OUR NEW NORMALITY - Reflections for a hot and sunny summer
Reflections of our beloved teacher S.E. Nyari Tritul Rimpoche on how we can take advantage of these days of confinement to generate a more altruistic, kind and wise mind, accepting the ever-changing circumstances of our condition.
Tashi Delek, I pay hommage to all the buddhas and bodhisattvas.
I congratulate all my beloved friends: most of us have finally arrived in a new normality - a hot and sunny summer.
All of us deserve a good rest and holiday. I encourage you to enjoy it with full awareness and gratitude, also trying to provide happiness to our neighbors. The best way to bring others happiness is to cause them no suffering: that way you will feel better and be happy as a clam at high-tide.
However, we can still feel the post-pandemic, a time of duality between fear and anxiety. We fear that we may fall ill, and we long to enjoy our holiday time, enjoying the outdoors with friends. It is normal for us to feel fear at this time.
As Nelson Mandela said:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is nothe who does notfeel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
But behind fear hides another great mystery, because sanity is the underlying brother of fear. You are afraid you might get infected - but in reality, you want to ensure your own health and that is why you become more aware of it.
You are afraid to be the first in saying “I love you” when you fall in love, but really you just want to ensure the desired response.
You are afraid of falling in love again (after having had your heart broken three times)but in reality, you want to be assured of love and that nobody will break your heart again.
So actually, you are not a person full of fear but a person who “wants to be sure”; even if you rarely feel safe because you have never gone beyond fear, nor do we know what defines fear or where it comes from.
Fear appears where there is no trust. Fear appears where there is no love. Fear appears where there is selfishness or selfish interests - since we are afraid of losing or fear not gaining something.
Where there is no ego, there is no desire to gain or fear of losing something. Neither can there be any illusions or disappointments: one merely experiences a loving life, full of perpetual peace.
Where there is no fear, love and trust appear naturally. Relationships are direct and established from heart to heart. Communicating in a sincere and firm manner with others allows for a better world; because – as has been clearly shown to us during the pandemic- the world works best through cooperation, not competition.
Fear is an excess of love, just like attachment is a destructive form of love – inflicting only suffering upon us, it contradicts the true nature of love: the simple desire to be happy.
Both fear and attachment are shadows of ignorance. Obscuration, or ignorance, is the innate opponent of wisdom. Unfortunately for ignorance, it competes against wisdom with no hope of ever winning the battle! Because wisdom acts as light; and when light shines, the darkness disappears naturally. So don't fight the shadows, but instead look for the light of wisdom. You will find this light only on the path of Dharma, so concentrate on Dharma and let go of the rest. As they say: “Water you don´t have to drink, let it flow.”
Life is a great opportunity. I know it sounds like a cliché, but its true! Everything that accompanies this life is yet another gift.
This body is a marvelous piece of work: we must nourish it, take good care of it, accept it and be grateful. All the people and circumstances which cross our path, are great teachers to us; even the people we dislike! As an example, I will tell you an anecdote from the Buddha´s life:
There was a disciple who one day approached and declared before Buddha his courage and good will towards others, saying that he was willing to give away all his material and spiritual wealth to others – to everyone except his neighbor (because his neighbor was a wicked man and did not deserve such gifts).
Buddha responded forcefully to the disciple, saying: "Forget “all others”! Just dedicate yourself to giving to your neighbor. The day you have the capacity to give freely to your neighbor, you will be able to give to the whole world unconditionally.
The man felt slightly embarrassed, as he hadn´t expected such an answer. But he unquestioningly followed his teacher´s advice and dedicated himself every day to attending unconditionally and giving benevolent love to his neighbor. Shortly after he began to feel much better, life became less cumbersome and more bearable, and he advanced swiftly in his meditations. He came to understand his teacher's advice and developed great devotion for Buddha.
As Thich Nhat Hanh he said:
“You are me, and I am you.Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?You cultivate the flower in yourself,so that I will be beautiful.I transform the garbage in myself,so that you will not have to suffer.I support you;you support me.I am in this world to offer you peace;you are in this world to bring me joy.”
Just like that, every moment of life we should be full of gratitude; we have no reason to feel disappointed when we have full opportunity to create a meaning in life and raise awareness.
We all need a reason to awaken. Buddha awoke from the illusion of years of palace life, thanks to the vision of old age, disease and death.
Our encounter with the pandemic has also awakened in us wisdom and goodness; we had to learn to slow down the rhythm of life because the speed we were moving at was unsustainable. We were born to live - and even though death is certain for all of us - in order to live, we must learn to settle down and take advantage of each and every moment and situation in life.
It is absurd to let ourselves be carried away by the current. Changing the direction of the current is a very worthwhile task, but in the meantime we can start by changing the direction of our own life for the better, because it is ours.
Like Jimmy Dean said:
I can't changethe direction of the wind, but I can adjustmy sails toalways reach my destination.
Let us meditate in these times, and investigate into the depths of our being, connecting with our true nature and learning to live our own life well.
Since our time is limited, we must make the most of life and not waste it to anguish and animosity when we could be living in peace and harmony.
It is the only life we have and we should not let it go to waste.
