dharmatalks

There is a story familiar to those who are students of the Dharma of the Christ, which many of those who observe the Season of Lent heard repeated in their liturgical celebrations this past Sunday.

In the reading, found in the biblical text attributed to Luke, in which Rav Yeshua tells his disciples that unless they make amends for those things they have done wrong, and reform their thoughts, actions and hearts, they will bring about tremendous personal suffering. He compares the self-inflicted suffering that they will experience with some of the calamities of their present-day – the slaughter of certain Galilean contemporaries, who were on their way to Temple; the eighteen victims crushed by the unexpected collapse of a building… His response was likely framed with a particular mindfulness of the saying from the Hebrew scriptures, in which we read:

“Though the righteous fall seven times, and get up again; the wicked are overthrown by calamity.”

- Proverbs 24:16

Now I don’t believe that the message of Rav Yeshua was one of the same superstitious belief his contemporaries held – a belief in an imaginary being who “punishes” the wicked with horrible events such as genocide, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Sadly, those who fail to understand the cultural context of his message, and don’t look at the bigger picture, taking into account the “whole message”, rather than literally interpreting bit-by-bit, may be misled to imagine such things.

The real “danger” about which Rav Yeshua speaks is the danger of not taking responsibility for one’s actions and moral choices. In the Buddhist context, we call this recognising the karmic consequences of not living according to the Noble Eightfold Path.

In order to avoid this self-created suffering, we must develop a sense of loving-kindness, compassion and self-acceptance – which we call maitri – and which enables us to gently recognise the behaviours, thoughts and habits which directly contribute to the suffering we create in our experiences and the experiences of others. It’s a skilful practice of exposing all our delusional ideas, habits and self-deceptions in a way that is non-accusatory, and deeply compelling.

By allowing ourselves to see this behaviours and habituations in a non-judgmental, truly compassionate light, we are able to choose to let them go. Have you ever been driving somewhere, and you realised you were headed in the wrong direction? Most likely, when you realised that, you simply turned around or changed direction. Right?

Similarly, when we realise our habituations and behaviours are taking us in the wrong direction, we don’t struggle to control them… we don’t condemn ourselves… we simply recognise that we’ve been making choices that were taking us in the wrong direction, and turn around. We recognise that not letting go of these wrong views and wrong actions will destroy our hearts, our minds and our bodies.

In our spiritual practice, we don’t set out to “gain merit and recognition”, but rather to simply cultivate compassion and wisdom, realising that merit will organically be accumulated, regardless of whether anyone “notices” or not. We begin to learn to see in everyone the potential for that person to be our teacher, our mother, our child… and by so doing, ignorance begins to dissolve, and our perceptions gradually transform toward a clear sight.

Does this mean we won’t screw up again? Nope… in fact, we may even feel like we screw-up more often. However, the truth of the matter is that what’s changed is that we’ve become more aware of the times when we screw-up, and our awareness allows us to hold that compassion and wisdom longer, so that we can gently let go of those habits, those ideas, those fears… and choose a new path.

For disciples of the Christ, Lent is a time for mindfully purify the body and spirit, in order to more abundantly be filled with the fruits of that “new birth” or “transformation” metaphorically represented in the Easter mythos. It’s a time for conversion of heart, and letting go of habituation.

Each morning, the Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path recite and contemplate the sixteen lines of the Heart Sutra – a text that many traditionalist Buddhist orders require its monks and nuns to memorise. The Heart Sutra describes the liberation of the great Bodhisattva of Compassion, Chenrezig (Avalokiteśvara), who, while meditating deeply of the Perfection of Wisdom (Astasahasrikā Prajñaparamita Sutra), told the monk Sariputra:

Body is nothing more than emptiness,
emptiness is nothing more than body.
The body is exactly empty,
and emptiness is exactly body.

The other four aspects of human existence —
feeling, thought, will, and consciousness —
are likewise nothing more than emptiness,
and emptiness nothing more than they.

