dharmatalks

We often treat the sacred as if it were an external attainment or lofty endowment. But the simple truth is that sacredness is a journey… a state of mindfulness. We begin the journey of sacredness, as our beloved Chögyam Trungpa reminds us, the moment we begin taking interest in the details of our lives.

We live in a culture in which we seem to imagine that in order to solve the problems and challenges around us, we have to dominate, oppress or conquer. This attitude, which is clearly seen in our involvement in unprovoked wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, also manifests itself in the absurd New Age notion that we must “kill the ego” (a pursuit that will only result in more attachment and suffering, since the ego and non-ego are two states of the same mind… not two, but one).

We need not conquer or dominate, in order to solve challenges before us. All we need to do is touch the moment deeply with our awareness. That is the sacred path… the path of the Gentle Warrior. The path of realisation and compassion.

Thangka representation of the Sacred Lineage of the Lam Rim Chenmo

Over the past year, many students have asked me if I would consider bringing the teaching of the Lam Rim Chenmo, which is the foundational teaching for our monastic students, and make those accessible to the lay members of the community.

We researched several options to do this in a way that was both responsible and provided the level of interaction between the student and teacher, and discovered a particular set of software solutions that would accommodate our needs. But in order to finance the project, we had hoped that we could rely on 30 students to be willing to commit to $10/week for the classes, which would defray the cost of operations for the entire 46 weeks of the course. The course would involve a weekly video dharma talk, supported by blog articles and a virtual classroom/webinar, in which we could then meet to discuss the materials.

The Lam Rim is an elaboration by Je Tsongkhapa on the Indian sage, Atiśa  Dipankara Shrijnana’s, teaching, Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment. Even as a monk, Dipamkara Srijnana yearned for the fastest and most direct means of attaining perfect enlightenment. It is said that during a pilgrimage to Bodhgaya, he received a vision of two emanations of the Bodhisattva Tara, who explained that the most important practice for realisation of enlightenment was "the practice of bodhichitta, supported by loving kindness and great compassion." Atiśa dedicated himself, from that point forward, to refining his understanding and practice of bodhichitta.

For many years, Tibetan Buddhist were suppressed and persecuted by an unrighteous king. But when Lama Yeshe Yod became king, his devotion to the Dharma and desire for Tibetan Buddhism to be resuscitated, led to his sending a monk to plead with Atiśa to come to Tibetan and teach. It was there in Ngari, that Atiśa wrote A Lamp to the Path of Enlightenment, which came to be known as the Lam Rim in Tibetan.

When Je Tsongkhapa set out to further elaborate on the great teaching, he gave us The Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment (Lam Rim Chenmo in Tibetan). It was based on these teachings, transmitted from Je Tsongkhapa, whose teachings were received by Lama Je Phabongkhapa, and transmitted to his disciple Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche to Lama Thupten Yeshe. Lama Yeshe transmitted the teachings to one of my upa-gurus (teachers along the path), Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, by whose grace and compassion I received the teaching. Therefore, there is nothing brilliant or insightful that I can personally bring to the teaching, because I do not possess the remarkable attainments of these great masters. I can, however, share what was taught to me with those willing to listen.

Je Rinpoche (Lama Tsongkhapa) wrote: "If you train in Lam Rim, you will be training in the complete body of the path, which includes all the vital points of sutra and mantra. As a result, your attainment of a precious human life will have been worthwhile and you will be able to extend the Lord Buddha’s precious teaching within the minds of both yourself and of others."

The Lam Rim Deepens Your Understanding and Wisdom

I believe there is great cause to share this comprehensive and powerful teaching with members of the Lay Community (Spiritus Project) and other interested students, because the wisdom and simplicity of the teaching will organically reveal itself in three stages, depending on the level of commitment and intentionality of the students themselves.

The first level of wisdom acquired comes from what we call the “stage of hearing” – which organically arises as you read or listen to the teachings. This level seems superficial at first, but is actually a foundational principal. Because of the importance of this stage, whenever we give a teaching, we are sure to explain the lineage of transmission of that teaching – not because we have some superstitious or sectarian notions that one lineage is better than another, but because we are responsible for demonstrating that whatever we teach is based on the teachings of the Buddha and transmitted in unbroken succession to ensure accuracy.

