Lama-Jigme's Site

Lama-Jigme's Site http://lamajigme.multiply.com/ The Dalai Lama's late teacher, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, encouraged us to practice devotion to the Buddha of Compassion as the synthesis of all Buddhas {Manipa}, in a NON-sectarian manner {Rime}, while practicing the Essence of all the Sutra and Tantra teachings and practices {Tantrika}, And that is why our teacher's full name is, Lama Jigme Gyatso: Rime Manipa Tantrika {which translates as Ocean of Courage Teacher: the NON-sectarian Devotee of Chen-re-zig who practices the essence of all Sutras and Tantras. So What? No, the "Ocean of Courage" that our teacher invites us into is Not the courage to step into the ring with Mike Tyson; thats just suicide. No, the "Ocean of Courage" that our teacher invites us into is Not the courage to control every thing, being and phenomena in our lives; that just manipulative. Yes, the "Ocean of Courage" that our teacher invites us into is the courage to stand with feet planted firm, heart open wide and nakedly face whatever temporarily manifests with the Naked Awareness of the Here and Now! Yes, the "Ocean of Courage" that our teacher invites us into is the courage to tame our every suffering and actually Use it to progress upon the path of Compassion, Insight and Peace! Yes, the "Ocean of Courage" that our teacher invites us into is the courage to harness our every joy and actually Use it to fuel our journey upon the path of Gratitude, Love and Bliss! Our precious Lama, Jigme Gyatso: Rime Manipa Tantrika, teaches that everyday folks like you and me can accomplish full enlightenment in just one lifetime with Out ever abandoning: our Job, Spouse or Children.   <CENTER>  Could you desire to   tame your sorrow, fear or anger?    Imagine what it could be like to harness their   energy and progress even further upon Buddha’s path of   love, peace, insight and happiness.    Today, you could find out about receiving   personal instruction from a Buddhist Monk over the telephone   <A href="http://www.lamajigme.com/"> www.LamaJigme.com </A> </CENTER>     Sun, 6 Jul 2008 14:49:31 -0000 Thu, 3 Jul 2008 01:04:00 -0000 Lama-Jigme's Site http://images.lamajigme.multiply.com/logo http://lamajigme.multiply.com 100 100 Buddha's Lost Secrets . <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SGwmDczut2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/I838y_o0660/s1600-h/bird+buddha.jpg"><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SGwmDczut2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/I838y_o0660/s320/bird+buddha.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218587908930189154" /=""></a> To read today’s FREE, fun, politically Incorrect, daily essay, “Buddha’s Lost Secrets” go to: <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Lost-Secrets.html">http://www.lamajigme.com/Lost-Secrets.html</a> May all beings now benefit! Om Mani Padme Hum, Lama Jigme http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/111/Buddhas_Lost_Secrets Thu, 3 Jul 2008 01:04:00 -0000 Love or Affection <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SGRUKsmr1yI/AAAAAAAAAZk/unQIvApFfe0/s1600-h/SittingDog.jpg"><img style="display:block;margin:0px auto 10px;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SGRUKsmr1yI/AAAAAAAAAZk/unQIvApFfe0/s320/SittingDog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216386811150718754" /=""></a> . To read today’s FREE, fun, politically Incorrect, daily essay, “Love or Affection?” go to: <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Zblog-2008-a06-26a.html ">http://www.lamajigme.com/Zblog-2008-a06-26a.html </a> May all beings now benefit! Om Mani Padme Hum, Lama Jigme http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/110/Love_or_Affection Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:43:00 -0000 Productive Crankiness . To read today’s FREE, fun, politically Incorrect, daily essay, “Productive Crankiness” go to: <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Zblog-2008-a06-17a.html">http://www.lamajigme.com/Zblog-2008-a06-17a.html </a> <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SFglpmMZzOI/AAAAAAAAAZc/3f5qJznVb-4/s1600-h/homer_simpson.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SFglpmMZzOI/AAAAAAAAAZc/3f5qJznVb-4/s320/homer_simpson.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212957965238783202" /></a> http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/109/Productive_Crankiness Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:57:00 -0000 NOT my Job! . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #204 from your Buddhism expert There is only so much time and energy. These limitations force us to choose between scholastic accomplishment and spiritual attainment. <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Clock-600x450.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 320px; " src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Clock-600x450.png" border="0" alt="" /=""></a> Many Americans who study Zen put more effort into trying to become Japanese, then they do trying to attain enlightenment. <blockquote>But wait, there’s more!</blockquote> The same absurdity occurs when Americans studying: • Ch’an, • Tantra or • Theravada… indulge in the silly distraction of getting lost in the cultures of: • China, • Tibet, • India and • Thailand. <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/GettingLost.