All things are empty:
Nothing is born, nothing dies,
nothing is pure, nothing is stained,
nothing increases and nothing decreases.

So, in emptiness, there is no body,
no feeling, no thought,
no will, no consciousness.
There are no eyes, no ears,
no nose, no tongue,
no body, no mind.
There is no seeing, no hearing,
no smelling, no tasting,
no touching, no imagining.
There is nothing seen, nor heard,
nor smelled, nor tasted,
nor touched, nor imagined.

There is no ignorance,
and no end to ignorance.
There is no old age and death,
and no end to old age and death.
There is no suffering, no cause of suffering,
no end to suffering, no path to follow.
There is no attainment of wisdom,
and no wisdom to attain.

The Bodhisattvas rely on the Perfection of Wisdom,
and so with no delusions,
they feel no fear,
and have Nirvana here and now.

All the Buddhas,
past, present, and future,
rely on the Perfection of Wisdom,
and live in full enlightenment.

The Perfection of Wisdom is the greatest mantra.
It is the clearest mantra,
the highest mantra,
the mantra that removes all suffering.

This is truth that cannot be doubted.
Say it so:

Gaté,
gaté,
paragaté,
parasamgaté.
Bodhi!
Svaha!

Which means…

Gone,
gone,
gone over,
gone fully over.
Awakened!
So be it!

This idea of “sunyata” or “emptiness” is based on the recognition that all phenomena are inherently impermanent, and therefore, lack substantiality. In other words, everything in this world is interconnected and in constant flux.  A deep appreciation of this idea of emptiness thus saves us from the suffering caused by our egos, our attachments, and our resistance to change and loss.

And so once again, the Dharma of the Buddha and Dharma of the Christ challenge us to cultivate compassion, transform our habituation and behaviours in order to adopt a clearer, undeluded view, and gently let go of those things which cause us to suffer.

I’ve included a beautiful rendition of the Heart Sutra as a means of providing each of you with something you can listen to, perhaps while reading the English translation, and allowing the words to wash over you, as the sacred syllables themselves become seeds of transformation in your consciousness.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Once more, the digital mouthpieces of Western Buddhism – simple-minded and petty bloggers, whose lack of proper formation and training, apparently limited scope of functioning intelligence, and demonstrated lack of capacity for open-mindedness and proper research have led them to waste bandwidth and time decrying “the punk monk”. And once again, they resort to nothing more than lies, baseless innuendo and sophomoric remarks, rather than providing any substance to their claims.

It’s disgusting, really. I mean, we cannot complain about how inaccurate Bill Maher’s comedic portrayal of Buddhism was, or how ill-informed Britt Hume is, when within our own ranks are people whose hatred, intolerance and divisiveness makes Maher and Hume look like successors to a high lama.

Thirty years of service leaves evidence and mountains of documentation. I have no reason to waste my time or that of my readers with further “rehashing” of the lives we’ve touched, the qualifications of my lineage and succession, or the fact that despite the limitations of the ignorant minds to comprehend such things, there are many Catholic clergy who hold ordination in Buddhist traditions as well.

And those who know me know that from the start, I have held the titles of “His Eminence”, “His Grace”, “Holy Exarch” and even “Lama” in disdain, when applied to me. Of course, I accepted the Office of Exarch and did my best to fulfill my obligations to our community in that capacity. And I fully understand that my role as a semi-retired archbishop and abbot of our community ought to be publicly regarded, if only as a courtesy to my students and fellow monastics.

Some clowns have gone so far as to claim that the use of Dharmacharya is incorrect, further demonstrating a lack of formation and proper training.

They fail to recognise that from the moment I was consecrated as a bishop, I have maintained the foundational principles of our Order, which adopted a congregational polity, like all Buddhist and Quaker communities, as well as the form of governance used by the United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ. Therefore, my role is one of spiritual shepherd, but not “boss”. For that reason, I bow to the decisions of the Sangha, and until there was consensus, was not privileged to “change my title” from Dharmacharya or Lama to simple khenpo (abbot).

