjos, ukuleles, The teaching ended drums, bass, mandolin, even a on Sunday with the washboard - plus loads of gifted Bodhisattva vow singers. Many of the songs the ceremony, followed band performed have become by a luncheon cele- favorites of the gathering, and bration. these have become delightful sing- As it has been each alongs. Several individuals also year, a number of performed, as did groups from our Dharma most all of the centers, many of Teachers also attend- which conjured up performances ed, making it quite on site - all offering their melodies easy to find a teach- and hearts to Rinpoche. The higher with whom to light of the evening was a harmon- spend some time. ica performance by Rinpoche On a more formal himself, who played a beautiful level, last year’s pro- Tibetan melody he learned as a gram set aside time child. Saturday afternoon All in all, a very auspicious eve- for attendees to ask ning – complete with a resplen- questions of Dharma dent rainbow before dark.

12 Home School for ing her best effort in four areas. their future happiness. The idea of They are currently: positive atti- a “School for Bodhisattvas” is just Bodhisattvas tude, patience and tolerance, pick- that. My granddaughters have by Khedrub Zangmo ing up after herself and being taken refuge, although they are responsible. If she gets less than not yet engaged in formal medita- four checks, she does not earn her tion practice. This system, howev- When I first heard the phrase, dollar that day. This was her sug- er, based on the Bodhisattva ideal, “School for Bodhisattvas,” I wasn’t gestion. is giving them the tools they need familiar with this project, but the to see their faults and change words impressed me deeply. I However, she can always repair them. thought, “Yes, that is it, exactly!” any lapses by recognizing her mis- As teachers, parents, and grand- take, having regret for the harm it parents, that is the best way to caused her and others, seeing the think of our jobs. As I later emotion that drove the unskillful learned, the School for speech or action, and making a Bodhisattvas project, based at firm resolve not to do it again; Dhagpo Kagyu Ling in France, thereby earning all four checks brings together pupils, teachers each day. If she consistently earns and parents for a constructive dia- all four checks for a whole week logue in the light of the Buddha’s she gets a three dollar bonus. She teachings. It is a forum for reflec- usually earns ten dollars per week. tion on everyday life in schools, It is her responsibility to come to with the aim of promoting better me each evening to evaluate her teaching, better learning, and behavior, put check marks on the improving communication with list and on Sunday, collect her others. allowance. I have been living with my two After a year of using this system granddaughters for the past five with my older granddaughter, I years, the older one now fourteen initiated it with her younger sister. and the younger almost nine years She has her own list of qualities old. A couple of years ago I was fitting to her age and tempera- concerned by my granddaughters’ ment and she earns half the constant bickering. What we, the amount of her older sister. adults in the household, were The girls have chores, but they are doing (reminding, cajoling, threat- not on the list. They are rewarded ening) was not helping. Indeed, for good citizenship which moti- the problem seemed to be getting vates them to remember positive worse. In desperation the idea values that cause happiness, and occurred to me to use an allow- they in turn are glad to do their ance system with the older child, bit to help out around the house. then twelve. I thought finding a At this point, the bickering has all Buddha Table way to change her attitude and but stopped. They are much hap- by Fae Kontje-Gibbs behavior toward her younger sister pier with themselves and kinder to would be a good place to begin. each other, although naturally She had a sense of the value of there is still much to improve on. I am standing at the big white sink. money and loved the idea of earn- The process is a continuous evalu- It is raining. ing a weekly allowance. This proj- ation of what attitudes and behav- Bamboo grows in my back yard, ect fostered many discussions iors contribute to happiness and and a Buddha sits on a table between us about the behaviors peace and seeing the ones that and attitudes that enhance harmo- don’t. that is situated between me, inside, ny and happiness and those that This cannot happen without con- and him, outside. create discord. From the begin- tinuous vigilance on the part of He rests on an old box balanced on a brick. ning, I felt it was important to the adults in the household. We reward effort and improvement Water is pooling on and pocking have to be willing to hold our- over perfection, while at the same a dark cloth all around him. selves to a high standard and time holding her to a high stan- model the behaviors and attitudes He carries on serenely not minding the wet, dard. We created a checklist we wish to instill in the girls. We and there are birds; together of the behaviors and atti- have to assume the role of teach- tudes that she would endeavor to I can hear them. ers, guiding the children patiently, cultivate. We keep the list short They don’t mind either. while honestly examining our own and manageable, focusing on four behavior and motives. We certain- If I move just to the right of center, areas at any given time. ly have to recognize our mistakes my dim reflection in the glass Once she is able to gain control and apologize for our own impa- surrounds the Buddha, over a particular negative behavior tience and clumsiness when appro- we look for other areas to work on. priate. and tho he is through the window, She is open to my input on this Whether or not children see them- on the other side, and our list is updated every few selves as “Buddhists,” or on a it appears & even feels for a brief moment months. She feels the happiness “spiritual path,” rewarding them and peace that her efforts engen- of my darting and hopping attention for becoming aware of their nega- der and this motivates her as much that the Buddha is me in-side. tive habits while cultivating the as the allowance itself. She can motivation to change these to pos- earn one dollar every day by giv- itive ones lays the foundation for