An example: without seed there is no harvest, without water there is no coffee, without beginning there is no end, and so this life - sooner or later - will also come to an end. For its duration there will be plenty of pain that cannot be avoided, and so - in one way or another - we all surrender to it.
We can create a physical and psychic space that allows our life to run its course until completion.
In this way, rather than rejecting the process of aging and dying, they can become part of a growth process and allow us to learn - until our last moment - to live well in order to die better.
We know death is only natural; it is an essential part of our nature, it´s part of “the deal”, which is why we need to adapt to it, grow with it, and give it space.
This is also why we should discover what motivates us, we can aspire to live a great life so that we live each single day with more clarity and enthusiasm. This is the only life we have.
No matter how much we prepare: there will always be a surprise! Life launches challenges at us, to surprise and change us.
We have two options in facing the challenge: One is to give in to it, accept that the challenge is bigger than we are and take the role of victim; the other option is to turn it into an instrument for personal growth - because every problem we face carries a message and a lesson. We have the power to turn even the worst situation in our lives into an important occasion, even a triumph.
Try to transform your anguish into flowers: beauty can be found anywhere. When we experience the loss of a loved one, the loss is irreversible – but it is an essential part of life. If we don't lose a loved on today, it will be tomorrow.
In the meantime, we can learn that we can no longer reject this reality without rejecting ourselves. All efforts necessary to live life as a human being gave rise to all wisdom: the need for food gave rise to the kitchen, the need for refuge gave rise to the house, the need to escape suffering gave rise to the Dharma, and the need to alleviate pain gave rise to medicine….
Wisdom and courage reside within all of us, we must explore them fully and make the most of our human life, even on holiday!
As samsaric beings, giving up our samsaric fun would be a major challenge, especially at a time like now when some of us are just coming out of a long confinement.
It is normal for us to want to enjoy the outdoors and nightlife. As long as we do it with full conscience, moderation, consideration, compassion, and benevolent love towards all around us, we will avoid getting “kidnapped” by Samsara. It will save us a lot of energy and we will have a happy and fruitful summer.
Now I want to share with you an ancient, centuries-old teaching, so you may have a happy summer, full of reflections. The story is full of Tibetan wisdom and is written in the form of a dialectical dialogue.
***
Paraphrase of “Advice from an Experienced Old Man”
These teachings on suffering are from Advice of an Experienced Old Man (Nyams-myong rgan-po'i 'bel-gtam) by the precious master Gungtang Rinpoche (Gung-thang-tshang dKon-mchog bstan-pa'i sgron-me) (1762–1823). Containing many parables, they flow as a story in verse form, based on scripture. The main point of the teaching is to help us to develop renunciation and the determination to be free, and in general to lay the ground for bodhichitta to attain enlightenment for everyone's benefit.
Homage to the untainted Buddha who has abandoned the seeds of rebirth uncontrollably recurring from the force of karma and disturbing emotions and who, consequently, does not experience the sufferings of old age, sickness, and death.
In the middle of the vast, lonely, wild plain of samsara lives an old man visited by a young lad, proud of his youth and health. They have this discussion.
“Hey old man, why do you act, look, and speak differently from others?”
To that, the old man replies, “If you say I act, walk, move, and speak differently, do not feel you are flying in the sky above. Land back down on the same earth as me and listen to my words.”
The old man continues, “A few years ago, I was much stronger, more handsome, and more vigorous than you. I was not born the way I am now. If I ran, I could even catch up with flying horses.”
“If I caught something, I could even catch bare-handedly yaks of the nomad lands. My body was so flexible, I could move like a bird in the sky. My body was so fit, I looked like a youthful god. I wore the brightest colored clothes and loads of ornaments of gold and silver, ate tons of delicious food and sweets, and rode mighty steeds. I hardly ever sat alone without playing, laughing, and enjoying myself. Hardly any happiness exists that I have not experienced.
“At that time, I never thought of the impermanence of my life or about my death. Nor did I expect to go through the suffering of old age as I am now.”
“Living with the distraction of involvement with friends, parties, and having a good time, old age sneaks up and overcomes you in the midst of the sound of your laughter.”
“When we become very old, we dislike our own selves when we look in a mirror. At that time, our bodies and minds become weak. Our bodies begin to degenerate from head to toe. Our heads are bent as if always receiving a vase initiation.
“The white hair on my head, with no black left, it is not a sign of purification. It is the arrow of frost from the mouth of the Lord of Death, which has landed on my head. The lines on my forehead are not the creases on a pudgy infant drinking milk from his mother. It is the count by messengers of the Lord of Death of how many years I have already lived. When I squint, it is not because smoke is in my eyes. It is a sign of being helpless with the degeneration of my sensory powers. When I try to make a big effort to hear with my hand by my ear, it is not because I am making a secret communication. It is a sign of the degeneration of my hearing.