In the Lotus Sutra, the Buddha teaches, “People with small minds want a small Law, because they cannot believe they can become a Buddha.” (Lotus Sutra 2)

This intolerant and divisive behaviour is merely a reflection of the attackers’ pettiness. Franz Metcalf notes that such petty and intolerant people feel they need strict adherence to their narrowly-defined idea of Buddhism because they feel they cannot be trusted to keep peace and behave properly without them. Thus they demean themselves and they demean others.

I also consider such attacks as an opportunity for me to contemplate what unresolved issues lie within my own heart. When someone is calling me a fraud, I believe that is a reflection of some internal issue in which I have doubted my own capacity to become a Buddha/Christ.

When I bristle at being called “His Eminence” or Lama Gurudas, I recognise that beneath my apparent disdain for lofty titles, there may also be an issue of unworthiness lurking about.

I am a servant-leader, and have been for thirty years. I am mindful of the many opportunities I have had and shared with many of you over those thirty years, and I strive to honour those memories as treasured experiences.

And I’ve often said that if it causes discomfort for some of the smaller-minded sectarian teachers or their students, or simple-minded bloggers and their cats, for me to be recognised for my meager contributions to the work of our community and our Order, then what harm would there be in allowing them to believe what they choose?

So I am unworthy to be honoured by my students or recognised as an accomplished Buddhist lama. So what? My students don’t honour me with their words. They honour me by serving others along side of me. I need not be recognised as an accomplished lama or archbishop-exarch. I am simply a Dharma teacher. And those ordained in my succession/lineage know that they have been able to rely on me when it counts. Their ministries are evidence of the teachings I share taking root in meaningful ways.

The petty and narrow-minded are not serious about the Dharma and never have been. And I give them all the rope they need, for in their attacks, they hang no one but themselves. May their suffering and the karma brought about by their insipid hatred ripen upon me, and may they awaken to their true nature, and recognise the folly of their intolerant behaviour before it’s too late.

 I honour those ordained in my succession – Especially those who serve as bishops, archbishops, priests and deacons, who continue our lineage, and validate the message of the Dharma of Compassion. You are evidence which controverts the accusations. And you are my heart.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Today marks the observance of the Festival of Miracles – one of the four major holidays in the Buddhist tradition. Known in Tibetan as Chotrul Düchen, it occurs on the full moon of the first month in the Tibetan calendar.

In the Tibetan tradition, we view the first fifteen days of the year as days on which, in order to disprove the heretical teachings of teachers who opposed him, Buddha Sakyamuni performed great miracles. These were not done for the sake of showing-off or simply proving that he was a greater teacher, but instead to ensure that students knew that what he was teaching was indeed true. The tradition of observing these fifteen days of miracles are said to increase the merit and devotion to the Dharma practice of future disciples.

The Buddha defeated the heretical teachers and introduced all in the audience to the path of Dharma. We observe the commemoration of these great acts in the great prayer festival of Monlam Chenmo.

It is taught that the merit of any activity done on this day is multiplied ten million times, so the community is encouraged to participate in the virtue of keeping the Five Precepts of Mindfulness for 24 hours, and to consider making extra efforts to serve those in need, take care of the poor or sick, and to be kind to all beings today. It is considered an auspicious time to show one’s support to one’s teachers, care for one’s elders, and to pay special attention to show compassion toward animals and insects on this day.

In sacred legends, narratives and mythos we often hear of miraculous events or deeds, and can sometimes get caught up in this idea of miracles. Many times, I am astounded and saddened by teachers who point to alleged miracles as signs of the purity of their teaching or lineage. This is neither helpful nor very faithful to the Dharma itself. Buddha denounced this kind of behaviour as the act of charlatans. At best, it is the engagement in and attachment to superstition and phenomena and will often lead to suffering.