The second stage of wisdom arises from becoming more familiar with the materials and teaching, by contemplating them deeply and testing them against reasoning, logic and science. This deeper understanding will yield itself to a level of certainty and a sense of “having known this before”.

Finally, the stage of “acquired wisdom” comes from no longer intellectually contemplating or thinking about the teachings, but rather experiencing the truth of these teachings in the deeply meditative state.

Lam Rim Provides Support for all Three Kinds of Motivation

The starting point of the teaching is a division of Buddhist practitioners into beings of “three scopes” or motivations, based upon the motivation of their spiritual pursuit. Disregarded in this division are individuals whose motives revolve around benefits in their current life. Striving for a favourable rebirth is implicitly the minimum requirement for an activity or practice to be classified as spiritual.

Atiśa wrote in "Lamp of the Path" (verse 2) that one should understand that there are three kind of persons:

1. persons of modest scope;
2. persons of medium scope;
3. persons of highest scope.

Persons of modest motive search for happiness within samsara; their motive is to achieve higher rebirth. Buddhists traditionally consider that this domain includes followers of most non-Buddhist religions who strive for a rebirth in a “heavenly realm”.

Persons of medium motive are searching for their own ultimate peace and abandonment of attachments to worldly pleasures. This includes the paths of pratyekabuddhas and śravakabuddhas, which seek personal liberation alone – the traditional goal of the Hinayana (Primary Vehicle) practice.

Based on insight into the cause of their own suffering, persons of highest motive seek, by all means availbale, to alleviate the suffering of all beings. This is the Mahayana (Higher Vehicle) and Vajrayana (Diamond Vehicle) paths of the samyaksambuddhas.

Practical Considerations

We had previously hoped that we would have been able to acquire the new ladrang and dharma centre in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, so that we could offer the course locally, and just video record it, making it available at no cost to those who are interested. Unfortunately, circumstances prevented our getting the property, and so we are now waiting until we have thirty students willing to commit to $10/week for the course.

While I had hoped to be able to offer these courses at no cost, I also recognise the importance of every student taking responsibility for their formation and spiritual practice. We continue to seek a single benefactor to provide us with the $3800 needed to set up the Lojong Institute in a new location, so that we can apply for grant monies and make the course available worldwide at no cost. Until then, we will have to wait until our students express an interest in the course, and a willingness to contribute $10/week to cover our expenses.

Outline for the Course Itself

Below is a rough sketch of the material that will be covered, presented in outline form:

• Introduction to the authenticity of the lineage from which this teaching is transmitted.
• Introduction to the Lam Rim Chenmo as a respected masterpiece of spiritual training.
• Explanation of the way in which the instructions are to be received and given
• The way students are to be guided through the subjects
• Reliance upon a guru or lama as a spiritual guide
• The way to train your mind to correctly rely on a spiritual guide
• Encouragement to take the essence of this precious human birth and use it for attainment
• Encouragement to train your mind in the paths of the three scopes included within the lamrim

The path shared with persons who have the modest scope motivation (striving for a rebirth in the upper realms)

• the reality that this life will end and that you will die
• the suffering in a rebirth in the lower realms (a rebirth as hell being, hungry ghost or animal, which you want to avoid)
• (so you) take refuge in the three Jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
• (and adjust your behaviour of body, speech and mind according to the) law of cause and effect/ karma

which will lead you to a favourable rebirth within cyclic existence in the higher realms of existence.

The path shared with persons who have the medium scope motivation (striving for liberation of cyclic existence)

The truth of suffering (in cyclic existence in general, including the favourable rebirths)

• The truth of the causes of suffering (the afflictive emotions, especially ignorance)
• The truth of cessation (there is a state that is free of suffering and its origins)
• The truth of paths (the way to attain this state free of suffering and its causes by practising ethics, concentration and wisdom)

Another presentation of the middle scope subjects is the presentation of the 12 links of dependent arising.