“When I dribble and snot comes from my nose, it is not a pearl adornment on my face. It is a sign of the thawing of the ice of youthful vigor by the sunshine of old age. Loosing my teeth is not a sign of cutting a new set like a young child. It is a sign of the wearing out of the tools of eating which the Lord of Death is putting away. When much saliva comes out and I spit when I talk, it is not like sprinkling water on the earth to clean it. It is a sign of an end of all the words I shall say. When I speak incoherently and stumble over words, it is not that I am speaking a strange foreign language. It is a sign of my tongue being tired with a lifetime of idle chatter. “When my appearance becomes ugly, it is not that I am trying to hide behind the mask of a monkey. It is a sign of the total degeneration of the body that I have borrowed. When my head shakes a lot, it is not that I am disagreeing with you. It is a sign of the overwhelming power of the stick of the Lord of Death that has hit my head. When I walk bent over, it is not that I am trying to find a needle I have lost. It is a clear indication of the degeneration of the element of earth in my body. “When I get up rising on my hands and knees, I am not imitating a four- legged animal. It is because the support of my feet is no longer sufficient. When I sit down, it is like dropping a bag of something. It is not that I am angry with my friends. It is the loss of control of my body.
“When I walk slowly, I am not trying to walk like a great statesman. It is because I have lost the complete sense of balance in my body. When my hands shake, it is not that I am waving my hands out of greed to get something. It is a sign of the fear of everything being taken away from me by the Lord of Death. When I can eat and drink only a little, it is not because I am miserly or stingy. It is a sign of the degeneration of the digestive heat at my navel. When I wear light clothes, it is not an attempt to imitate athletes. It is because the weakness of my body makes any clothes a burden to wear.
“When breathing is difficult and I get out of breath, it is not that I am healing someone by blowing a mantra. It is a sign of weakness and exhaustion of the energies in my body. When I do very little and have few activities, it is not from intentionally controlling my activities. It is because of the limit of what an old man can do. When I am very forgetful, it is not because I think others unimportant and look down on them. It is a sign of the degeneration of the consciousness of my memory.
“O young man, do not tease and make fun of me. What I experience now is not exclusive to me. Everyone experiences this. You wait and see; in three years, the first few messengers of old age will come to you. You will not believe or like what I say, but you will learn from experience. In this time of the five degenerations, you will be lucky to live to be as old as I am. Even if you live as long as I have, you will not be able to speak as much as I can.” The young man replies, “Instead of being able to live as long as you and become as ugly and ignored as you are and put in the ranks of dogs, it is better to die.” The old man laughs. “Young man, you are very ignorant and stupid to wish to live long and be happy, but not to have old age. Death may sound simple, but it is not that easy. To be able to die peacefully and happily, you need to be someone who has not accepted wrongly obtained offerings or broken the morality of the ten positive actions, and who has accumulated much listening to the Dharma, contemplation, and meditation. Then death is simple. “I do not feel this way, however. I have no confidence of my having done anything constructive. I am afraid of death and am grateful for each day I can stay alive. My strong wish is to stay alive each day.” The young man changes his mind and says, “Old man, everything you say is true. What others have told me about the suffering of old age agrees with what I have seen in you. Your demonstration of old age to me has been very beneficial to my mind. I am amazed at the suffering of old age. O wise old man, if you have heard of any methods to escape old age, do not keep them a secret; share them with me and tell me the truth.”
The old man pleasingly says, “There definitely is a method. If you know it, it is easy to follow. With little effort, we can quickly be liberated from this suffering. Although everyone who is born dies, very few die after growing old. Many die young without having the opportunity to reach old age. The methods are in Buddha's teachings. They contain many methods to gain liberation and enlightenment, in other words not to be reborn, get old, sicken, or die; but we have not practiced them.”
“Everyone wants immortality and the methods to attain it. But to be born and not to die is impossible. Even thousands of Fully Enlightened Beings, including Sakyamuni Buddha, have passed away. And as for the bodhisattvas and great gurus of the past, only their names remain. The same is evident in the history of the world. All great historical figures have died and only ruins are left. Thus, we must not forget the reality of our impending deaths. Even the great gurus of the present will pass away. Babies born today will all be dead in a hundred years. So how can you, young man, expect that you alone will live forever? Therefore, it is advisable to prepare yourself spiritually for death.
“A long lifespan cannot be bought with money or gained through physical comfort. If you have spiritual confidence and know what you want out of life, then the older you grow physically, the more happiness and youth of mind you will have. If you enjoy great physical comfort but have led an empty life, then the older you grow, the unhappier you become. You have to travel as a tourist to distract your mind from worrying about death. On the other hand, even if you have just a little spiritual confidence, the closer you approach death, the more you feel like a son returning to a happy home. You are not repelled by death, but look forward to continuing lives of happiness.”
“Since the suffering of death is inevitable, we must do something about it. We cannot just sit and be depressed. As humans we have the wisdom to try many methods. Even Buddha cannot give you more explicit teachings, young man.