“The miracle is not to walk on water,” Master Thich Nhat Hanh points out, “The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.”

Rather than allow ourselves to get caught up in these mythical tales of miracles and incredible feats, we can begin to exercise greater awareness of the miracles that unfold in the present moment, where we see forms and formlessness interwoven in a great cosmic dance that arises from the cloud of causes and conditions… only to dissolve back into emptiness.

And so it is that our community celebrates the miracle of Love… recognising that this spiritual dialogue, like any true quest, must begin within oneself… where the miracle of our Unrealised Potential awaits discovery.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa –
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

For those whose spiritual paths are influenced by the Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran (liturgical) traditions, including some of our Quaker, UCC, MCC and Emerging Church friends, yesterday marked the First Sunday of Lent. The Lenten observance is a forty-day period, between Ash Wednesday and the Feast of the Pascha. It’s often marked by fasting, penance and a tradition of “giving something up”.

The liturgical texts traditionally read yesterday included the story of Rav Yeshua (Rabbi Jesus) emerging from the River Jordan, infused with the Ruach (the Divine Feminine, or Shakti, often referred to as “The Holy Spirit”), and going into the desert for 40-days of fasting and retreat. There, the mythical tale of Jesus’ battle with the Adversary (ego-mind) ensues.

As a contemporary student of the Dharma, it’s always been easy for me to simply dismiss many such tales in the bible as the imaginings and mythos of primitive minds, and to prefer to focus on texts that don’t rely on such archaic and silly notions as “devils” and “deities”. But doing that would mean that I was ignoring the sacred trust placed in me as a successor of the apostles – to illuminate the authentic teaching of the Great Dharma Master, Rav Yeshua, for those whose hearts were devoted to him.

And so I thought, as I read through so many of our friends’ posts, talking about giving up Starbucks, or chocolate, iPods or Facebook for Lent, maybe it’s important to address this idea of giving something up, and looking at the real message in the biblical narrative (Luke 4:1-3).

The idea of giving something up is a matter of personal sacrifice for the sake of generating mindfulness. And there is surely a benefit to doing so.

But in this day and age, I often wonder if we might not revisit the mythos, and consider a new approach. Rather than giving something up, why not “take something on” for 40-days, as a means of not only generating mindfulness, but also increasing or building compassion?

The biblical tale uses the metaphoric struggle between Rav Yeshua and the “adversary” as an illustration of how the ego-mind challenges us with delusional ideas, fears, and enticements. It’s a story of Jesus coming face-to-face with the idea of attachments… Grasping at power and prestige… trying to find the “shortcut” by using our abilities in an “unskillful” way… attempting to avoid unpleasant things by manipulating them or pushing them away… things we all find ourselves confronted with in day-to-day life.

But Rav Yeshua understood that he could resist the ego-mind, and by emptying himself (samadhi), he could see things as they really are, not as the dualistic perceptions of the ego-mind would have us believe.

I would suggest that Jesus’ entire life was not one of sacrifice, but rather of “taking on” the responsibility to embody compassion, kindness, equanimity and altruistic joy… the qualities he suggested were a better representation of what the primitives called “God” than the idea of a terroristic, judgmental, violent and jealous. Cosmic Ego-maniac (whom they feared so much, they dared not even speak it’s name).

As Athanasius put it, the real message here is that in the life of Rav Yeshua – Jesus the Nazarene, “The divine became human, so that humanity could become divine.”

So while we might use these 40-days, whether we identify ourselves with the institutional Christian tradition or not, as a time when we mindfully resist selfish and ego-centric temptations, I would encourage you to think of ways in which you can “emerge from your own internal River Jordan”… infused with the essence of the Divine Feminine (a concept that would be suppressed by the Roman institutional church, until it was all but completely obscured)… and go to your “private place” each day, contemplating ways in which you can become more aware of your true nature… your Christ Consciousness or Buddha-Mind… and determined to bring that awareness to your daily life more fully.