13 Student of especially as Buddhism expands in simply because you apply a limit- sense of reality and to operate your the Buddha the West. ed, conditioned perspective. For life effectively, but often your dis- Continued from page 1 Learning Styles: example, in the few moments since cernment may not be as sharp as it West and East you read the term “Buddha- could be, and this can lead to What does it mean to be a stu- nature” above, look to see if you errors. dent, or disciple, of the Buddha haven’t already come up with some Buddha Dharma is not “knowl- today? There are things that are notion of what that might mean – edge” in the sense that you have to different between Buddhist schol- based on your own thoughts, dis- learn it and then store it for some arship and Western ways of learn- position and social and religious potential later use. When listening ing. Knowing these as you listen, conditioning, your own history, to an authentic Buddhist teacher reflect and meditate, can give you your own current beliefs and moti- you should not worry: “Will I be the best possible opportunity to vations. Chances are, your under- able to remember anything from benefit from your explorations. standing will change and deepen this talk? I didn’t get that in my Following Siddhartha’s path in over time. By following a tried- notes.” Or wonder, “How can I becoming Buddha, each of you and-true path of learning, reflec- use what is being said here to con- must take charge of your own tion and practice, you can culti- struct my new philosophy, my education and maturation, ask vate an accurate view, which in smart new way of looking at questions, choose authentic guides, time can ripen and mature into a things?” In fact, trying to “make and – most importantly – inte- progressively clearer understanding sense” of these new and perhaps grate what you hear or learn into of Buddha and of ultimate exotic-sounding teachings, and your own being. enlightenment itself. From simple trying to “wrap your head around to complex, and in the end, very Buddhist teachings it” in itself can become a block to simple again-–that is the Buddhist realizing the truth of what is being are progressive path. Buddhist teachings are progressive taught. in nature. They start simply and Buddhism is transformative Buddha Dharma can be consid- build up slowly so that, with each knowledge ered “transformative knowledge.” new level of understanding, you Most knowledge available to us in This means it is meant to emanci- have a good foundation on which this world, whether spiritual or pate you and generate wisdom; to base your continued explora- temporal, is derived initially from wisdom that becomes part of your tion. It is important to be aware of observation, experience and real- being and with which you can a potentially strong personal habit ization by a human being living in naturally direct your life with an to interpret new information in the world; and from there it is increasing sense of empowerment terms of what you already are or conveyed to others via various and compassion. The knowledge are not familiar with. This habit media. You use knowledge about Buddha Dharma is offering is not may lead to misinterpretations, the world and yourself to make considered simply clever theory, or a good idea which Buddha spawned and is now trying to get you to buy into; not at all. Out of his direct experience of enlightenment, the Buddha com- Easter Sunday municated his realization to others. Thousands of people were by Fae Kontje-Gibbs drawn to the Buddha’s presence as they recognized and appreciated I step out of muddy water Why do I squint the qualities he embodied, such as insight, patience, generosity, wis- but first I sit down in it. and try to peer dom and joy. Moment by moment, Breathing in struggle, through the fog he responded to disciples with the breathing out ease, of my own thinking? most useful teachings he could, so breathing in agitation, Inhaling life, that they too could realize their breathing out calm. exhaling dust, own Buddha-nature directly and Thoughts make feelings, inhaling lift, expediently. feelings make thoughts, exhaling release. Buddha is believed to have the bottom silt swirls up, Feet to ground, refined and expanded his way of circulating behind my eyes, awareness drawn down expressing and demonstrating inside my ears. to this spot on the planet enlightenment depending on the Stir, stir, stir, and me in it now. various students he encountered. the cauldron bubbles. It is my heart that prays, Today, with ample access to this Drop the spoon. Drop the spoon! seeks the compass vast and profound body of instruc- The cloud settles and follows direction. tions, you should approach your and everything My best thought practice with an open mind and gradually is the one that leads me here. the willingness to be transformed clears. from within – not inventing novel theories or collecting more and more data or information. Personal observation – back to the source One great thing about this opportunity is you don’t end up carry- ing abundant reading materials

