dharmatalks

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.

When there is little substance behind one’s claims of grandeur… when one is posing as someone they are not… they are easily threatened by those who legitimately come to do the work they have failed to do.

Often, I am confronted with the sophomoric digs made by self-important “teachers” and sectarian supremacists, who attempt to secure their foothold with those they like to refer to as “their followers” by criticising our path as syncretistic. Because I have been legitimately ordained in more than one spiritual tradition, and have historically held irrefutably “higher offices” in those traditions, I choose to honour those traditions by not setting one religious habit or set of robes as being any more important than the other. So these petty and childish fools scoff at us, and claim that I like to “show off as many different costumes as possible”. In their abject ignorance, they fail to provide any substance to their insinuations, because they’re too busy making a living off the pronouncements their students make on a daily basis about their lineage, their teacher, their caste, etc.

Had any one of those students done their homework, they would:

• recognise when there is considerable disparity between a teacher’s behaviour and the office they are supposed to uphold.
• pay more attention to the Dharma, than to these petty games of sectarian bullshit and supremacy.

If you have to run around impressing upon everyone that your teacher or lineage or organisation is so wonderful, you have a problem! People should be able to see all of that in your works. Period.

I’ve often said, “Thirty-some years of contemplative life, leaves plenty of ‘evidence’, so those who wish to investigate the veracity of my path will have no problems validating that what I teach is wholly consistent with what I live.”

What’s more, I am just a simple monk… a monk who considers it a privilege and honour to wear the robes of a Franciscan and a Buddhist equally… a monk who considers his role as the refuge/root lama on equal par with his role as the retired exarch and archbishop of a spiritually progressive Catholic community. Yes, I am disgusted by the suggestions that my sacred habits/robes are “collecting costumes”, but not surprised by those remarks, given the source.

It’s unfortunate that such persons have nothing more important to do with their time and effort, but I pity them. More importantly, I refuse to engage in their sophomoric banter, and instead continue to bow with respect to their indwelling (though presently obscured) nature – which is the nature of all sentient beings. I will therefore bow, as a simple, unremarkable monk, to their Buddha/Christ nature, and know that eventually, that nature will overcome their egomania, and allow them to grow and grow-up.

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.

The following are the new links for the Dharma publications from Vajra Sky Media Productions and Lojong Publishing:

• Daily Thoughts – this is a blog containing short, daily or almost daily thoughts and reflections from the Lojong Hermitage/Ladrang. You can actually click the “subscribe” link on the top of that page and receive these in your inbox. http://orderofcompassion.com/teaching
• Dharmatalks – The regular archival location for dharma talks and transcripts of lectures, speeches and other articles I’ve shared as part of my work. Again near the top, right sidebar, you’ll be able to listen to the weekly radio program “on-demand”, as well as subscribing to receive the dharmatalks in your email box. http://blog.dharmadudeunplugged.com 
• The Integral Buddhist™ – become more actively involved in the discussion of the Dharma in this new social network, which takes a non-sectarian, non-dogmatic look at the essential Dharma teachings, bringing together folks from various traditions and paths. The Integral Buddhist is part of the combined work of the Spiritus Project and Contemplatives In Dialogue . To become involved, visit us on the web at: http://talkingdharma.ning.com
• Talking Dharma – Our weekly live radio programme on the BlogTalkRadio Network. Join us and participate in the live, talk-radio program, which looks at various issues that affect those living the Dharma in the West. http://blogtalkradio.com/punkmonk

Namasté

khenpo gurudas sunyatananda

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.

At some point in your life, I believe you must make the decision, if you are ever going to really grow (and grow-up) that you will no longer allow the shortcomings of our society become an excuse for your own failure to realise your potential.

We look around us and see a culture that is obsessed with spending money, drinking, partying, and digging themselves into a desperate and bottomless debt. Advertising, entertainment and peer pressure fuel this cycle of negative behaviour. We may begin making unhealthy decisions, and use as an excuse that we cannot help ourselves.

And we know that’s a lie.

Each of us possesses the same capacity for light, for awakening, for manifesting the abundance, calm and ease of the Buddha Mind or Christ Consciousness. We have the authority over our lives, not some imaginary external beings, forces or influences. That is why religion seldom does much to really solve the root of people’s addictions, habituation, overspending, and financial recklessness. Until someone takes responsibility, and affirms that their choice is not to imitate the failures of their society, their parents, their cultures, but rather to become the leaders who can set the example for, and inspire others around them, we will continue to fail.

The potential exists for you, right now, to decide that you’re not going to play the victim anymore.

It’s OK to ask for help. We can often accomplish more by seeking the support, encouragement and assistance of someone who already recognises our potential, or who has made the changes we wish to make. The psychological and emotional positioning of reaching out for help opens us – physiologically, psychologically and spiritually – so that we can become more courageous “warriors” against the effects of habituation.

Chances are, you don’t need someone to point out how out of control your behaviour may be in certain areas. You’ve already seen the impact that behaviour has had on your relationships with others, on your health, on your financial security.

Grow up! Stop the childish excuses! Wake up!

It’s not too late to change your behaviour, before you end up recreating the experiences of your past, which may have led to serious health problems, loss of loved ones, legal issues, or psychological problems.  Just reach out to someone who is willing to help you… and recognise that everything you need to accomplish this powerful transformation already exists within you.

Relax and allow yourself to focus on your breath. There, at the centre of your being is the ultimate capacity to transform every moment into love.

Love manifests as ease, peace, health, and balance. It is the Middle Way.

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

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, 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.