The training in the medium scope path will lead to the development of the wish to be liberated from all un-liberated rebirths in cyclic existence through the power of afflictive emotions

The path of persons who have the high scope motivation (striving for complete Enlightenment)

• the advantages of the mind of enlightenment (the wish to become a buddha for the welfare of all sentient beings)
• the way to develop the mind of enlightenment
• the 7-point instruction in seeing all sentient beings as your mothers (from previous lives and contemplating their kindness towards you)
• the instruction on how to exchange your self-interest for others’ interest (by looking at the drawbacks of self-cherishing and the advantages of cherishing others)
• the way to train your mind after developing the mind of enlightenment
• training in the perfection of generosity
• training in the perfection of ethics
• training in the perfection of patience
• training in the perfection of joyful effort
• training in the perfection of concentration
• training in the perfection of wisdom

Master Thich Nhat Hanh writes:

"If in our daily lives we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. If we really know how to live, what better way to start the day than with a smile? Our smile affirms our awareness and determination to live in peace and joy. The source of a true smile is an awakened mind." ~ from Peace is Every Step.

The study of the Lam Rim Chenmo is an opportunity to advance your spiritual practice and gain understanding and wisdom, as a means of supporting your progress toward non-suffering. It is a powerful first step toward acquiring wisdom, and cultivating compassion and generating true bodhicitta.

I encourage you to consider whether this is something that might interest you, and ask that you likewise share this information with others, who might be interested in such an in-depth study of the Dharma. You may also wish to consider whether you know of a company or individual, who would be willing to underwrite the $3800 we need to relocate the ladrang to an environment that will support the development of these materials in a way that reduces or eliminates all of the other costs we would otherwise face.

As the river of time continues to flow, we face the arising and passing of causes and conditions, bringing both sorrow and joy. Our experience in the past year has been fraught with challenges and hardships, but we remain mindful that these are temporary obstacles and all phenomena are subject to change. These too shall pass.

For 30 years, I was personally fortunate enough to be able to financially underwrite all of the programs we offered, and to support the costs of maintaining six contemplative houses and dharma centres throughout the country. My recent health concerns have interfered with the income I was once able to generate for the Order, and so that ability to bear all of the financial burden is no longer something I can do.

These obstacles, however, ought not slow or degrade my commitment to provide students of the Dharma with the training, spiritual guidance and support I vowed my life to offer. I am mindful that even a casual introduction to the Dharma can enrich a person’s entire life, opening to them the possibility for awakening. With your help, we can continue offering classes far into the future. Your financial gift makes it possible for others to experience the wonder and joy you have discovered through meditation and mindfulness.

May your coming week be filled with peace and mindfulness. May your practice be consistent, and may you find opportunities in every moment to be compassionate toward others, and alleviate suffering wherever you encounter it.

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.

“I don’t need you to tell me what I know, Gurudas,” she hissed, with the venom of a starving python. And that was how one woman recently chose to go her own way, when she decided that the idea of Buddhist lamas, khenpos and teachers engaging in social justice work, confronting homophobia, taking a stand for the marginalised and being unafraid to use “strong words” when necessary, were justifications for nothing more than “vitriolic rants”.

We have to be careful not to criticise or resist the mind, the senses, human sexuality or emotions. It is normal, healthy and necessary to allow ourselves to think, to listen, to feel the sensations and emotions of the phenomenal world. These are all part of our experiences. Even anger is nothing more than an emotion… neither good nor bad. It will arise from time to time. The key is not to become attached to these experiences – not to grasp at or reject thoughts, sounds, sensations, sexuality, hunger or emotions.

Speaking at the Vancouver Peace Summit in Toronto, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama remarked that sometimes the most compassionate response to an unjust or unhealthy situation is to use harsh words. It’s unfortunate that my friend was apparently not paying attention at that moment.

When thoughts or emotions arise… when your appetite or sexual desire makes its presence known… when anger, fear, love, happiness becomes your mood… simply acknowledge that you are experiencing these things in the moment, and gently allow them to come and go… lightly… effortlessly… without care.

Renunciation is not the path of giving up anything. It’s the path of freedom from grasping at or rejecting all things. It’s the Middle Way… and it works.

Practice whatever you can, so that the teachings of our lineage holders and dharma acharyas will not have been in vain, but above all, practice compassion, loving-kindness and mindfulness with every step.

