Dear Friends Near and Far:
I
hope you've all been happy and healthy. I'm well and at the moment in
Kathmandu performing the annual Tsekar or White Amitayus (Buddha of
Longevity) Drupchen, a nine day puja based on a collection of liturgies
belonging to the "Great Accomplishment Group Sadhana of White Amitayus".
This drupchen beginning on the 8th day of the first lunar month of the
Tibetan New Year brings forth auspicious circumstances for the
practioner's two fold attainment of longevity and primordial wisdom.
In
the past few evenings of the drupchen, I have been re-reading some of
the great texts of Shechen Gyaltsab, Pema Namgyal and in particular, the
"Advice from Old Vijaya" which never fails to inspire me. I have taken
few lines from the text to remind you of the basic elements of the path
which in a way is also an interesting analysis to check whether if you
are actually on the true path.
1. Make sure the topics of:
- Precious Human Birth
- Death and Impermanence
- Karma: Consequences of Action
- The Defects of Samsara
Do not become mere words and ideas, but reflect upon them from the core of your heart.
Once you are well acquainted with them, your mind will have turned away from samsara and towards the sublime Dharma.
Once you feel this way, you have already covered half of Dharma practice!
2.
Constantly keep reminding yourself of the excellent qualities of your
Guru and the Three Jewels. Having trained in this, you will seek no
other refuge than your Guru and the Three Jewels, no matter what joys or
sorrows befall you.
Once that happens, you will have become one of the Buddha’s followers.
3.
Once when you are on the path, train in accepting all sentient being as
your parents, and maintaining this attitude uninterruptedly, cultivate
loving-kindness, compassion, and awakened mind.
Once
when you have become accustomed to benefiting others and freed from the
chain of selfishness, you deserve the name “child of conquerors.”
The merit and benefits of this are beyond measure.
These
are the ways in which you avoid going astray from the True Path. And
once on it, I hope that you are constantly showered with blessings and
have unwavering trust and devotion.
Signing off from the Valley with much love and affection on this Guru Rinpoche Day just before midnight!
Sarva Mangalam,
Phakchok Rinpoche