How to create a pure realm

Buddhism, Culture, ethics, Health, Medicine, Tibetan Buddhism

Why do humans live in such a contaminated environment? One where there are harmful creatures like spiders, and so forth? This all comes from the false view of a self and of course, wrong view; the delusions within the mind.

What is the original sin that the Christians talk about? That of course is the false view of the self, seeing the I and mine as inherently existent, existing from it’s own side, when in fact it is empty of such an existence. The I, the self and what is mine, lacks inherent existence whilst cause and effect and dependent arising are unfailing.

The misconception of a self has been with the sentient being since begingless time. It’s a mistaken view of phenomena and of the self. The emptiness of the self of persons and of phenomena is what corrects the wrong view within the mind or heart and the ignorance that afflicts the mind of all sentient beings causing the three types of suffering, or the six types of suffering, such as being thrown without control from life within the six realms to various states without choice, having to leave a body and take on a new body, in a very suffering and miserable way.

How to fix or correct and heal the suffering or ordinary experience of sentient beings by making them happy, free of suffering and wise or all knowing? That’s a big subject and a very interesting field of study organized by Mahayana Buddhists. All beings wish for happiness and freedom from suffering, but non virtue in the actions of body, speech and mind create suffering and virtue is the source of happiness, good conduct, a proper foundation for life and freedom from miserable or contaminated states of experience.

In the small scope section of the path to Buddhahood, we learn how to recognize the authentic, valid safe and reliable spiritual guide. Where is he from, what is his background, what are his achievements and so forth? Without knowing what is reliable to rely upon and how to turn to a Buddha or bodhisattva for help and guidance, one remains stuck in the cycle of samara and suffering.

One must also study the lineage, the lives of past wise masters and compassionate guides and learn how they did things that created the state of definite exit or freedom from the six suffering realms of cyclic existence. Once you really understand what is safe to rely upon and what makes these spiritual guides different or capable or able of leading others beyond the cycle of suffering, you need to impress upon yourself the need to study wholesomely and diligently or conscientiously; how to listen and study the dharma or science of body, speech and mind properly, without engaging in the three faults of the vessel.

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The downside of anger and the upside of patience

Buddhism, ethics, Happiness, Health, Medicine, meditation, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism

I am going to talk about why anger is negative. Anger is a deluded state of mind that causes suffering. Any action motivated by anger causes harm. Anger is the mindstate that wishes to harm or cause destruction to either oneself or others. You need to think well about your motivation before engaging in any action of body, speech or mind, because when you engage in actions of body, speech or mind you create either virtuous or non-virtuous karma. Karma means action and the endless round of action motivated by ignorance or wrong view causes cyclic suffering, cyclic existence or samsara.

Any action motivated by anger is considered to be negative by all beings really. No-one wants to be harmed. Everyone is wishing for happiness and it’s causes which is virtue. There are so many things to say here. Anger is ugly. It makes you look stupid. It has no valid basis. It is caused by ignorance. The three root poisons of anger, desire/attachment/lust and ignorance drive the process and experience of suffering. Anger/hatred also destroys merit that is not dedicated to the path or result of full awakening.

There are three types of suffering. There is the suffering of suffering, like getting wounded or having a headache. There is the suffering of change, where things could be going well for a while, then change occurs and you find things are doing less well, or there are more problems. Then there is the pervasive suffering. As long as your mind is afflicted with the ignorance of a self, as long as you falsely impute inherent existence and you grasp and an inherently existent I or mine, you have the three types of suffering. Pervasive suffering means things are never really perfect. Why? Because you are ignorant of the way phenomena actually exist.

All phenomena are empty of inherent existence, whilst cause and effect and dependent arising are unfailing. When you realize the thought of the Buddha, you will understand this is the actual reality on a conventional and ultimate level.

There are three types of patience and I have explained this in a previous post. Patience has many upsides. It’s a virtue, it’s one of the six or ten perfections of body, speech and mind and it causes oneself to appear more beautiful, than those afflicted by the delusions of samsara, or anger, attachment and ignorance.

Practicing loving kindness and patience, wisdom and compassion is the way to cessate the causes of samsara or cyclic suffering. Abandon anger and adopt virtue wherever you are and no-matter what you are doing. The hellish types of consequence that arise from being non-virtuous have long been thought of by the Buddha as something the individual or community create out of stupidity. Anger never brings any benefit. It is always wrong. You need the validity of a valid cognizer to understand why you have been suffering since beginingless time and how to cut the root of cyclic existence with the wisdom realizing emptiness and compassion or the bodhimind that aspires to and engages in the path and of course causes of Buddhahood.

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Unfortunately you can see the negative effects of anger all around the community. People do not drive these days with enough care. What I am saying is that people’s driving is crazy, stupid and of course, ridiculous. People are rude and aggressive, angry and hateful. Just look at the speed people travel with on the highway. 100km per hour is too fast for a calm mind and a virtuous mind. Anger hurtles people down the road, sometimes headlong into other objects, causing death and destruction and injury. There is a gross lack of patience and concern for one another.