When we do that… when we become more aware of our true nature… then we begin to recognise that true nature in others as well. Like Rav Yeshua, or the Buddha Vajrapani, we overcome the hoards of adversarial forces, and see with a clarity and compassion that compels us to love, to serve, to forgive and to heal.

Instead of giving up something, why not take on a selfless act of compassion for 40-days… regardless of your religious tradition?

Help out at a homeless shelter. Deliver meals to shut-ins. Try eating only healthy, raw foods, grown within a 50-mile radius of your home. Give what you can to the poor… the sick… the dying. Take a stand for those who are being persecuted or marginalised.

Do that for 40-days, and the transformative potential of such meritorious habits will yield remarkable fruit. And you will, as Christs and Buddhas, emerge from that River Jordan that flows within your Lotus Heart, with a new appreciation for all beings. You will have overcome your adversary… and you will be ready for your life’s Mission.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Today’s press conference, in which Tiger Woods publicly apologised for the suffering he caused his loved ones, owned up to the mistakes he’s made, and expressed a sincere desire to return to wisdom and teachings of the Buddhist spiritual philosophy that is part of his heritage, was an admirable gesture.

Was it necessary or newsworthy to interrupt whatever was on TV? I don’t know, because I don’t watch TV. But here’s what I think…

I think it was insane and an invasion of privacy to make such an absurd spectacle out of this man’s private life in the first place. I don’t think that when there are hundreds of thousands of people suffering in Haiti, in Darfur, in Mongolia, in Afghanistan and Iraq – people for whom we seldom interrupt our regularly scheduled programming for news updates – that it’s newsworthy or necessary to do what we’ve seen in Tiger Woods’ case.

That said, because such a media circus was made of his affair, and because kids look up to him as a role model, I applaud both what he did today and the idea of a press conference being held. I just question whether it was necessary to interrupt regularly scheduled programming, or if the announcements and apology could have simply been broadcast on the news and subsequent “entertainment” (tabloid) television programming.

Vowing to redouble his commitment to his Buddhist practice, “bringing all obstacles to the path”, as we say, Woods pointed out that the Dharma taught him that “craving for things outside ourselves causes unhappiness and leads to a pointless search for security”. Expressing a desire to “learn restraint” and stop “following every impulse”, he went on to say that he hopes to regain a sense of balance through his spiritual practice.

I read one article questioning whether the apology would “restore people’s faith in Woods”. What? I didn’t realise people were placing their “faith” in Woods, or that who he screwed or didn’t screw really had any impact on anyone but his wife, his family and his sexual partners. I personally find nothing magical, sacred or admirable about monogamy in any way, shape or form. I’m not particularly inclined to recognise any significant importance (let alone imaginary sacramental importance) in the “institution” of marriage. And I don’t know what the situation was in the private lives of Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Woods. So the matter doesn’t concern me.

If the American public showed as much concern for real issues… like the potential loss of lives that will occur unless we do something about the proposed Ugandan death penalty for HIV+ and gay men… like making sure that vitriolic, narrow-minded, hatemongering cults like the Roman Catholic and Mormon “churches” lose their tax-exempt status permanently, for their continued political action involvement (and the extortion-like tactics those hatemongering cults bring to the world)… to putting an end to the healthcare crisis… homelessness… animal cruelty… the oppression of the Tibetan people by the Chinese government… etc., then perhaps this world would become a better place.

Most importantly, I am disgusted by the intolerant and uncharitable comments being posted on Twitter, Facebook and on blogs, condemning Woods’ apology. Those familiar with the Twelve Step program (of which I am no fan, to be sure, since I believe the so-called “First Step” is patent bullshit and an unhealthy foundation on which to build recovery) know that part of the recovery process includes making amends for the “wreckage of one’s past”.

Today, Tiger Woods too another important step in his recovery, and I wish him nothing but the very best, as he continues along that journey. Today we saw a young man, who was once heralded as one of the greatest professional golfers of the “new generation” prove that when it comes to integrity, humility and maturity, dude’s got game!