I have spoken from my heart. Although this is my true heartfelt advice, do not rely only on my words alone; analyze them for yourself. Do practices concerning impermanence on your own. There is a proverb, 'Ask for the opinions of others, but make the decision yourself.' If you let many make decisions for you, many will give you different advice.” The young man says, “All you say is very true and beneficial. But, for the next few years I cannot do these things. I have other work to do. I have a large estate, wealth, and so on. I must do much business and tend to my property. After a few years I must meet you again, and then I shall do the practices.” The old man becomes very unhappy and says, “Everything you have told me now turns out to be empty words and meaningless. I have had the same thing, the wish to do something meaningful after a few years; but I never did anything and now have grown old. I know how vain what you say is. Things to do in a few years time will never end. You will always put them off. Things to do in a few years time are like an old man's beard; if you shave today, you will grow more tomorrow. After procrastinating until tomorrow and tomorrow, soon you will find your life is over. This procrastination of Dharma practice has fooled everyone. I have no confidence in you that you will ever practice Dharma. Therefore, it is a total waste for us to talk. Go back to your home and do whatever you want, and let me say some manis (mantras).” The young man becomes very surprised and feels a bit hurt. He says, “How can you even think of saying such things to me? Tell me, how quickly can material things be accomplished in this life?” The old man laughs, “You ask me these questions, so I guess I have to answer how long it takes to accomplish anything. In the southern direction lives the Lord of Death who cares not at all whether you have finished your work or not. He does whatever he wants. If you can have friendly relations with him and get his permission to accomplish something in life, then you can relax. Otherwise, you can never relax. People die in the middle of a cup of tea, while food is on the table, while walking, before they can finish taking a whiff of snuff. “This happens to everyone, even great masters. Many of their teachings are incomplete, because they died before they finished writing them. So when the Lord of Death comes, you cannot say, 'I have a big estate and much work to do.' You cannot boast of anything to him; you have to leave everything. In this respect we are completely powerless. We cannot determine out lifespan. Therefore, if you are able to do anything, start practicing now. That will be meaningful; otherwise, your estates alone are meaningless. But nowadays there are few people who tell the truth about what will benefit you. What is even more rare is someone who will listen to sincere advice.”
The youth is deeply moved and, having built up great respect for the old man, takes a few steps back and prostrates to him. He says, “No other lamas surrounded by golden banners, Geshes, or yogis have more profound teachings that what you have said. You have the appearance of an ordinary old man, but you are actually a great spiritual friend. I give my word of honor to practice all you have said, to the best of my ability, and in the future, please give me more teachings.” The old man agrees and accepts. He says, “I do not know much, but I have experienced a great deal. I can teach you from that. The most difficult thing is to make a beginning and establish yourself in the Dharma. To begin practicing Dharma after you are already old is more difficult. Therefore, it is important to start at a young age.”
“When young, your memory is fresh; you have dynamic intelligence and the physical strength to build up positive force by prostrations. In terms of tantra, the strength and vigor of your energy channels are very good when young. If at a young age, you can break through the barrier of greed and attachment to material possessions and involve yourself in spiritual activities, it is very valuable. Once you have accepted the Dharma, understood its essential points, and gotten into its spirit, then everything you do, say, and think will be Dharma.”
“There are no rigid rules in Dharma. So, try not to have too many thoughts or a fickle mind. Start now and keep up your interest in Dharma. Do not change your mind every minute. From this moment on, dedicate your life – body, speech, and mind – to Dharma practice.”
Now the old man tells the youth what Dharma entails, “First, find a well-qualified spiritual mentor and devote yourself properly to him with your thoughts and actions. How much you can benefit others depends on finding a proper spiritual mentor and on your wholehearted committed relationship with him.”
“Then, you need to observe your words of honor and vows to practice the ten constructive actions. Safeguard them as you would your eyes. Cut off your attachment to this life, like a wild elephant breaking a chain. Then accumulate listening, contemplation, and meditation, and do the three together. Support this all with the seven- limbed practice. This is way to build up positive force, to accumulate merit. Having done this, Buddhahood is at your fingertips.”
“This is happiness; this is joy. O dear son, if you practice in this way all your wishes will be fulfilled.” From that day on, the young man practiced pure Dharma unmixed with the eight worldly, childish feelings.
The old man says, “I have heard these teachings from my spiritual mentors and they are also based on my own experience. May this benefit limitless sentient beings for the sake of their happiness.”
The author ends: Although I have practiced little and lack Dharma experience, yet because of the diversity of sentient beings' dispositions, maybe these teachings will be of benefit to some. With the hope of benefiting the minds of limited beings, I have written this with sincerity and pure motivation. These teachings on impermanence are not just an interesting story I thought up to tell, but are based on The Four Hundred Stanzas by Aryadeva.
***
I will now recommend you some Dharma books to read in your free time:
1. Introduction to Buddhism. By H.E Khensur Tamdin Gyatso
2. How to overcome your ego. By H.E Khensur Tamdin Gyatso
3. The thief of your happiness lives with you (Spanish) By Most Venerable Geshe Tenzing Tamding.
4. I advise you to make daily recitations of the Medicine Buddha Prayer and his Mantra for World Health.
Prayer to Medicine Buddha
Blessed One, whose compassion is equal to all, Simply hearing Your name dissipates the suffering of the lower realms, Medicine Buddha, You who heal the disease of the three poisons, Light of Lapis Lazuli, I pay homage to You!
Medicine Buddha Mantra
Tadyatha Om Bhekandze Bhekandze Maha Bhekandze Randza Samugate Soha (x108)
I will now bid you goodbye with much affection and I dedicate my best wishes for you so you may have a happy summer.
Dedication.
For these actions that I have carried out and all the merits that I have accumulated, may the suffering of each and every one of all beings be eliminated. May all beings who have no health free themselves quickly from all their diseases. May all the diseases that afflict sentient beings disappear completely and forever.