14 around. You yourself, your mind, and your life will eventually become the source of your understanding. Literally your knowledge is transformed into wisdom through direct experience and realization, which is quite different. It’s light, and it’s always with you. Once attained, its readily accessible and practically applica- ble in daily life; whereas highly conceptual, purely intellectual knowledge can become at times burdensome. Therefore, you are encouraged to approach Buddhist teachings with the perspective of engaging with knowledge in order to cultivate wisdom. You want to ask yourself, “Where did this knowledge come from? What is the original observation or experience or insight this knowledge was derived from?” Enlightened and wise beings since the time of the Buddha have sys- tematically organized, canonized and written down the vast array of the Buddha’s original teachings as they were remembered. They are collectively called the Buddha Dharma. Today, as you seek out guidance from authentic teachers, you are just like the Buddha’s first Dawa Tarchin students. The same great knowl- Phillips edge is available to you, and it is appropriate for you to reflect and what seems broken.” Reading fully you try to get from A to B, if meditate on each teaching to try books, seeking endless counseling, you are unaware of this distortion, to find its source in your own changing relationships, working you will end up misdirected and experience, until you reach realiza- compulsively – in short, you frustrated, over and over again; tion. The Buddha asks you to take spend, spend, spend, and con- and wondering how it happened nothing on faith – on the consume, consume, consume, hoping that you ended up at point C, or trary, the way to practice is to see you’re going to find the magic D, or E instead. Each time you set whether or not you observe the ingredient that is going to help out with strong intentions and same things, or experience the you fix something you just know tried hard. In time you ask your- same things, or realize the same must be wrong, missing or broken self: “What is wrong with me that things, in the world, in your own within. makes life so difficult?” This kind life. This is what the Buddha Yet, there is nothing broken. The of frustration is part of the “dissat- invites you to do. Buddha was clear on that. isfaction” or “suffering” the Nothing is broken, so nothing Buddha pointed to in his First Know that there is Noble Truth. Fortunately for you, nothing to fix needs to be fixed. Your fundamental Buddha-nature is a state of the Buddha’s enlightenment has One very important aspect of basic sanity, completeness, natural also given you access to priceless Buddhism is the fundamental self-awareness, timeless wisdom, instructions so you can become truth that you already possess per- and perfect peace. As such, it is aware of your potentially misguid- fect Buddha-nature, inherent and already present in each and every ed efforts and correct them. This pervading your human existence. human being – always has been, is the path. There is nothing to fix. and always will be, the true nature Buddhism means purifying Unfortunately many people, espe- of reality. obscurations, not adding cially in the West, believe they heaps of new ideas have some fundamental, psycho- Though you may think something There are obscurations present logical pathology to contest with; is wrong with you, in truth, what that are distorting mind. Even they believe that somehow they’re may be “wrong” is that you are though it may look clear, your per- broken and need to be fixed, and simply not yet willing or not yet ception, in actuality, may not be that spiritual practice can some- able to connect with this basic clear. This manifests in every how help them fix what is broken. inherent nature; it is obscured, aspect of your daily life – when This is an extremely common distorted, and veiled from your you experience frustration, anger, belief in many, if not most, mod- present view. And that provides an sadness, strong attachment, jealou- ern and postmodern cultures ongoing challenge. It is like trying sy or failed expectations. These which are characterized by the dis- to get somewhere while driving and many others are all signs of enfranchisement of its people. without realizing there’s a slight distortion in your vehicle’s guid- the presence of apparent obscura- This core belief can lead you to ance system. No matter how care- tions, or veils, which the Buddha Continued attempt at great lengths to “fix explained as two-fold: on next page 16