Namasté

dharmacharya 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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.

Image:  Enlightenment by Christopher Clements

The Lam Rim Chen Mo (Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path to Enlightenment) is considered among the rare Tibetan masterpieces of Dharma instruction, written by Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug School of Buddhism.

When Buddha Sakyamuni taught, some three thousand or so years ago, he adapted his message for the individual audience, taking into consideration that person’s background, understanding and capacity for the teachings in that moment.

In the 11th century, Atiśa Dipankara Shrijnana – who was, along with Konchog Gyalpo and Marpa, one of the three major figures responsible for making the Dharma accessible in Tibet, prior to Je Tsongkhapa. Atiśa was devoted to the Bodhisattva/Buddha Tara (Jetsun Dolma), the mother of liberation. Seeing a need for a comprehensive and more carefully organised text, bringing together the body of the Buddha’s teachings, and combining them with wisdom from the oral tradition, Atiśa wrote A Lamp for the Path.

When he was invited to Tibet by Changchup Od to give a comprehensive training on the Dharma, in order to clarify errant views and what seemed to be contradictions found in various Buddhist sutras and their commentaries, Atiśa left Vikramasila monastery for Tibet, where he gave this illuminating path that would become the foundational doctrine of the Kadampa tradition, known today as the Lam Rim.

The Lam Rim contains the essence of the sutras that the Buddha Sakyamuni taught near Ragdir, India, as they were transmitted to Maitreya and Asanga, who later expounded upon the hidden-meanings in the sutras. Atiśa took these hidden meanings, and using the Abhisamaya-alamkara (Ornament of Clear Realisation, compiled by Maitreya and Asanga) created the Lam Rim. Therefore, the Lam Rim contains the essential points of all sutra and tantra teachings, in their logical order for effective practice.

Thus, for a serious student, wishing to deepen his or her spiritual practice, and develop a richer, more complete understanding of the Dharma, there is no better way that to immerse oneself in the comprehensive study of the Lam Rim, coupled with one’s daily practice.

Many Westerners attempt to jump headlong into the practice of meditation, particularly without proper instruction and support, and find their spiritual practice to be less than fulfilling, and often frustrating. Others attempt to take from here and there, and hope to be fortunate enough to “piece together” a path that works for them. This is also not very often the most productive means of realisation.

By studying the Lam Rim Chen Mo, one will develop a foundational understanding of the Dharma, in a way that more readily supports the practice of meditation and contemplation at the appropriate time in formation.

The Contemplative Order of Compassion and its Vajra Sky Institute have previously reserved this instruction for those who had been received into monastic formation only for the past eighteen years. For the first time, this forty-six week training program is now available to practitioners everywhere.

The course will be conducted through several media, including participation in a live, weekly training session and webinar, video sessions, and a special blog, in which students and faculty are able to participate in the discussion.

We must have twenty students enrolled in the program, in order to be able to proceed. The requested donation for the course is $20/week. This will make it possible to cover the costs of media development, web resources, webinars and mentoring.

At the conclusion, students completing the course will receive a diploma in Buddhist Studies from the Vajra Sky Institute, and will be entitled to participate in on-going advanced curriculum.

If you are interested in participating, please contact us at once at: dharmacharya@dharmadudeunplugged.com And feel free to help us reach our goal of 20 paying students by sharing this with those you know. (The class size will be limited to 40 students maximum.)

Practice whatever you can, so that the teachings of our lineage holders and dharma acharyas will not have been in vain, but above all, practice compassion, loving-kindness and mindfulness with every step.

Namasté

dharmacharya 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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.

I know a lot of folks are preparing for their families’ holiday gatherings, and the next few days will be hectic for them.

But if you’re feeling the need to dig a little deeper into the “reason for the season”…

The Tragedy Continues…

On Thursday evening, and Friday morning, in churches around the world, adherents to the religion started by Paul of Tarsus (more commonly known as Christians) will hear the retelling of the nativity story. Their preachers will often, with the best of intentions, interpret the details of the story as literal events, and the focus will be how this Holy Child, born without the “dirtiness” of human sexual intercourse, by His mere birth alone, “saved the world”.