Tiger, you owed the public NOTHING. But you’ve used the opportunity to do the right thing, and go a step further. And that, my friend, is leadership.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Your spiritual practice should be a balanced path. If it’s intense and rigourous, it may be time to do some gentle course-correction. If it’s too relaxed and unstructured, you’ll similarly want to evaluate ways in which you can bring it closer to the Middle Way.

The Middle Way is simply the path of non-attachment, mindfulness and compassion. That’s it. Anything else you endeavor should be in order to cultivate greater compassion, mindfulness and non-attachment, otherwise, it is a distraction from your path.

The Middle Way is neither an intense practice, nor is it something that can be done without effort. It is a path of gentle awareness… never clinging to our ideas, our observations, our perceived triumphs or perceived obstacles. It is a path of bringing our awareness to light on the journey, without having to define, restrict or control that journey.

It is a ball of yarn, slowly and playfully unraveling, as if a kitten were batting it about with it’s tiny little paw… only to reveal at the core a magnificent brilliance reflected in a mirror, from within us… the Awakened Mind.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Transfiguration. The motif is a common one, often appearing in the wisdom traditions and mystery school mythos. In the Buddhist tradition, we are told that Buddha Sakyamuni was transfigured twice – at the moment of his Enlightenment and when he passed away. In the Judaic tradition, Enoch was transfigured, revealing himself as the angelic Metatron, and Elijah was transfigured to reveal his true nature as the angelic Sandalphon. And in the Christian tradition, we read the account of Jesus’ transfiguration (appearing with Moses, who was said to have also been transfigured upon his assumption from this world) and Elijah/Sandalphon.

Although traditionalists and fundamentalists of these traditions often misinterpret the accounts as being literal events, what we have in these stories is a representation of something far more important than any literal interpretation can provide.

For example, in the Christ Dharma, the transfiguration account is meant to point to a personal transformation and spiritual evolution or awakening for the disciples said to have witnessed it. The figures of Moses and Elijah are representative of the two pillars of the Judaic tradition – the Law and the Prophets. Thus, the Christ Consciousness – the Dharma of Compassion or “Way” revealed in the person of Rav Yeshua ben Yusef transcends and fulfills all that the Jewish people hoped to accomplish through the Mosaic Law and Prophetic Tradition. Again, this was something that was accomplished entirely within oneself… not an external event.

Of course, our own egos and prejudicial opinions, doctrine and institutional manipulation (obscuration) of the truth often cause us to ignore the parallels that exist within the wisdom traditions. If we admit that there is a common theme, even common mythos from which the stories of Krsna, Buddha, Mithra, Jesus and other archetypes of Spiritual Awakening/Enlightenment/Liberation are derived, then we have to give up our notions of supremacy over other systems, traditions and cultures.

Still the fact remains that we find this tradition and these legends repeating themselves in all of the Wisdom Traditions: from Krsna to Buddha, Ceres, Isis and Mitra; in the stories of Attis, Isis and Yeshua (Jesus).

When we are willing to let go of our prejudices and fears, and embrace the truth, we can see where these resemblances point to timeless truths and the potential for all of humanity to transform itself through compassion, wisdom and forgiveness.

The only true transfiguration occurs when we realise and awaken the Creator within ourselves, and recognise that both Creator and Creation are one. It is then that the Buddha-Mind or Christ-Consciousness – the Wisdom manifest as Sophia-Christ or Shiva-Shakti – becomes freed from the self-imposed, dualistic and delusional ideas impressed upon us by the ego.

Then, in the moment of realisation, we experience that same transfiguration that the disciples experienced. We release ourselves from all binding energies, and ideas. We realise our True Nature as Enlightened/Anointed Ones (Buddhas/Christs), yet we are unbound and unaffected by the egocentric tendency to “personalise” or “identify”.