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 320px; " src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/GettingLost.jpg" border="0" alt="" /=""></a> <blockquote>It is NOT my Job to…</blockquote> master: • linguistics, • culture, • trivia or • politics. My job is simple. Your job is simple. Buddha’s job was simple. <blockquote>May I give you two things?</blockquote> <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Gift.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 320px; " src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Gift.jpg" border="0" alt="" /=""></a> May I give you a Fact and a Secret? FACT: Buddha was born for two purposes; #1 to accomplish full enlightenment in one lifetime and... #2 to take away the world’s sufferings. <blockquote>Are you ready for the Secret?</blockquote> <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/sitebuilder/images/TheSecret-413x600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; width: 320px; " src="http://www.lamajigme.com/sitebuilder/images/TheSecret-413x600.jpg" border="0" alt="" /=""></a> That is also why you were born, and that is also why I was born, and... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/108/NOT_my_Job Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:28:00 -0000 Treasure of the Dalai Lamas <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SEVpyQApubI/AAAAAAAAAZU/N1D8q1ciBAI/s1600-h/DalaiLamaBlessing.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SEVpyQApubI/AAAAAAAAAZU/N1D8q1ciBAI/s320/DalaiLamaBlessing.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207684856135924146" /=""></a> . To read today’s FREE, fun, politically Incorrect, daily essay, “Treasure of the Dalai Lamas” go to: <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Treasure-Dalai.html">http://www.lamajigme.com/Treasure-Dalai.html </a> http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/107/Treasure_of_the_Dalai_Lamas Tue, 3 Jun 2008 15:51:00 -0000 Hiding from Reality . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #203 from your Buddhism expert A sweet and earnest 12-stepper, who was exploring Hindu mysticism, enthusiastically shared some of her guru’s advice with me. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SD9NujX_f9I/AAAAAAAAAYc/UBcerkEHAgQ/s1600-h/LoveGuru2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SD9NujX_f9I/AAAAAAAAAYc/UBcerkEHAgQ/s320/LoveGuru2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205965156428775378" /=""></a> The utter nonsense that he was passing off as spiritual guidance was, “Always Return to your Breath.” Hmmm sounds nice {in a mindlessly superficial sort of way}, but what was his point? He was advising his students to turn from their sufferings of sorrow, fear, aggression and turmoil and run into the arms of Breathing meditation. <blockquote>What a steaming Load of Monkey Poop!</blockquote> Yes, just as I taught in “<a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Centering-Questions.html">The Centering Questions</a>” the tranquility offered by effective breathing meditation can be calming, peaceful and blissful. But it can also be deceptively seductive. <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SD9OWzX_f-I/AAAAAAAAAYk/q35gX_TGsh8/s1600-h/Seductive.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SD9OWzX_f-I/AAAAAAAAAYk/q35gX_TGsh8/s320/Seductive.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205965847918510050" /=""></a> Listen, before Buddha was Buddha, when he was still Gautama the Monk, he quickly mastered the eight “Jha-nas” of deep meditation. But he quickly observed that whatever painful emotion drove him to mediate, was NOT diss... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/106/Hiding_from_Reality Fri, 30 May 2008 00:39:00 -0000 Chenrezig . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #202 from your Buddhism expert The great Tibetan saint, <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Books.html">Patrul Rinpoche </a>wrote: Ah! Fount of compassion, my root teacher, Lord Chen-re-zig, you are my only protector! The Six-syllable mantra, essence of your speech is the sublime Dhar-ma; from now on I have NO hope BUT you! Two generations later, the 14th Dalai Lama’s late teacher, <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Books.html">Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche</a>, explained: <blockquote>Chen-re-zig is a fully enlightened Buddha who,</blockquote> in order to benefit beings, takes on the form of a Bo-dhi-sat-tva. All the Buddhas have but one nature and their compassion is embodied in Chen-re-zig. As the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas, Chen-re-zig is at the same time the source of all Buddhas and Bo-dhi-sat-tvas, since compassion is the very root of enlightenment. Chen-re-zig is compassion itself in the form of a deity. <blockquote>Chen-re-zig is the Buddha,</blockquote> Chen-re-zig is the Dhar-ma, Chen-re-zig is the Sang-ha; Chen-re-zig is the Gu-ru, Chen-... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/105/Chenrezig Tue, 27 May 2008 21:07:00 -0000 Forever is too Long to be Wrong . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #201 from your Buddhism expert Hello boys and girls, and welcome to Torquemada central; where we track fear mongers so we can be real sure not to fall for their slippery devices. <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTadDX_fwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/F9MTp9kpXTA/s1600-h/SmoothJazz.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTadDX_fwI/AAAAAAAAAW0/F9MTp9kpXTA/s320/SmoothJazz.