It’s a story that began to emerge about a century into the history of the Early Church, based on the mythos of the Middle Eastern and Roman cultures, in which nearly identical tales were told of Horus, Mithras and Osiris, for thousands of years before. Into the mythic tale of Mithras and Horus was weaved the Jewish context of a meshiach — an anointed one, who would free them from (physical/political) captivity forever.

The original context was not one of redemption from the later innovation of “hell”, but one of being saved from one’s enemies and oppressors.

It’s a romantic story… a nostalgic account… and because not only whole churches, but other big businesses have been built on that account, it’s one few of us are willing to easily dismiss or rationally investigate. Yet amusingly, it’s one of the focal points for those of us who wish to point out that the bible cannot possibly be taken as an historic or inerrant, literally-interpreted document, because the accounts that tell of the so-called saviour’s birth contradict one another immensely.

What most people “think” the Bible says about the birth of Christ is actually an aggregation of what the synoptic texts say, with various conflicting details eliminated or muddled into new details — the trip from Nazareth, no room at the inn, three “kings” (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar), the mythic flight into Egypt, Silent Night and angels singing the “Gloria”.

At about this time, on Christmas Eve, when I share these thoughts with my congregation, people generally grow uneasy and visibly uncomfortable. “What is he saying? He’s a bishop, for God’s sake! Is he saying that Christmas never happened?”

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying!

Fortunately, I have yet to be burned at the stake, but each year, the murmur of “heretic” gains momentum among those unwilling to consider what I believe is the true message of Christmas, and redemptive value of Christ’s Life and Teaching.

You see… I don’t think Paul even came close to getting it right. And so those who crafted the accounts attributed to Matthew, Mark and Luke barely gleaned the essence of the message either. I’m a Catholic priest and bishop, but I do not subscribe to the anti-gnostic, oppressive and grossly misogynist theology of Paul of Tarsus — and so I hesitate to use the label “Christian”, since most Christians are followers of Paul… not Christ, and most Christians are (rabidly) theistic, and I am not.

My “calling”, as I understand it, was to carry out the “mission statement” of Christ… not the agenda of Peter and Paul.

But since so much of the Advent and Christmas Season is focused around the beautiful story of Mary’s surrender and realisation of the (indwelling) divine will, as told in Luke, I think we can refer to another passage, in which Christ Himself states the mission and purpose of his ministry — with no reference to imaginary concepts like original sin, virgin birth, or escaping the mythic “murder of innocents”:

“The Breath of the Sacred is upon me,
because Spirit has anointed me
to bring Good News to the poor.
The Spirit compels me to proclaim
the way of liberation to the captives,
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the time of divine favour.”

(cf. Luke 4:18-19)

If we read that profound “mission statement” before attempting to reflect on any other passage of Scripture, we find that our interpretation of the meaning and message becomes much more sharply focused, and resembles the popular teaching of the institutional church less and less.

On this Holy Night, Christ reminds us, through mythos and tradition, that we are so loved that the Divine Principle assumed the form of humanity, so that we could awaken and realise our divine nature. If we are truly followers of His Way, we must accept that like Him, each of us are anointed by Love, and are “other-Christs,” called to care for the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to become light for the blind, and to fight to end oppression.

A church that issues “instructions” that oppress and marginalise those who are called to serve at His Table is not faithful to Mission Statement of Christ. It is little more than a fascist representation of the mythical, judgmental and oppressive god introduced by Moses.

A church that threatens to divide itself over the ordination of a bishop, whose life-partner happens to be of the same gender, is not faithful to the Mission Statement of Christ. A church in which the preacher condemns all Muslims as terrorists, or refers to those who follow a different path of truth as “abominations”, is not faithful to the Mission Statement of Christ.

Such “churches” and their theologies are illegitimate.

Two thousand years after that Mission Statement was said to have been proclaimed, we are reminded that there are still poor among us… still oppressed and captive peoples… still those blinded by hatred, ignorance, greed, and intolerance…

While we sit comfortably in our churches and homes, there will be millions around the world for whom no “year of the Lord’s favour” will have come to forgive the crushing burden of poverty, hunger and war.