15 Student of 1. Veils of Cognitive cause of what is called samsara in not yet up to par with the chal- the Buddha Obscuration Sanskrit – cyclic, conditioned exis- lenges you are facing. You struggle Continued from page 15 The first kind of obscuration sim- tence characterized by dissatisfac- when the level of difficulty of your ply refers to wrong, erroneous tion and suffering. challenge is greater than your assumptions about life and reality: What would The Buddha do? competency. You may in reality wrong assumptions about who you Let’s consider whether this makes have very little control over the are, where you are, how you got sense to you so far: how is our challenges themselves, but you do here, what life is all about, where inherent Buddha-nature obscured have power over your competen- you are going; wrong assumptions by erroneous views and afflicting cies. about other people and their emotions? How can you learn to Therefore, a core strength of intentions toward you; and wrong recognize these veils standing Buddhist practice is learning to assumptions about your environ- between you and your true nature? cultivate positive qualities. Once ment, the world, and generally the What can you do about it and your competency meets or exceeds whole, vast array of phenomena. what does it mean to be complete- the level of the challenge, reality As you go about your life holding ly liberated from the suffering of ceases to be such a struggle. all these wrong assumptions to be samsara? Problems become solved. true, you may be constantly jos- Every sentient being possesses an This is an active path of spiritual tled by the intrusion of reality, inherently whole, healthy and sane development. Take full responsi- which manifests just as it is. This nature that is pure and perfect in bility to investigate the value of mismatch may well create many of itself – Buddha-nature. It is a state these teachings for yourself, your most common states of anxi- of complete peace and liberation. moment by moment. In time your ety, confusion, fear, conflict and But do not take someone else’s competencies will have developed insecurity. word for it. Consider initially to a place where old challenges The Buddha identifies these as whether you may sense this to be may drop away. At that point you one of the two types of veils that true, even if the idea sometimes, may suddenly realize, “I am separate you from truth, and or often, feels elusive. A healthy becoming equipped to actually called them the “Veils of sense of curiosity or trusting this better navigate the cycle of birth, Cognitive Obscuration.” to be true is in fact the impetus, old age, sickness and death – the 2. Veils of Emotional the initial spark for your spiritual spectrum of human experience. I Obscuration journey. Cultivating trust in this am gaining the understanding to The other obscurations are com- inner knowing is of great value, train my mind and to develop monly called the “Veils of and will gradually help move you toward liberation and enlighten- Emotional Obscuration.” These into closer alignment with reality ment.” and closer toward actual insight veils consist of all kinds of afflict- Thus, in a progressive and natural and realization. ed emotional states that may arise way unique to each and every one, in you, based on the erroneous The Path of your life unfolds as you cultivate views and habits you have. Some Developing Qualities your natural qualities and connect you may call “positive” and some Now, again, take a moment to more closely to your inherent “negative,” but their defining char- notice that when you read these nature. Your trust grows as you acteristic is mainly the affliction words, you may already be think- turn to the Buddha, the Dharma, they produce. ing, “Okay. The Buddha says there and the Sangha - the community Students of Buddhism learn that are these 2 veils, so let me just find of others practicing the same spiri- there are five main afflicting emo- them and get rid of them. Great. tual path. By applying trust, learn- tions: anger/hatred, desire/attach- I’ve finally got a plan, let’s get ing what to observe, integrating ment, arrogance/pride, jealousy/ going.” Your approach may be to helpful instructions and remedies avarice, and ignorance/delusion. It tackle any and all of life’s prob- for common challenges, and culti- is very difficult to feel well, lems this way, but Buddhist prac- vating insight, you come to realize healthy or clear when under the tice can be approached differently. your true nature. sway of these strong emotions. Often you may go at something Awakening the Buddhism offers a variety of prac- head on. You simply try to knock Heart-Mind = Bodhicitta tical remedies for all of these com- it down. You go forward and six Buddha does not insist you give mon and familiar states. months later there it is again. So up anything except causes for suf- you knock it down again and a Simply put, fundamental igno- fering. While you pursue your life year later, you’re perplexed, think- rance, or lack of discernment and of choice and meet your obliga- ing, “How is it possible I am fac- familiarity with the workings of tions – family, work, adventure, ing this same dilemma again?” pure, unadulterated reality is, learning – it makes sense to culti- And the people who care about according to the Buddha, the very vate important core qualities right you are probably even more frus- alongside. trated than you at seeing you struggle! As you give rise to and develop what is known as Bodhicitta – You must realize the Buddha’s “the enlightened heart-mind” – suggested way to resolve problems life becomes meaningful, and you is very different than you might at are able to be of greater benefit to first assume. In fact, the Buddha yourself and others. Some like to repeatedly tries to point to one say, “Buddhism is where the mind thing: “Don’t preoccupy yourself meets the heart.” As you learn and with the problem. Eliminate the practice meditation, your ideas cause.” about life and your inner confi- When you feel overwhelmed, dence will evolve. Your life may which most people do at times, it have greater and greater align- may be because your capacities are ment, without constantly return-