With all my affection. Ven. Nyari Tritul. July 2020
Reflections of our beloved teacher S.E. Nyari Tritul Rimpoche on how we can take advantage of these days of confinement to generate a more altruistic, kind and wise mind, accepting the ever-changing circumstances of our condition.
Tashi Delek, I pay hommage to all the buddhas and bodhisattvas.
I congratulate all my beloved friends: most of us have finally arrived in a new normality - a hot and sunny summer.
All of us deserve a good rest and holiday. I encourage you to enjoy it with full awareness and gratitude, also trying to provide happiness to our neighbors. The best way to bring others happiness is to cause them no suffering: that way you will feel better and be happy as a clam at high-tide.
However, we can still feel the post-pandemic, a time of duality between fear and anxiety. We fear that we may fall ill, and we long to enjoy our holiday time, enjoying the outdoors with friends. It is normal for us to feel fear at this time.
As Nelson Mandela said:
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is nothe who does notfeel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
But behind fear hides another great mystery, because sanity is the underlying brother of fear. You are afraid you might get infected - but in reality, you want to ensure your own health and that is why you become more aware of it.
You are afraid to be the first in saying “I love you” when you fall in love, but really you just want to ensure the desired response.
You are afraid of falling in love again (after having had your heart broken three times)but in reality, you want to be assured of love and that nobody will break your heart again.
So actually, you are not a person full of fear but a person who “wants to be sure”; even if you rarely feel safe because you have never gone beyond fear, nor do we know what defines fear or where it comes from.
Fear appears where there is no trust. Fear appears where there is no love. Fear appears where there is selfishness or selfish interests - since we are afraid of losing or fear not gaining something.
Where there is no ego, there is no desire to gain or fear of losing something. Neither can there be any illusions or disappointments: one merely experiences a loving life, full of perpetual peace.
Where there is no fear, love and trust appear naturally. Relationships are direct and established from heart to heart. Communicating in a sincere and firm manner with others allows for a better world; because – as has been clearly shown to us during the pandemic- the world works best through cooperation, not competition.
Fear is an excess of love, just like attachment is a destructive form of love – inflicting only suffering upon us, it contradicts the true nature of love: the simple desire to be happy.
Both fear and attachment are shadows of ignorance. Obscuration, or ignorance, is the innate opponent of wisdom. Unfortunately for ignorance, it competes against wisdom with no hope of ever winning the battle! Because wisdom acts as light; and when light shines, the darkness disappears naturally. So don't fight the shadows, but instead look for the light of wisdom. You will find this light only on the path of Dharma, so concentrate on Dharma and let go of the rest. As they say: “Water you don´t have to drink, let it flow.”
Life is a great opportunity. I know it sounds like a cliché, but its true! Everything that accompanies this life is yet another gift.
This body is a marvelous piece of work: we must nourish it, take good care of it, accept it and be grateful. All the people and circumstances which cross our path, are great teachers to us; even the people we dislike! As an example, I will tell you an anecdote from the Buddha´s life:
There was a disciple who one day approached and declared before Buddha his courage and good will towards others, saying that he was willing to give away all his material and spiritual wealth to others – to everyone except his neighbor (because his neighbor was a wicked man and did not deserve such gifts).
Buddha responded forcefully to the disciple, saying: "Forget “all others”! Just dedicate yourself to giving to your neighbor. The day you have the capacity to give freely to your neighbor, you will be able to give to the whole world unconditionally.
The man felt slightly embarrassed, as he hadn´t expected such an answer. But he unquestioningly followed his teacher´s advice and dedicated himself every day to attending unconditionally and giving benevolent love to his neighbor. Shortly after he began to feel much better, life became less cumbersome and more bearable, and he advanced swiftly in his meditations. He came to understand his teacher's advice and developed great devotion for Buddha.
As Thich Nhat Hanh he said:
“You are me, and I am you.Isn’t it obvious that we “inter-are”?You cultivate the flower in yourself,so that I will be beautiful.I transform the garbage in myself,so that you will not have to suffer.I support you;you support me.I am in this world to offer you peace;you are in this world to bring me joy.”
Just like that, every moment of life we should be full of gratitude; we have no reason to feel disappointed when we have full opportunity to create a meaning in life and raise awareness.
We all need a reason to awaken. Buddha awoke from the illusion of years of palace life, thanks to the vision of old age, disease and death.
Our encounter with the pandemic has also awakened in us wisdom and goodness; we had to learn to slow down the rhythm of life because the speed we were moving at was unsustainable. We were born to live - and even though death is certain for all of us - in order to live, we must learn to settle down and take advantage of each and every moment and situation in life.
It is absurd to let ourselves be carried away by the current. Changing the direction of the current is a very worthwhile task, but in the meantime we can start by changing the direction of our own life for the better, because it is ours.
Like Jimmy Dean said:
I can't changethe direction of the wind, but I can adjustmy sails toalways reach my destination.
Let us meditate in these times, and investigate into the depths of our being, connecting with our true nature and learning to live our own life well.
Since our time is limited, we must make the most of life and not waste it to anguish and animosity when we could be living in peace and harmony.
It is the only life we have and we should not let it go to waste.