There’s no harm in the retelling of the nostalgic, romanticised and traditional story of the manger, because its retelling stirs something within our hearts. The challenge, however, is to take that stirring in our hearts and put it into action.

This Christmas, as we ponder the wonder of the Holy Child, who would show us the Way to Liberation, let us resolve to recall what He said His mission was… to make it our own missions… and to remember, there is much work to be done.

May our prayers be enjoined with those of all people, so that our world may be free of violence; protected from intolerance and separatism; that an end to diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and AIDS might become a reality; that children never have to suffer from hunger, disease, poverty or ignorance; and that peace, unity and understanding among all people one day be achieved.

And regardless of your personal beliefs or traditions, may this Season of Light and Love be a bright, holy and mindful one, filled with peace. YOU are a gift for me, woven into the fabric of my life, and for that, I am grateful.

With love -

Namasté
dharmacharya gurudas sunyatananda
(archbishop francis-maria of the immaculata, oc)

_____________________________________________
“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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.

Tags: mythos, dharma, christ, spirituality, christmas

With the shifting of our perspective, all things appear differently. If one were to look at the sky during a clear night, one might perceive all things being basked in the light of the moon. Highlights reflecting on the water, the leaves of the trees, and the earth itself, would delight us with the interplay between shadow and light.

In our minds, we may see that experience as different from our view of the same landscape during the middle of the day, when everything seems to be illuminated by the sun’s bright light.

This is but one small example of our dualistic mind, and the way it distorts ultimate reality, shaping our mistaken perceptions.

What we see at night is not at all separate from the light we

see during the day. In fact, the moon has no light of its own, reflecting only the light from the same sun that shines during the day.

So it is with our perceptions about many things in life… including our spirituality.

One of my spiritual brothers, Jayanata Paquette observed this morning:

Devotion is a direct route to gratitude, the most healing of emotions. People forego the subjective experience of devotion in favor of fighting over the various objects of devotion (i.e., religions).

Only when we cultivate this realisation of unity (yoga in Sanskrit), bringing together the inward and outward, will we begin to see with a clarity of mind that frees us from all mistaken notions and delusions. This awakened state, which we find in the stories of the lives of Buddha Sakyamuni and Rabbi Jesus, in the lives of Kuan Yin and Mary the Christotokos, and in the stories of countless illuminated teachers, saints, mystics and guides, brings with it inward and a restful heart.

From this place of pure devotion… a devotion which celebrates, honours and bows in reverence to all that exists, all that has existed and all that will one day exist, recognising the common nature of all phenomena as outward expressions – mirror images of our interior state… we draw together the subtle body of unified spirit, the physical body and all its senses, culminating in a simple unity of inward and outward powers, enclosed in the envelope of compassion and wisdom.

The Catholic mystic, Teresa d’Avila observed, “The spiritual marriage may also be compared to water running from the sky into a river or stream, where the waters are united, and it would no longer be possible to divide them, or to separate the water of the river from that which has fallen from the heavens.”

Just as the Indian mythos of the water of the sacred Ganga flows from Siva’s hair, and goes out to become part of the waters of the world… and as the Buddhist story of the great Lama Tsongkhapa’s spiritual union with Vajrayogini made it possible to restore the expedient path of liberation, we each have our own stories.

As this week unfolds, bringing with it still more tales of light and unity, passed down and adapted from legends that have been part of the human story for thousands upon thousands of years, let us not focus on our differences – on the “objects of devotion” that Jayanta spoke of, but instead on the act of devotion itself.

Whether your personal story is about a child, born in humble obscurity, who was the incarnation of Sacred Love, or the story of the Miracle of Lights… whether you’re celebrating the lengthening of daylight and coming of Spring, or the increase of the divinity among us, which enables us each to realise our own divine potential… let your celebration be full!

Take time to consider what you can do to positively and powerfully impact the world around you at this time. What can you do to alleviate the suffering of someone less fortunate? What can you do to ensure that someone is no longer hurting, no longer alone, no longer afraid?