Walking down the street along the pavement is difficult. Humans don’t walk in an orderly way. They push and shove. They don’t adhere to the side of the pavement that works the way cars travel in the traffic. Instead, they just barge into one another, refusing to get out of each others way. There is no patience, there is no respect.

This is the ugly way anger manifests. Of course, hatred has caused many conflicts and wars. Anger has no upside. It is a faulty and malicious state of mind that must be abandoned and cessated.

Mastering the art of prostrations.

art, Buddhism, Philosophy, Sport, Tibetan Buddhism

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Mantra Count to date (first three days): 282.

Daily Total so far Wednesday 15 November 2017: 103.

This is all just an experiment really to see how or what is the balance for a 48 year old. How much is too much or too little. At any rate, I need to improve strength and fitness. It’s a practice in relaxation. Meditation and prostration. It’s subduing to the heart realising the impact of ageing and sickness. 400 prostrations a day was just a target, but I’m not sure how realistic that is for someone like me.

Personally I enjoy mahamudra meditation. Prostrations should combine well with that. There’s not a lot to say when you look at Lama Tsong Khapa who managed apparently to achieve a count of 3.5 million prostrations over the course of his life. The culture these days isn’t terribly supportive of spiritual practice. Tibetan culture is deep and of course very meaningful when you study the opportunity of a precious human rebirth to attain enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings. It’s a challenge facing the hatred in humans in general when you endeavour to put into practice the advice and commitments for training the mind in virtue and of course bodhicitta.

Dharma Discussion

Buddhism, Medicine, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism, wisdom culture

One of the key aspects and purposes of buddhistdesigns.com is to lead the community into a discussion over or concerning the Buddha Dharma. Today I would like to lead a forum within the community into a discussion on the ID, the ego, and the false view of I and mine.

Firstly, what is wrong with wrong view? Do you know what I mean by having wrong view? What is wrong view?

Secondly, how does that false view of a self promote attachment, hatred, pride, jealousy, doubt in the Three Jewels and self cherishing?

So, over to you. You can comment on your knowledge or lack thereof in the comments space below and I will respond. Don’t be shy. Community wisdom needs to improve.

You can also view the opportunity to discuss over the internet via Skype at http://stores.ebay.com.au/buddhistdesigns

Thank you, Vanessa Pollock

Suffering succotash, is anyone going to comment?

Make an appointment for spiritual, meditation or buddhist advice

Buddhism, Culture, Health, Medicine, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism

Come and see us at www.stores.ebay.com.au/buddhistdesigns

From the Buddhist viewpoint, all conditions of samsara, all suffering, the suffering of suffering, the suffering of change and pervasive suffering, these all stem from the three poisonous states of mind of attachment, hatred and ignorance. To overcome the three poisonous states of mind, we need to apply antidotes to these three main delusions.

To begin the journey of Buddhism, it is best to learn how to take refuge in a reliable object, in a reliable triple gem, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

This series of instructions can guide you towards a greater sense and experience of inner peace, enjoyment and happiness.

Click on the following link to go to Buddhist Designs Store at Ebay.

Part One Appointment – $100.00

You will need to provide your address or email and the advice will be posted to you. Email magentayamantaka@gmail.com to communicate with the team.

About Vanessa Anne Pollock

Vanessa Pollock is a trained Buddhist Lhama and Artist.

Vanessa has over forty years experience in dharma practice and Buddhist philosophical advice and training.

Vanessa has completed a four year retreat on tantra and compassion under the guidance of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet and Venerable Geshe Doga. Vanessa has also completed another three year retreat on wisdom knowledge and emptiness.

How to Overcome Anger and Hatred

Buddhism, Culture, ethics, Happiness, Health, Medicine, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism

To begin the journey of Buddhism, it is best to learn how to take refuge in a reliable object, in a reliable triple gem, the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. This series of instructions can guide you towards a greater sense and experience of inner peace, enjoyment and happiness.

How to Overcome Anger and Hatred – $80.00

You will need to provide your address or email and the advice will be posted to you. Email magentayamantaka@gmail.com

About Vanessa Anne Pollock

Vanessa Pollock is a trained Buddhist Lhama and Artist. Vanessa has over forty years experience in dharma practice and Buddhist philosophical advice and training. Vanessa has completed a four year retreat on tantra and compassion under the guidance of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet and Venerable Geshe Doga. Vanessa has also completed another three year retreat onwisdom knowledge and emptiness.

What’s Going On at the Palace with the Children?

Buddhism, Culture, Medicine, News, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism, wisdom culture

Princess Charlotte is heading for divorce. Prince George, formally Henry the Eighth has swung his noose. Charlotte is unimpressed. Charlotte is determined to challenge Henry the Eighth, Prince George. He looks the part don’t you think? Charlotte feels she is the mother of Queen Elisabeth, feeling friendly and all with Great Grandma.