The miracle of transfiguration is not that something outside of us is transformed, but that we are transformed, and as a result, begin to see things as they truly are.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa –
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

Today begins the Tibetan year 2137 C.E. – the Year of the Iron-Tiger. Tibetan astrology is derived from the synthesis of Chinese and Indian astrological systems.

Unlike Western astrology, which is based on a solar-cycle, the Tibetan form follows a lunar-based system. Thus, while my birthday would normally be considered February 16th, in the Tibetan system, I was born under the sign of the Water-Tiger.  Rather than celebrating my birthday on February 16th, the Tibetan tradition would celebrate my birthday (more accurately) on the last day of the twelfth lunar month (rgyal) – meaning that my birthday in the Tibetan tradition was at 3:17 PM on Saturday.

From the Buddhist perspective, personality is not of great importance, since one’s personality is a projection of the ego, whose construct the entire “me” concept causes all of our experiences of suffering and attachment. So what value is there in studying astrology?

As one of the five secondary sciences of ancient Tibet, astrology looks beyond simple divination toward a scientific study of time cycles. Recognising what some modern scientists consider to be the “tidal effect” of the lunar cycle on our behaviour and interactions with others, the Tibetan astrologer uses his skills to advise people about various planetary and lunar influences on their day to day activities. It also marks the auspicious times for beginning and ending certain spiritual practices and is linked to the study of Tibetan medicine.

Central to the Tibetan astrological science is an understanding of the Five Individual Forces (vitality, life potential, bodily health, personal power and wind) within each of us. These energies cycle, like all phenomena. When the forces become weak, one can perform certain activities to strengthen or balance them.

The science of astrology comes to us from the Buddha Jam pal (Manjusri), who is the archetypical representation or embodiment of wisdom and insight. it is viewed as a practical method to reduce the uncertainty of the lunar and planetary effects on our bodies.

Join us this evening for our weekly radio show, Talking Dharma, on the BlogTalkRadio Network, where we will be discussing the implications of a new year, strategies for increasing our mindfulness and techniques that we can use to dissolve the hold of the ego mind. The show begins at 9 PM Eastern Time (6 PM PST – or Tuesday 7:30 AM in Dharamsala).

The number to dial-in, if you’d like to share your thoughts, ask questions or comment is +1.347.215.8103.

We’ll look forward to talking with everyone on the show!

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.

David from Baltimore writes: “I really respect the work that you do and your courageous vision to move beyond religious boundaries, but I don’t understand how you cope with the difficulties that you face. I mean, I have been a practicing Buddhist for seven years and am preparing for ordination in the Tibetan lineage of a respected teacher, but all of my needs will be taken care of because I am taking a traditional approach, and devoting myself to one teacher and one path. Wouldn’t it be easier for you to take a similar path?”

Thank you for that sincere question, David, and I think it’s one that has crossed the minds of several folks, including some of our own contemplatives within the Order. In fact, it’s crossed my own mind a few times as well.

Let me first clarify that while I consider myself as following one path… the path of the Dharma. It’s simply non-sectarian, in the tradition and lineage of the great sages, Sri Neem Karoli Baba, Swami Abishiktananda, OSB and Sri Shirdi Sai Baba, who saw beyond the dualistic notions and labels we place on “this tradition” or “that religion”.

I am a disciple of Rav Yeshua ben Yusef (Jesus the Nazarene) and Buddha Sakyamuni. There will always be Fundie McNuggets™, who are scandalised by the fact that my spirituality is not preoccupied with superstitious reliance on any given collection of books as an imaginary “historical record” of any sage’s life or teachings. They will disagree with my disinterest in such concepts as their personal gods, saviours, angels and demons. And there will be just as many Buddhist fascists, who insist that I adopt Buddhism as a religion.

I have NO RELIGION other than compassion. I belief in NO GOD other than love. I respect everyone’s right to interpret their religious mythos as they wish, and to rely on religion, if that is what gets them through the day. I just personally have NO USE FOR RELIGION.