Seize the opportunity to write new stories! Take time to listen to the stories of others! Let the coming weeks unfold with the potential of all that you are… where the light of the sun and the light of the moon merge to become simply light… and where you recognise the truth about your Emergent Nature.

Let there be peace on earth… especially in your heart!

Namasté

dharmacharya 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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.

It ultimately makes no difference whether or not any of us believes any of the biblical narratives were literal events. It doesn’t matter that some of us recognise that most of the text was adapted from earlier mythology and legends, and have nothing to do with the historical person of the Nazarene Rav Yeshua (Rabbi Jesus).

I’d make these points because I do not wish to debate pointless issues. Don’t waste your time or yours with your arguments concerning whether or not there ever was an historic person named Yeshua ben Yusef. (I personally believe there is reason to assume there was.)

Don’t waste my time or yours telling me why you believe the absurd myths and legends of virgin births, stars in the east, and such things. (I personally do not accept any of that as credible, rational, reasonable or intended to be literally accepted as historical fact.)

And please, do not insult my intelligence with claims of how 24, 66, or 73 separate texts, written by dozens of different authors; filled with contradictions, errors, plagiarised mythos, superstitions, violent and malicious intent, imaginary events and questionable interpretation of historic events, were somehow “inspired by”, “written by” or “authorised by” the Semitic God, Yahweh (Shema in Aramaic; and the gross mispronunciation, Jehovah). Such superstitions are best reserved for your personal blogs, correspondences and beliefs, and are frankly inappropriate for and unwelcomed in this forum.

Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, you’re probably asking yourself, “Why?”

Simply because what does matter is that we open our hearts and minds to understand more fully the intended message (Dharma) within the sacred myths, legends and narratives.

At this time of year, it is part of the tradition of the Contemplative Monks of the Eightfold Path, and many members of the Spiritus Project, to reflect on the meaning behind the nativity narrative and particularly to look to Our Lady of Compassion, the Christotokos, as an example of the perfectly lived life.

Mary has been called “Seat of Wisdom”, and is referred to as the First Tabernacle. The Christian story of the Nativity is a tale of Sacred Love becoming Incarnate, and the vessel which held the Incarnation of this Sacred Love is called the Christotokos or Christ-bearer, the Blessed Mother Mary.

In the early Church, images painted of the Trinity always depicted the Ruach (Holy Spirit) as Shekinah – the feminine consort of Yahweh – who was considered to be the Bearer of Wisdom. So it is reasonable to see the link between the Hebrew tradition, in which Shekinah is represented as giving birth the wisdom, and the Christian adaptation in which Mary becomes the Seat of Wisdom (giving birth to the Wisdom and Love, represented by the person of the Enlightened Yeshua).

As students of the Dharma, we strive to find the seeds of this wisdom and love in all things. Mindfulness brings us to a place where we, like Mary, surrender to allow ourselves to become charitoo – filled with grace.

The Hebrew word that is often translated as “grace” in the Christian texts, chesed, actually means loving-kindness. This illuminated understanding of the original text now presents Mary in a context that makes more sense, and which inspires us to want to follow Her example.

“Hail Mary, filled with loving-kindness! Love dwells within you, and you dwell within Love. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the your Son, Yeshua. Holy Mary, Mother of Incarnate Love, remember us now and at the hour of our death. Let it be so!”

A dear friend, Carey Landry, wrote in the words to a song dedicated to the Blessed Mother, entitled Hail Mary, Gentle Woman:

Gentle woman, quiet Light, Morning star, so strong and bright,
Gentle Mother, peaceful dove,
Teach us wisdom, teach us love.

In the ancient East, the symbol of a dove was always used to represent the Divine Feminine (and was never used to represent the Divine Masculine). Therefore, as we recall the story of the Ruach (Holy Spirit) descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove, we must realise that this was a moment of the Divine Mother (Sophia/Shekinah) descending upon Him. Many progressive and enlightened theologians have come to realise that the Mystery of the Incarnation and indeed the whole biblical mythos surrounding Christ is one in which there is a masculine and feminine aspect co-existing, much like the androgyny of Chenrezig (the Buddha of Compassion) in Tibetan mythos. Viewed another way, along with the masculine aspect of Jesus (Love Incarnate), we have Mary (Wisdom Incarnate) acting as co-redeemers.

