|
August 19, 2005 Visit at Dhagpo Dedrol Ling This morning, while Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche gave explanations on the meaning of the Bodhisattva vows, Thaye Dorje, the 17th Karmapa paid a visit to Dhagpo Dedrol Ling, the lay retreat centre in the neighbourhood of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling. He met with the retreatants of the three year retreat, consecrated the new shrine room and answered questions of practitioners, who wished to further inquire into yesterday's teaching subject, the six paramitas. They were particularly interested in the question of how to reconcile Dharma practice and the life of a lay practitioner. « For a lay practitioner who is involved in a professional activity and family life, the principal obstacle is distraction, therefore it is of major importance to train in diligence, courage and patience » said Karmapa. Excerpts of the Teachings of Sherab Gyaltsen Rinpoche on the meaning of the Bodhisattva vows, which were given this afternoon by Gyalwa Karmapa The heart son of all Buddhas of all times is Chenrezig, and we have among us an emanation of Chenrezig: the 17th Karmapa Thaye Dorje. It is an exceptional fortune to be in his presence. Whatever our practice, meditation, sadhana, offerings, activity, it should be based on the motivation to help all beings, on Bodhicitta. We all wish to achieve happiness, and among the proposed paths, there is one which allows to realize this aim with certainty. This is the path of the Bodhisattva, of those who have the courage to strive for enlightenment. This path is grounded in the sincere wish to do the benefit of all beings and the actual application of it. In the same way that the sense faculties cannot work without life force, the spiritual path cannot be taken without Bodhicitta. The enlightened attitude is vital for Dharma practice. The foundations of Bodhicitta is the development of compassion. The foundation of compassion is an open mind, embracing beings with loving kindness and a positif state of mind. The lama who transmits the vows received them himself and kept them pure. He developed a correct motivation and has a deep understanding of the Dharma. If we can receive the Bodhisattva vows from such a lama, however long the path is which still lays in front of us, there is no need for hesitation. The path will with certainty reach the goal. Carpooling
:
|