An example: without seed there is no harvest, without water there is no coffee, without beginning there is no end, and so this life - sooner or later - will also come to an end. For its duration there will be plenty of pain that cannot be avoided, and so - in one way or another - we all surrender to it.
We can create a physical and psychic space that allows our life to run its course until completion.
In this way, rather than rejecting the process of aging and dying, they can become part of a growth process and allow us to learn - until our last moment - to live well in order to die better.
We know death is only natural; it is an essential part of our nature, it´s part of “the deal”, which is why we need to adapt to it, grow with it, and give it space.
This is also why we should discover what motivates us, we can aspire to live a great life so that we live each single day with more clarity and enthusiasm. This is the only life we have.
No matter how much we prepare: there will always be a surprise! Life launches challenges at us, to surprise and change us.
We have two options in facing the challenge: One is to give in to it, accept that the challenge is bigger than we are and take the role of victim; the other option is to turn it into an instrument for personal growth - because every problem we face carries a message and a lesson. We have the power to turn even the worst situation in our lives into an important occasion, even a triumph.
Try to transform your anguish into flowers: beauty can be found anywhere. When we experience the loss of a loved one, the loss is irreversible – but it is an essential part of life. If we don't lose a loved on today, it will be tomorrow.
In the meantime, we can learn that we can no longer reject this reality without rejecting ourselves. All efforts necessary to live life as a human being gave rise to all wisdom: the need for food gave rise to the kitchen, the need for refuge gave rise to the house, the need to escape suffering gave rise to the Dharma, and the need to alleviate pain gave rise to medicine….
Wisdom and courage reside within all of us, we must explore them fully and make the most of our human life, even on holiday!
As samsaric beings, giving up our samsaric fun would be a major challenge, especially at a time like now when some of us are just coming out of a long confinement.
It is normal for us to want to enjoy the outdoors and nightlife. As long as we do it with full conscience, moderation, consideration, compassion, and benevolent love towards all around us, we will avoid getting “kidnapped” by Samsara. It will save us a lot of energy and we will have a happy and fruitful summer.
Now I want to share with you an ancient, centuries-old teaching, so you may have a happy summer, full of reflections. The story is full of Tibetan wisdom and is written in the form of a dialectical dialogue.
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Paraphrase of “Advice from an Experienced Old Man”
These teachings on suffering are from Advice of an Experienced Old Man (Nyams-myong rgan-po'i 'bel-gtam) by the precious master Gungtang Rinpoche (Gung-thang-tshang dKon-mchog bstan-pa'i sgron-me) (1762–1823). Containing many parables, they flow as a story in verse form, based on scripture. The main point of the teaching is to help us to develop renunciation and the determination to be free, and in general to lay the ground for bodhichitta to attain enlightenment for everyone's benefit.
Homage to the untainted Buddha who has abandoned the seeds of rebirth uncontrollably recurring from the force of karma and disturbing emotions and who, consequently, does not experience the sufferings of old age, sickness, and death.
In the middle of the vast, lonely, wild plain of samsara lives an old man visited by a young lad, proud of his youth and health. They have this discussion.
“Hey old man, why do you act, look, and speak differently from others?”
To that, the old man replies, “If you say I act, walk, move, and speak differently, do not feel you are flying in the sky above. Land back down on the same earth as me and listen to my words.”
The old man continues, “A few years ago, I was much stronger, more handsome, and more vigorous than you. I was not born the way I am now. If I ran, I could even catch up with flying horses.”
“If I caught something, I could even catch bare-handedly yaks of the nomad lands. My body was so flexible, I could move like a bird in the sky. My body was so fit, I looked like a youthful god. I wore the brightest colored clothes and loads of ornaments of gold and silver, ate tons of delicious food and sweets, and rode mighty steeds. I hardly ever sat alone without playing, laughing, and enjoying myself. Hardly any happiness exists that I have not experienced.
“At that time, I never thought of the impermanence of my life or about my death. Nor did I expect to go through the suffering of old age as I am now.”
“Living with the distraction of involvement with friends, parties, and having a good time, old age sneaks up and overcomes you in the midst of the sound of your laughter.”
“When we become very old, we dislike our own selves when we look in a mirror. At that time, our bodies and minds become weak. Our bodies begin to degenerate from head to toe. Our heads are bent as if always receiving a vase initiation.
“The white hair on my head, with no black left, it is not a sign of purification. It is the arrow of frost from the mouth of the Lord of Death, which has landed on my head. The lines on my forehead are not the creases on a pudgy infant drinking milk from his mother. It is the count by messengers of the Lord of Death of how many years I have already lived. When I squint, it is not because smoke is in my eyes. It is a sign of being helpless with the degeneration of my sensory powers. When I try to make a big effort to hear with my hand by my ear, it is not because I am making a secret communication. It is a sign of the degeneration of my hearing.
