Hi guys - I had posted something a couple of days ago and then immediately deleted it, afraid it would be taken wrong or fuel a negative debate, questioning if it would in fact be beneficial, but a couple of people caught it and sent me messages about it, so I sought some counsel and one thing was said that made a huge impression on me: The day we cant in good faith turn to Sangha to resolve our doubts is when the problems actually start. So I have decided to repost, but I just want to clarify a couple of things. I do completely support the demonstations, even if not completely comfortable with some of the rhetoric and imagery. Someone posted something questioning if this is even accomplishing anything positive. I think its a mixed bag...it has unquestionably brought awareness where there was none and that is the only way change can begin, I know from my own experience that it can be long and painful but it does work. The other thing is I am not questioning the wisdom of my guru, but trying to improve my own. In fact I think that Geshe la has always been willing to and asking for us to take the hit for this, knowing with correct intention there is nothing to worry about, and I find that inspiring and beautiful. And I have seen some of the horrific and just plain crazy comments...some even from friends and people I know that do much good in this work, so it is sad. So here we go..this was my post, and I am hoping that it will open a safe dialog and that our more experienced practitioners will share their thoughts. the post: I am really having difficulties again reconciling somethings regarding the actions surrounding the Dalai Lama, and would like to say what they are, begging understanding that in no way am I criticizing or wanting to fuel a debate...this really is a genuine request for help from sangha as it is a huge obstacle for me right now. As so many that I admire seem to have such a clear view, I am only looking at myself to find where I am having a mistaken, or misunderstood view and will appreciate any thoughts on this. I think I can break them down into 4 specific things. And let me also say I flip flop on this, almost moment by moment...I just read one thing from Lucy and felt I truly got it and understood, but then listened to one of our STTP teachings and was lost again. So please be patient with me...I will probably even contradict myself. 1. (moment by moment everything we experience and feel are results of our previous actions, the countless karmic seeds we created, we need to take ownership, responsibility for and not put blame outwards - what can we do when a seed has ripened? get used to it, not even a Buddha can do anything once a karmic seed has ripened. The only thing we can do is not create causes for it to continue by practicing patient acceptance and purifying the causes for the future.) This is what I got out of one of the teachings from last week so I wonder if this is a collective and geographical karmic ripening for the Tibetan community as well as ourselves, my question would be - why are we not perhaps engaging in collective maybe 35 Confession Buddha practice at all of our centers, or jointly with the other international communities, at least putting the same amount of effort and energy into that as the protests. I dont think protesting is a contradiction..I think that can be a form of patient acceptance, I dont think patient acceptance has to mean being passive so there is no confusion for me there, and I think for the most part our words are careful...but Im not so sure about the ridiculing character images that are being used...but I also know that nothing is being done that Geshe la does not approve or want, which is probably what another of my struggles is.. 2. We are told not to have blind faith, but to check things out in our own experience. I realize that if everything else I have experienced does accord with teachings of Buddha that I receive through Geshe la, I should just trust the wisdom in all of this. So every time I get confused or something does not seem right to me I feel terrible and actually ashamed. I dont really know what to do with that. 3. And two specific things that are creating the most conflict for me are 1. from 8 verses: Even if someone I have helped - And of whom I had great hopes - Nevertheless harms me without any reason - May I see him as my holy Spiritual Guide. as well as the following verse: When others out of jealousy - Harm me or insult me, May I take defeat upon myself - And offer them the victory. Are there some things that would be an exception to this, that are just bigger...or am I seeing a contradiction where there is none? I guess I would also have to say the line from Advice from Atishas Heart: Since you cannot tame the minds of others until you have tamed your own, begin by taming your own mind creates a similar confusion for me. 4. And the last which is probably quite cumulative is that of course I completely believe that we have to stand for and protect when and where ever we can, and above all if we dont protect and preserve our sacred dharma our abilities would be feeble if at all. But is anything we are doing an actual solution. My teacher once said that samsara is functioning perfectly, yet we keep trying to fix it... this made a lot of sense to me. I remember once having a flat tire that actually had a big hole in it, but I didnt see it..so I kept trying to put Fix a Flat in it...obviously there was not enough Fix a Flat in the world that was going to make this tire round. So even if we accomplish everything..the ban is lifted, isnt it just a single reduction in suffering..there will be another, and another. So unless every action surrounding this is not foremost a cause for renunciation based on compassion, are we having a correct intention or creating new causes? I really hope that you can understand that these questions are really painful for me...I dont even feel good about asking them, and I am asking with the deepest respect for everyone who is out there protesting, our teachers, who we are and our Spiritual Guide...but I am not getting anywhere with them on my own, nor by praying on them..so I really need to turn to sangha.
Posted on: Wed, 14 May 2014 16:41:29 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015