My spiritual path is just that – a spiritual path and philosophy. Neither Jesus nor Buddha ever taught superstitious nonsense about needing religion or saviours. They taught compassion, service to others, and pointed out that what we superstitiously referred to as “god” (Yahweh or Brahman) is Love – the Eternal Principle.

So I have no need to renounce my role as an Eastern Catholic contemplative and archbishop (retired), or my 30 years of service as a Buddhist monk.

Buddha Sakyamuni once described the work we do as dealing with a knife, stuck in our sides. We know that if we are going to live, we must pull the knife out. We also know that removing it will be painful and difficult. But there is no other way… if we leave that knife (our egos) embedded, we will suffer and die (samsara). So we bite the bullet and do what we have to do.

My responsibility as a teacher is to alleviate suffering wherever I find it, as well as to be unafraid of confronting injustices, errors, delusions, for the sake of those persecuted against, marginalised, oppressed and hurting (including the oppressors, persecutors, and their apparent “victims”).

Sure, it would be easier for us to simply renounce one of the traditions from which our community draws, and become more “traditionalist”. But that wouldn’t be our path… it would be someone else’s path.

Yes, if I played by those rules, I would no longer have the extreme financial difficulty we now face. Perhaps I would receive better medical treatment. Perhaps I would sleep in a more comfortable bed, have better meals, and live in a healthier place. But none of that would mean anything, if the work I were doing ceased to be possible.

At any given moment, we must become aware of whether we are living in the reality of a Bodhisattva or in the reality created by egocentricity. The egocentric perception is delusional, and promises all the answers. But it manifests as anxiety, anger, frustration, hostility, separatism and pride. By contrast, when we identify with the Buddha-mind (or Christ Consciousness) we begin to see all things, all people, all phenomena as interdependent and recognise that conditioned existence is subject to the shortcomings of our perceptions, opinions and notions. We can then tap into the Ground of Compassion, and move through the difficulties, the challenges, the trials and frustrations without grasping at this or that… simply allowing those experiences to come and go naturally.

That knife manifests in each of our lives differently. For some, it is financial difficulty, for others it is an addiction to food, drugs or alcohol. Still others suffer from the knife of unhealthy relationships, sexual or behavioural compulsions. And then there are the more subtle knives we experience, such as playing the role of victim.

Regardless of the manifestation of your particular knife, the fact remains that it is a knife and must be removed. NOW! Your life depends on it.

Spiritual practice, contemplation, and cultivating compassion are the tools you can use to remove that knife, and begin healing.

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

_____________________________________________

“Chenrezig, Treasure of Objectless Compassion;
Manjushri, Lord of Stainless Wisdom;
Vajrapani, Destroyer of all adversarial forces;
O Je Tsong Khapa – Losang Drakpa —
Crown Jewel of the Sages of the Land of Snows,
Humbly at Your Lotus Feet I ask your blessing.”

_____________________________________________

Drawing on the essential teachings of the great spiritual teachers, philosophers and freethinkers throughout time, Khenpo Gurudas Śunyatananda (retired Archbishop Francis-Maria Salvato, O.C.) has been regarded as a provocative, revolutionary “voice of reason” within the field of religion and spirituality, since 1983. Having the distinction of being one of the few openly non-theistic, openly-gay and post-denominational thinkers ever to serve as Bishop-Exarch and spiritual leader of the autocephalic Eastern Catholic Franciscans in North America, Gurudas is the author of more than 600 articles, eight books and currently serves as the spiritual advisor for a non-theistic, intentional spiritual community, The Spiritus Project. He can be reached at: http://dharmadudeunplugged.com

Copyright ©2008, Khenpo Gurudas Sunyatananda (The Most Reverend Dr. F. Francis-Maria G. Salvato, M.Sc., O.C.). All rights reserved. This material may be reproduced, blogged, quoted or distributed, provided the entire copyright including contact information remain intact. It may NOT be altered in any way, without express written permission.