“When I dribble and snot comes from my nose, it is not a pearl adornment on my face. It is a sign of the thawing of the ice of youthful vigor by the sunshine of old age. Loosing my teeth is not a sign of cutting a new set like a young child. It is a sign of the wearing out of the tools of eating which the Lord of Death is putting away. When much saliva comes out and I spit when I talk, it is not like sprinkling water on the earth to clean it. It is a sign of an end of all the words I shall say. When I speak incoherently and stumble over words, it is not that I am speaking a strange foreign language. It is a sign of my tongue being tired with a lifetime of idle chatter. “When my appearance becomes ugly, it is not that I am trying to hide behind the mask of a monkey. It is a sign of the total degeneration of the body that I have borrowed. When my head shakes a lot, it is not that I am disagreeing with you. It is a sign of the overwhelming power of the stick of the Lord of Death that has hit my head. When I walk bent over, it is not that I am trying to find a needle I have lost. It is a clear indication of the degeneration of the element of earth in my body. “When I get up rising on my hands and knees, I am not imitating a four- legged animal. It is because the support of my feet is no longer sufficient. When I sit down, it is like dropping a bag of something. It is not that I am angry with my friends. It is the loss of control of my body.
“When I walk slowly, I am not trying to walk like a great statesman. It is because I have lost the complete sense of balance in my body. When my hands shake, it is not that I am waving my hands out of greed to get something. It is a sign of the fear of everything being taken away from me by the Lord of Death. When I can eat and drink only a little, it is not because I am miserly or stingy. It is a sign of the degeneration of the digestive heat at my navel. When I wear light clothes, it is not an attempt to imitate athletes. It is because the weakness of my body makes any clothes a burden to wear.
“When breathing is difficult and I get out of breath, it is not that I am healing someone by blowing a mantra. It is a sign of weakness and exhaustion of the energies in my body. When I do very little and have few activities, it is not from intentionally controlling my activities. It is because of the limit of what an old man can do. When I am very forgetful, it is not because I think others unimportant and look down on them. It is a sign of the degeneration of the consciousness of my memory.
“O young man, do not tease and make fun of me. What I experience now is not exclusive to me. Everyone experiences this. You wait and see; in three years, the first few messengers of old age will come to you. You will not believe or like what I say, but you will learn from experience. In this time of the five degenerations, you will be lucky to live to be as old as I am. Even if you live as long as I have, you will not be able to speak as much as I can.” The young man replies, “Instead of being able to live as long as you and become as ugly and ignored as you are and put in the ranks of dogs, it is better to die.” The old man laughs. “Young man, you are very ignorant and stupid to wish to live long and be happy, but not to have old age. Death may sound simple, but it is not that easy. To be able to die peacefully and happily, you need to be someone who has not accepted wrongly obtained offerings or broken the morality of the ten positive actions, and who has accumulated much listening to the Dharma, contemplation, and meditation. Then death is simple. “I do not feel this way, however. I have no confidence of my having done anything constructive. I am afraid of death and am grateful for each day I can stay alive. My strong wish is to stay alive each day.” The young man changes his mind and says, “Old man, everything you say is true. What others have told me about the suffering of old age agrees with what I have seen in you. Your demonstration of old age to me has been very beneficial to my mind. I am amazed at the suffering of old age. O wise old man, if you have heard of any methods to escape old age, do not keep them a secret; share them with me and tell me the truth.”
The old man pleasingly says, “There definitely is a method. If you know it, it is easy to follow. With little effort, we can quickly be liberated from this suffering. Although everyone who is born dies, very few die after growing old. Many die young without having the opportunity to reach old age. The methods are in Buddha's teachings. They contain many methods to gain liberation and enlightenment, in other words not to be reborn, get old, sicken, or die; but we have not practiced them.”
“Everyone wants immortality and the methods to attain it. But to be born and not to die is impossible. Even thousands of Fully Enlightened Beings, including Sakyamuni Buddha, have passed away. And as for the bodhisattvas and great gurus of the past, only their names remain. The same is evident in the history of the world. All great historical figures have died and only ruins are left. Thus, we must not forget the reality of our impending deaths. Even the great gurus of the present will pass away. Babies born today will all be dead in a hundred years. So how can you, young man, expect that you alone will live forever? Therefore, it is advisable to prepare yourself spiritually for death.
“A long lifespan cannot be bought with money or gained through physical comfort. If you have spiritual confidence and know what you want out of life, then the older you grow physically, the more happiness and youth of mind you will have. If you enjoy great physical comfort but have led an empty life, then the older you grow, the unhappier you become. You have to travel as a tourist to distract your mind from worrying about death. On the other hand, even if you have just a little spiritual confidence, the closer you approach death, the more you feel like a son returning to a happy home. You are not repelled by death, but look forward to continuing lives of happiness.”
“Since the suffering of death is inevitable, we must do something about it. We cannot just sit and be depressed. As humans we have the wisdom to try many methods. Even Buddha cannot give you more explicit teachings, young man.