We recognise that the symbolism, descriptions and metaphor of the Divine Mother has existed throughout the aeons, with parallels in Egyptian, Persian, Sumeria, Syrian, Greek and Roman myths, from which much of the biblical legends draw their descriptions. Again, it’s not about the history of the mythos, but about the message it bears.

But all of this sacred legend and mythos is meaningless, unless we can make it applicable to our journey into mindful awakening.

In his book, Emblems of a Season of Fury, Thomas Merton writes this of “Sophia/Wisdom”:

There is in all visible things an invisible fecundity, a dimmed light, a meek namelessness, a hidden wholeness. This mysterious Unity and Integrity is Wisdom, the Mother of all, Natura naturans. There is in all things and inexhaustible sweetness and purity, a silence that is a fount of action and joy. It rises up in wordless gentleness and flows out to me from the unseen roots of all created being, welcoming me tenderly, saluting me with indescribable humility. This is at once my own being, my own nature, and the Gift of my Creator’s Thought and Art within me… speaking as my sister, Wisdom.

I am awakened, I am born again at the voice of this my Sister, sent to me from the depths of the divine fecundity.

Emblems of a Season of Fury, p. 61

Ultimately, it makes no difference whether your tradition celebrates the Christian Incarnation, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, the Enlightenment of the Buddha, the Solstice or Festivus. What matters is the mindfulness you bring to the observance, and to your celebration of life.

Intentionality is an important key. What is your intention during these days of celebration? Is it to strive to better emulate the surrender and awareness that the young Mary demonstrates in the Christmas mythos? Is it to embody the rebirth and awakening of the Sun in the Solstice? Is it to become Light for others?

Remember, we cannot affect how others react or act during the holidays, but we have total control over ourselves. Instead of asking yourself how you would like others to act, ask how you can act and think and feel, so that it puts others at ease to be in your presence.

Take time to reinforce the bonds of community, by reaching out to those in need. Remember that this is a time of wonder and awe. Allow youself to simply “be” in the moment, to experience that wonder for yourself!

Taking time to be intentional about preparing for and experiencing the holidays is a great way to create the conditions which make cultivating compassion easier, and will surely result in your in having a much better experience.

Namasté

dharmacharya 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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.

According to the mythos within the Zen tradition, Buddha Sakyamuni was enlightened on the 8th day of December, under the bodhi tree (for those of us who follow a Tibetan tradition, that day is celebrated of the fifteenth day of the fourth month (roughly June 7th).

Regardless of the tradition, the story remains largely the same:

From deep in his meditation of awareness (samadhi) looked up at the bright morning star (Venus). With the eyes of "clear vision" he was able to see the brilliance of the morning star, which broke through the depths of his meditation, and as the metaphor goes, gave birth to the Sakyamuni’s Realisation or Enlightenment.

As the Buddha saw this world with the Eyes of Elightenment, he recognised that the world was both a joyous place and one filled with suffering. Yet he did not see these as diametrically opposed conditions, simply as conditions. He understood the nature of Emptiness was both nothing and everything… again, not as contradictions, but as a m ore compelete look at the river, from both shores.

But perhaps more important than any of these things, Buddha Sakyamuni, on that most auspicious day, generated oceans of compassion for all beings, and committed to remain until suffering existed no more… until every sentient being on innumerable worlds realised Enlightenment.

And so it is that we, who follow in the footsteps of this great Dharma of Compassion, likewise redouble our commitment to do what we can, where we are, to alleviate pain and suffering. To generate compassion and loving-kindness for all beings… to remain and return until suffering exists no more.

It’s nice and fitting that today we offer flowers, incense, tea and ghee as an expression of profound gratefulness for the gift of the Dharma and for the Enlightened One’s commitment to us. But more than these offerings, let us offer what matters most… our own efforts to alleviate suffering within ourselves and within others.

To all our friends within the Zen Tradition, we wish a very Joyful and Mindful celebration of the Buddha’s Awakening!

Namasté

dharmacharya 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, Dharmacharya 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, His Eminence Dharmacharya 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.