What a life these two children have ahead of them! Imagine, insights into their past lives, a belief in reincarnation, wonderful father and so forth. Wrath all the way, charges George, leading the battalion. Charles looks on amused. Days are happier now that everyone accepts three is not a crowd in a marriage, is it?

More on the frolicking escapades of the royal children later; anyone prepared to accept that an understanding of the Jataka Tales, the stories from past lives is more than a little acceptable for morning or afternoon news? Really, is it time that the western and eastern less so public embraced their own Bodhi mind, Buddha nature and got on with the task of aspiring to higher rebirth, liberation and of course, the ultimate goal of Buddhahood.

A Captain’s Logbook – Journey into Love

Buddhism, Culture, Love and Compassion, meditation, Philosophy, Tibetan Buddhism

January 9 2017

It’s lovely waking up early in the morning, having just enjoyed a beautiful nights sleep. How to live well. How to relax well. How to teach well the principles of the Lord Buddha. Ethics, concentration and wisdom, the six perfections, these are such awesome topics and subjects to consider and abide with. The writer sits, dressed in pretty cotton nightwear, sipping on a sparkling natural mineral water, planning her day.

Having just completed the recitation of the deity, there is just a pot of tea to consider. Spaciousness of mind here, there and indeed everywhere is essential. Devoid of true existence am I, are you? The preciousness of this human life is obvious don’t you think, so today is the turning of the wheel of dharma and the first union of Kalachakra.

His Holiness is so kind. Bodhgaya is so moving. Many people gather to listen, contemplate and to meditate. What is this love story I think about? There are many fine characters. His Holiness and his retinue lead the way, inspiring others with such brilliant examples of ethical conduct, love, compassion wisdom and joy. There is quite a bit of paper on my desk. If I were listening to my children, they might think, oh Mum, when are you going to file all that paper, or wouldn’t I have taught them to worry. Administration is a good skill to learn. I have an in-tray, and out-tray and they are looking settled enough for the time being. No point looking nervously at this paper. Bills have to be paid don’t they. You wouldn’t want to live on the streets. What a horrible place that is. Then again, a house is on the street isn’t it, or is it a mansion of the deity, to be revered, respected and taken care of.

What is my point? Each day is precious, every moment presents us with a wonderful canvas upon which to paint the most glorious of virtuous works and gift of freedom. Don’t waste it being negative, getting caught up with the confusion of ignorance, jealousy, lust, pride, hatred, attachment or wrong view. How do you make your life a work of fine art, something to be admired and treasured? It, as you might well tell me, concerns principally the subject of meditation, the familiarisation with virtue.

Time now to make that tea.

Or I could just be grateful for the mineral water.

Maybe it’s just a good opportunity to release, to meditate upon emptiness of a self of persons and of phenonmena. Don’t get caught up in the busyness of worldly attachment and concern. This is what all truly great masters dream of.

If you commit to living in the present, not worrying about the past, not delving into the non-inherently existent future, just live to enjoy and be at peace with the day and night that unfolds each twenty-four hours. Does it have time? We are discussing the Wheel of Time Kalachakra. The possum outside barks in pain, reminding me of how much better it is to be a human and not an animal, who appallingly appears to lack the eight endowments and ten freedoms necessary to complete the stages of the path to enlightenment.

Anyway, I was mentioning tea, so best go to make it, don’t you think?

The ordinary State of Mind

art, Buddhism, Culture, Tibetan Buddhism, Wisdom

I woke up today and investigated the meaning of reality. Being acutely aware of my own mother’s distraught mental state, I prepared a cup of morning coffee and after drinking it, began to investigate this false sense of I and mine. When the mind is untethered to the object of negation, the false sense of an I and mine, when one does not cut through appearances and investigate the ultimate state of being, the selflessness of self and of phenomena, the mind ricochets off whatever external object it becomes attached to, powerlessly driving itself away from all forms of inner peace, happiness and contentment.

Sitting quietly in meditation, I investigated my own state of dissatisfaction. Not happy here, does that mean I go there? Where going? Somewhere else? Where? Why there? What happens if I move from here to there? Will I find peace, or the same state of inner dissatisfaction and a lack of peace? So I look. What is there that is not here? This mad woman, this madman, driving me away from my home, if I go elsewhere, why would they give me peace or satisfaction anywhere. Their aim is to keep me on the run. The answer is to turn within and tame the innermost flow of one’s own mental continuum.

Cutting through false appearance, one annihilates this false view of external reality. There is no happiness there that is not here.

There is no happiness to be found spending an extra one or two hundred dollars per day, on a hotel/motel located somewhere else, when the state of dissatisfaction remains unchallenged and not investigated for its validity or lack thereof. As there is only the conventional sense of self, the basis for conventional reasoning, one cuts through with the eye of wisdom, the unruly state of mind, driving one everywhere but where happiness and satisfaction abides, in a state free from fetters. Ultimate wisdom.

Having removed by cutting through false appearance, the ordinary veil, that obscures one from the nature of reality, one can abide free from fear, contented and without many external requirements.