I have spoken from my heart. Although this is my true heartfelt advice, do not rely only on my words alone; analyze them for yourself. Do practices concerning impermanence on your own. There is a proverb, 'Ask for the opinions of others, but make the decision yourself.' If you let many make decisions for you, many will give you different advice.” The young man says, “All you say is very true and beneficial. But, for the next few years I cannot do these things. I have other work to do. I have a large estate, wealth, and so on. I must do much business and tend to my property. After a few years I must meet you again, and then I shall do the practices.” The old man becomes very unhappy and says, “Everything you have told me now turns out to be empty words and meaningless. I have had the same thing, the wish to do something meaningful after a few years; but I never did anything and now have grown old. I know how vain what you say is. Things to do in a few years time will never end. You will always put them off. Things to do in a few years time are like an old man's beard; if you shave today, you will grow more tomorrow. After procrastinating until tomorrow and tomorrow, soon you will find your life is over. This procrastination of Dharma practice has fooled everyone. I have no confidence in you that you will ever practice Dharma. Therefore, it is a total waste for us to talk. Go back to your home and do whatever you want, and let me say some manis (mantras).” The young man becomes very surprised and feels a bit hurt. He says, “How can you even think of saying such things to me? Tell me, how quickly can material things be accomplished in this life?” The old man laughs, “You ask me these questions, so I guess I have to answer how long it takes to accomplish anything. In the southern direction lives the Lord of Death who cares not at all whether you have finished your work or not. He does whatever he wants. If you can have friendly relations with him and get his permission to accomplish something in life, then you can relax. Otherwise, you can never relax. People die in the middle of a cup of tea, while food is on the table, while walking, before they can finish taking a whiff of snuff. “This happens to everyone, even great masters. Many of their teachings are incomplete, because they died before they finished writing them. So when the Lord of Death comes, you cannot say, 'I have a big estate and much work to do.' You cannot boast of anything to him; you have to leave everything. In this respect we are completely powerless. We cannot determine out lifespan. Therefore, if you are able to do anything, start practicing now. That will be meaningful; otherwise, your estates alone are meaningless. But nowadays there are few people who tell the truth about what will benefit you. What is even more rare is someone who will listen to sincere advice.”
The youth is deeply moved and, having built up great respect for the old man, takes a few steps back and prostrates to him. He says, “No other lamas surrounded by golden banners, Geshes, or yogis have more profound teachings that what you have said. You have the appearance of an ordinary old man, but you are actually a great spiritual friend. I give my word of honor to practice all you have said, to the best of my ability, and in the future, please give me more teachings.” The old man agrees and accepts. He says, “I do not know much, but I have experienced a great deal. I can teach you from that. The most difficult thing is to make a beginning and establish yourself in the Dharma. To begin practicing Dharma after you are already old is more difficult. Therefore, it is important to start at a young age.”
“When young, your memory is fresh; you have dynamic intelligence and the physical strength to build up positive force by prostrations. In terms of tantra, the strength and vigor of your energy channels are very good when young. If at a young age, you can break through the barrier of greed and attachment to material possessions and involve yourself in spiritual activities, it is very valuable. Once you have accepted the Dharma, understood its essential points, and gotten into its spirit, then everything you do, say, and think will be Dharma.”
“There are no rigid rules in Dharma. So, try not to have too many thoughts or a fickle mind. Start now and keep up your interest in Dharma. Do not change your mind every minute. From this moment on, dedicate your life – body, speech, and mind – to Dharma practice.”
Now the old man tells the youth what Dharma entails, “First, find a well-qualified spiritual mentor and devote yourself properly to him with your thoughts and actions. How much you can benefit others depends on finding a proper spiritual mentor and on your wholehearted committed relationship with him.”
“Then, you need to observe your words of honor and vows to practice the ten constructive actions. Safeguard them as you would your eyes. Cut off your attachment to this life, like a wild elephant breaking a chain. Then accumulate listening, contemplation, and meditation, and do the three together. Support this all with the seven- limbed practice. This is way to build up positive force, to accumulate merit. Having done this, Buddhahood is at your fingertips.”
“This is happiness; this is joy. O dear son, if you practice in this way all your wishes will be fulfilled.” From that day on, the young man practiced pure Dharma unmixed with the eight worldly, childish feelings.
The old man says, “I have heard these teachings from my spiritual mentors and they are also based on my own experience. May this benefit limitless sentient beings for the sake of their happiness.”
The author ends: Although I have practiced little and lack Dharma experience, yet because of the diversity of sentient beings' dispositions, maybe these teachings will be of benefit to some. With the hope of benefiting the minds of limited beings, I have written this with sincerity and pure motivation. These teachings on impermanence are not just an interesting story I thought up to tell, but are based on The Four Hundred Stanzas by Aryadeva.
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I will now recommend you some Dharma books to read in your free time:
1. Introduction to Buddhism. By H.E Khensur Tamdin Gyatso
2. How to overcome your ego. By H.E Khensur Tamdin Gyatso
3. The thief of your happiness lives with you (Spanish) By Most Venerable Geshe Tenzing Tamding.
4. I advise you to make daily recitations of the Medicine Buddha Prayer and his Mantra for World Health.
Prayer to Medicine Buddha
Blessed One, whose compassion is equal to all, Simply hearing Your name dissipates the suffering of the lower realms, Medicine Buddha, You who heal the disease of the three poisons, Light of Lapis Lazuli, I pay homage to You!
Medicine Buddha Mantra
Tadyatha Om Bhekandze Bhekandze Maha Bhekandze Randza Samugate Soha (x108)
I will now bid you goodbye with much affection and I dedicate my best wishes for you so you may have a happy summer.
Dedication.
For these actions that I have carried out and all the merits that I have accumulated, may the suffering of each and every one of all beings be eliminated. May all beings who have no health free themselves quickly from all their diseases. May all the diseases that afflict sentient beings disappear completely and forever.
With all my affection. Ven. Nyari Tritul. July 2020