A Snapshot of Special Insight – Dependent Origination
On February 23, 2011
There is this mantra of dependent origination that is commonly recited in Tibetan Buddhism during a consecration rite, and also as a part of the daily practice of blessing our speech:
Om Ye Dharma Hetu Prabhava Hetun Teschan Tathagato Hey Vadat Teshan Ca Yo Nirodha Evam Vadi Maha Shramanah Ye Soha
If you take away [...]
Tong-len Meditation: A few mutant versions
On February 21, 2011
I told my meditation class that, just as other people collect pots, stamps, cars and so forth (as seen in The Collector TV series on the ABC channel), I collect meditation instructions; the weirder, the better.
One particular category that I have in my collection is the many variations of the same meditation–there is a [...]
Meditation Tip: Stick it to the Present
On February 17, 2011
As promised, I want to finish what I have started when I introduced the meditation advice from Thai meditation master Ajahn Chah: Keep it simple and stick it to the present.
Why stick our mind and attention to the present? It is best not to misinterpret this to mean that we must never think about [...]
A Snapshot of Special Insight – Our Deepest Nature
On February 16, 2011
What is the deepest nature of things, including ourselves? There are many ways of understanding this word. Nature could refer to the fundamental qualities of a person or thing; its identity or essential character. We also use nature to refer to the disposition or character of a person or thing. We may say that someone [...]
Perceptions: Many Acts of Discrimination
On February 9, 2011
Another important mental factor or function that has been highlighted by the Buddha in his teachings is that of perception (in Tibetan transliteration, ‘du shes). It is also translated as discrimination or discernment. Among these three alternative translations, I prefer “perception,” even though this same word is sometimes used differently in Tibetan Buddhist context to [...]
Meditation tip: Release
On February 7, 2011
In the meditation practice of mindfulness of breathing, we bring our attention to the tactile sensations of the breath. And as we pay careful and gentle attention to it, we will notice that natural sense of relaxation and release that comes along with each out-breath.
As we breathe out, the muscles of our chest and [...]
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