16 ing to the same dead ends over Being On Retreat with The day begins with silent medita- and over again. Dawa Tarchin Phillips tion at 7:00 am. The morning Teachings are a mirror– consists of alternating practice and Trust your own wisdom By Jack Loomis teachings; the meditations are You may not have given much often guided, and valuable instruc- thought or attention to life as the Twice every year groups of dedi- tions on the Bodhi Path curricu- Buddha sees it. But since what is cated Dharma practitioners meet lum of study and practice are being taught is in alignment with on the Central Coast of California offered. After lunch, there is free your own true nature, you may to get away for a few days. The period in which retreatants are notice confidence and joy arising time is spent in retreat – dedicated encouraged to reflect on the teach- more frequently as you begin to time for deepening one’s medita- ings, practice, rest, walk in the recognize things for yourself. tion practice and unplugging from beautiful surroundings, or meet Ideally, you can take time to culti- the business of everyday life in the with Dawa to discuss one’s prac- vate this timeless wisdom with the presence of a qualified Dharma tice. Teaching and practice resume guidance of a qualified teacher teacher. in late afternoon and continue after dinner, with the evening who will be a clear mirror for you. I started attending the Bodhi Path With patience, and the determina- capped by a reading from a Center in Santa Barbara two and a Tibetan lineage treasure. tion to build correct understand- half years ago and have attended ing and the practice of compas- all four of Dharma teacher Dawa The fall Chenrezik retreats have sionate action, awakening will Tarchin’s semi-annual retreats. been the most enjoyable and arise. Each one has been of such tremen- meaningful for me personally. Maybe you already recognize cer- dous value that it is hard to Having done Chenrezik practice tain points in the Buddha’s teach- express in writing. However, in an for several years prior, the ings that ring true to you now. attempt to share my experience Chenrezik retreats with Dawa Trust your own wisdom. If you’re with you, I will do my best to con- have given me a much better not sure about something, put it vey some impressions. understanding of what the practice on hold for now. Let everything is all about. Through in-depth The retreats are typically held in a teachings on the practice, instruc- you learn have a chance to perco- pastoral setting about an hour late. Try out the Buddha’s advice; tions on the amazing intricacy of north of Santa Barbara, chosen the visualization, and guiding us test it for yourself, and see what both for its seclusion and its prox- results you get. Most importantly, for hours through visualization imity to several of California’s practice and mantra recitation, keep investigating, moment by thriving Bodhi Path communities. moment. Dawa is able to imbue the Most recently, the retreats have retreatants with a strong sense that Present moment been in a large, beautiful coastal the world of Chenrezik resides just When should you engage in this ranch house with plenty of space behind the ordinary world. personal exploration? Now. There for a shrine room, dining area, More than anything, what draws is only now. You will not become lodging, and comfortable places to me back to Dawa’s retreats are the enlightened in the past, nor will sit and read or reflect. The deli- teachings. His deep insight and you become enlightened in some cious vegetarian meals are always breadth of knowledge are con- distant future. Mindfulness and eagerly anticipated and are pre- veyed with humility, ease, and a awareness in this present moment, pared by one or two of the attend- keen sense of humor. The Dharma right now, right here, provides the ing practitioners in charge of the comes alive, especially when he is inroad to liberation from the suf- kitchen. Silence is encouraged speaking from his own experience. fering of samsara. Each moment is within the shrine room and during Those listening are invited to real- a new opportunity to bring forth quiet times elsewhere, but meals ize the profundity of the Buddhist greater openness, wisdom and offer a generous chance for path and the vital importance of compassion. Always now, these are retreatants to get to know each deepening one’s practice. There is good ways to be a student of the other and exchange their experi- little that can compare in value Buddha. ences and understanding. and meaning in my life.

17 Raising a New Home for Buddha

High on a hill at the Natural Bridge center, Shamar Rinpoche’s vision for an open air Buddha shelter is coming to fruition. The project began with the donation of a magnificent Buddha statue several years ago, and since then has proceeded steadily through many phases. First, was the design and engineering of the beautiful structure. Then followed site prepara- tion, which included cutting a long road up the hill, clearing the forest, and digging and pouring the foundation. Meanwhile, local master crafts people tackled the intricate task of cutting timbers for the building. Finally, on July 21, the day came to raise the structure. While Rinpoche and a gallery of onlook- ers watched, the stack of timbers was transformed into the future home of the Buddha. What a festive day! Rinpoche envisions many visitors to this wonderful site in the upcoming years. We hope you will be among them.

18 Far left: Detail of Buddha statue. Left: Shamar Rinpoche working at the site. Below: The shelter rises! Bottom right: Many of the workers celebrate at the end of the day. Included front row left to right: Will Barre-Rec, Jessica Miller, Cindy Mullen, Grgg Mullen Jr., Laurie Macrae, Mez Welch, Jay Landman, Skip Williams. Back row left to right: Mark “Cosmo” Holovka, Trevor Mitchell, Al Thomas, Steve Firebaugh, Bob Smith, Grigg Mullen III

19 Visit bodhipath.org for information about the organization, teachings and our worldwide centers:

Asia and Australia Dargyé Ling, France Martha’s Vineyard, MA Hong Kong Tilogaard, Denmark New York, NY Kaohsiung, Taiwan Athens, Greece Philadelphia, PA Hualien, Taiwan Bordo, Italy Washington DC Metro Area Taichung, Taiwan Brescia, Italy Richmond, VA Kuching, Malaysia Prague, Czech Republic Natural Bridge, VA Sydney, Australia Kosice, Slovakia Miami, FL Europe Belgrade, Serbia Chicago, IL Renchen-Ulm, Germany Valencia, Spain Menlo Park, CA Zürich, Switzerland North America San Luis Obispo, CA Bregenz, Austria Mexico City, Mexico Santa Barbara, CA Innsbruck, Austria Calgary, Canada Pasadena, CA Los Angeles, CA

Two Wonderful New Books

Translated under the guidance of Shamar Rinpoche by The 10th Karmapa Choying Dorje (1604 – 1674) Pamela Gayle White, this wonderful book includes the lived through dramatic changes in Tibet, including practice text Extending Throughout Space for the Benefit of the rise to political supremacy of the 5th Dalai Lama Beings by Tangtong Gyalpo and the commentary and the Gelug sect following a Mongol invasion. Continual Rain for the Benefit of Beings by Khakhyab Regarded as a remarkable bodhisattva and artist, the Dorjé, the 15th Karmapa. 10th Karmapa has largely escaped the close attention of modern scholars. In this book, Shamar Rinpoche, the 14th Shamarpa, introduces the 10th Karmapa through his translations Books are available for purchase of the Karmapa’s autobiographical writings and an eighteenth century biography. As a direct lineage- via our USA online store at descendant of the 6th Shamarpa – the 10th Karmapa’s bodhipathstore.org guru – Shamar Rinpoche shares his unique knowl- or at your local Bodhi Path center. edge and experience through extensive annotations and a historical overview of Tibet from the thirteenth through seventeenth century.