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203023662176763650" /=""></img></a> This afternoon I was standing at the sink, enjoying Smooth Jazz on the radio, while doing the dishes. Then I heard it. A fear monger had actually shelled out plenty of peanuts to have his commercial professionally produced. He then shelled out even more denero to buy plenty of air time, late in the afternoon, when fatigue and stress had suitably softened-up the listeners, thus lowering their resistance to his fear oriented commercial. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbDTX_fxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/H3GExHfteMA/s1600-h/stress_070508_ms.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbDTX_fxI/AAAAAAAAAW8/H3GExHfteMA/s320/stress_070508_ms.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203024319306759954" /=""></img></a> Vince Lombardi is famous for saying, <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbtjX_fzI/AAAAAAAAAXM/8mmqyOBBCX8/s1600-h/VinceLombardi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbtjX_fzI/AAAAAAAAAXM/8mmqyOBBCX8/s320/VinceLombardi.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203025045156233010" /=""></img></a> <blockquote>“Fatigue makes Cowards of us All”</blockquote> and he was correct. That’s right kids, those fear mongers sure can be whiley! <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbaTX_fyI/AAAAAAAAAXE/xRc2jmWmTBg/s1600-h/WhleyCyote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center; cursor:pointer; cursor:hand; " src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDTbaTX_fyI/AAAAAAAAAXE/xRc2jmWmTBg/s320/WhleyCyote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203024714443751202" /=""></img></a> Yeah, this fear monger was extra sneaky. First he began the commercial with a guest, giving his testimonial in a way that made it sound like a hospital or an insurance ... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/104/Forever_is_too_Long_to_be_Wrong Thu, 22 May 2008 00:59:00 -0000 Masters of Minutia . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #200 from your Buddhism expert Have you met them? You know, the men and women who fancy themselves as great masters of the metaphysical. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIftpvG7tI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dyBHhfDCIoY/s1600-h/Wizard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIftpvG7tI/AAAAAAAAAVs/dyBHhfDCIoY/s320/Wizard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202255388724358866" /></a> I’ve known men and woman of this sort who consistently and tragically miss the forest for the trees. Have you ever met folks like this? <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIf6ZvG7uI/AAAAAAAAAV0/WJJdr0SZipo/s1600-h/TreeForest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIf6ZvG7uI/AAAAAAAAAV0/WJJdr0SZipo/s320/TreeForest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202255607767690978" /></a> I’ve encountered folks who proudly boasted of mastering the trivial art of: <blockquote>Manifesting Parking Spaces.</blockquote> I don’t know where you live, but here, in southern California’s San Diego County, parking spaces can really seem scarce, especially at special events, especially at malls, especially at holiday time. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIgIJvG7vI/AAAAAAAAAV8/vsyWl6LbcTw/s1600-h/ScarceSpots.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SDIgIJvG7vI/AAAAAAAAAV8/vsyWl6LbcTw/s320/ScarceSpots.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5202255843990892274" /></a> Yet I know a man and a woman who pride themselves on always finding a great parking space in a minimum amount of time. Yep, those two sure are good at “manifesting” parking spaces. Tragically, although those two are very accomplished at “conjuring” parking spaces they are absolute failures at manifesting truly abundant: • vocational success, • financial pr... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/103/Masters_of_Minutia Tue, 20 May 2008 00:43:00 -0000 The Proof of the Pudding is in the Tasting . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #199 from your Buddhism expert This is so cool! I was just wondering what I’d write about next and then a very honest fellow wrote me saying: <blockquote>“I’m a little wary because some people told me you were not who you say you are.”</blockquote> Of course I could be a wise ass and write: Just because some folks tell you I’m a “Big Mac” doesn’t mean Mc Donald’s is going to serve me for lunch! <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCycgZvG7hI/AAAAAAAAAUM/iBdcgg3eClY/s1600-h/BigMac.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCycgZvG7hI/AAAAAAAAAUM/iBdcgg3eClY/s320/BigMac.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200703750184300050" /></a> But no, that is far too beneath me. I’d rather use this opportunity to explore Buddha’s only standard for evaluating a teacher. In the Sutta of the Kalama’s Dilemma we read that one day Lord Buddha was trucking down the road, just grooving on the wonders of the present moment with a handful of disciples; when the town fathers, of the city of the Ka-la-mas, flagged them down. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCyczpvG7iI/AAAAAAAAAUU/dMf1inM_83E/s1600-h/FlagingDown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCyczpvG7iI/AAAAAAAAAUU/dMf1inM_83E/s320/FlagingDown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200704080896781858" /></a> Lord Buddha, they explained, we’s got a heap a trouble! So many teachers with so many instructions come through our town. All the teachers are different and all the instructions are d... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/102/The_Proof_of_the_Pudding_is_in_the_Tasting Thu, 15 May 2008 20:23:00 -0000 Blessings for You . Buddha’s Lost Secrets: Tips on Meditation & the Spiritual path #198 from your Buddhism expert If you’re reading this essay then you’re more than just a list subscriber… you’re a student. That’s why I care about your spiritual practice, that’s why I care about your consequential happiness and that’s why I invoke the Buddha’s blessings on your behalf. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjcopvG7aI/AAAAAAAAATU/-xFTEP07H1s/s1600-h/1253467710_l.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjcopvG7aI/AAAAAAAAATU/-xFTEP07H1s/s320/1253467710_l.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199648360755555746" /></a> Here are some of those blessings… May you blissfully and productively meditate twice a day, everyday; Om Mani Padme Hum! <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjc05vG7bI/AAAAAAAAATc/9rHbgkGNGHU/s1600-h/kayumanis-front.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjc05vG7bI/AAAAAAAAATc/9rHbgkGNGHU/s320/kayumanis-front.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199648571208953266" /></a> Once you attain enlightenment, may you help many others to do likewise; Om Mani Padme Hum! May the awareness of impermanence liberate you from the suffering of habitual grasping; Om Mani Padme Hum! <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjdBpvG7cI/AAAAAAAAATk/vB-U64SF3IE/s1600-h/grasping.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjdBpvG7cI/AAAAAAAAATk/vB-U64SF3IE/s320/grasping.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199648790252285378" /></a> May you receive Buddha’s lost secrets; Om Mani Padme Hum! May the realization of inter-connection shatter your illusion of separateness; Om Mani Padme Hum! <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjdRpvG7dI/AAAAAAAAATs/psiBK7rnfig/s1600-h/shatter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCjdRpvG7dI/AAAAAAAAATs/psiBK7rnfig/s320/shatter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5199649065130192338" /></a> May you always be blessed by the constant and perfect protector who knows all things; Om Mani Padme Hum! May you joyfully make the most of these freedoms and opportunities that you... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/101/Blessings_for_You Tue, 13 May 2008 00:08:00 -0000 Good Breathing . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #197 from your Buddhism expert A Pilipino psychic healer once said something quite compelling. May I share it with you? She said… <blockquote>Good Breathing… Good Life, Poor Breathing… Poor Life, No Breathing… No Life!</blockquote> <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCNGVgVZstI/AAAAAAAAASs/_yyAV8RP-i4/s1600-h/death.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCNGVgVZstI/AAAAAAAAASs/_yyAV8RP-i4/s320/death.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198075730186580690" /></a> I urge you to resist the “knee-jerk” reaction to exclaim, <blockquote>“No, Duh!”</blockquote> For many years I was guilty of failing to heed this sage advice. And for many years I suffered from weakened: • health, • strength and… • stamina; I want better for you, dear reader. When skimming the Buddhist prayer-book and guided meditation resource {available for FREE <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com">download</a>} you could notice that it is organized like a sandwich. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCNGjAVZsuI/AAAAAAAAAS0/CMtXi_FILw0/s1600-h/peanut_butter_jelly_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCNGjAVZsuI/AAAAAAAAAS0/CMtXi_FILw0/s320/peanut_butter_jelly_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198075962114814690" /></a> The bottom slice of bread is comprised of the prayers, invocations and recitations of the “Opening Recitation.” The peanut butter could be the Semi-verbal contemplations such as: • the three paths of Liberation, • the three paths of Peace or… • the three paths of Happiness. The jelly could be the Silent meditations of: • the Centering Questio... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/100/Good_Breathing Thu, 8 May 2008 18:16:00 -0000 Two Trios . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #196 from your Buddhism expert Is devotion to the Buddha of Compassion the only path to full enlightenment in one lifetime? No, of course not. It’s just the fastest. <a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCBllpANGwI/AAAAAAAAAR0/GhiQi2vWsOs/s1600-h/Many+Paths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCBllpANGwI/AAAAAAAAAR0/GhiQi2vWsOs/s320/Many+Paths.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197265667321830146" /></a> There is this thing we call the divine. And we’re always slapping all kinds of labels on it. What are some of the names we could already be familiar with? <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCBl05ANGxI/AAAAAAAAAR8/ttuzUUCN6XA/s1600-h/Labels1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SCBl05ANGxI/AAAAAAAAAR8/ttuzUUCN6XA/s320/Labels1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197265929314835218" /></a> We can call it: Dharmakaya, Chenrezig, Vajradhara, Samantabhadra, Vairochana, Amitabha, Dhammakaya, Sky Spirit, God and Goddess, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Shiva, Krishna, Bhrama, or Tao. Regardless of what labels we fancy, we all use the same four ideas to describe the divine. What could they be? We describe the divine as: • all powerful, • all loving, • all knowing and… • all present. Regardless of the labels we bandy about, water is still water, sky is still sky, a rose is still a rose and dog poop still stinks. Likewise, despite differences in language, tradition, culture, belief, cosm... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/99/Two_Trios Tue, 6 May 2008 14:03:00 -0000 Falling Dominos . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #195 from your Buddhism expert As a kid I loved dominos, how about you? No, not the pizza. They didn’t have Domino’s Pizza when I was a little boy… yes I’m that old. And no, it wasn’t the game I liked so much. No, what I loved about dominos was playing with them as if they were building blocks. But absolutely the most fun was balancing the dominos on their sides, in a line and then tipping the first one over into the second, and then sit back and watch the chain reaction. It looked cool, and sounded even better. Could you recall the sound of a domino chain reaction? There’s nothing like it. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SB-qnpANGoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/bLJ9vnUGhjQ/s1600-h/dominos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SB-qnpANGoI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/bLJ9vnUGhjQ/s320/dominos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5197060093007174274" /></a> Individually, a domino isn’t much. But in concert with others dominos, arranged just so, they can create quite a memorable effect. Likewise, the minor adversities in our lives can be negligible by themselves, but when combined with other petty inconveniences in our lives, can create quite the drama. What are some of the ways you could have felt the d... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/98/Falling_Dominos Tue, 6 May 2008 00:41:00 -0000 The Devils gonna Get you if you don't Watch Out! Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #195 from your Buddhism expert You could be as unobservant as Lois Lane and still see that there are plenty of fear mongers in every religion. In every religion on every continent, on every world there are two types of teachers; Fear- mongers and Love-mongers. A great example of a Love- monger could be Saint Francis of Assisi <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/SaintFrancisAssisi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/SaintFrancisAssisi.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> and a great example of a Fear-monger could be Tomas de Torquemada of the Spanish Inquisition <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Torquemada.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Torquemada.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> In every religion Torquemadas can be found undermining folks’ peace with tales of hell, damnation, unspeakable suffering and torment; designed to manipulate the masses. And yes, hell- fire Torquemadas can even be found in Buddhism telling sincere folks of their certain rebirth in either the hot or cold hells. <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Buddhist_hell1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.lamajigme.com/images/Buddhist_hell1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Yes, fear can be quite effective at manipulating the masses but it comes at too high a price. In the short term fear can undermine the peace that is integral to Buddha’s path. And in the long term fear can breed resentment... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/97/The_Devils_gonna_Get_you_if_you_dont_Watch_Out Sat, 3 May 2008 00:17:00 -0000 How Rude! . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #194 from your Buddhism expert I carefully stepped off the Bus. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBYqq5ANGhI/AAAAAAAAAP8/iT3lWdlCpaY/s1600-h/bus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBYqq5ANGhI/AAAAAAAAAP8/iT3lWdlCpaY/s320/bus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194386136562997778" /></a> My cloth shopping bags, bulging with fresh produce, subtly swung from the straps from which they hung on my shoulders. In my left hand I held Sunday’s Intermediate Sadhana {or practice text} open to the skies. I was wearing the robes of a Tibetan monk and my head was shorn in the style of the Dalai Lama. In my right hand I counted beads on my mala {or Buddhist rosary} while I softly recited <a href="http://www.lamajigme.com/Mastering-The-Mani.html"> Om Mani Padme Hum </a>as I slowly walked home. It was apparent to all that this Buddhist monk, <a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBYrfpANGiI/AAAAAAAAAQE/DDfZq0nwZlI/s1600-h/Walking+Meditation.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBYrfpANGiI/AAAAAAAAAQE/DDfZq0nwZlI/s320/Walking+Meditation.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5194387042801097250" /></a> was meditating. <blockquote>“Aren’t you hot?”</blockquote> a young lady demanded. She expected me to: • stop walking, • stop the important task of meditating, • and engage her in pointless conversation, upon a frivolous topic that was not at all pertinent to her real spiritual or emotional needs. Rather than do her the disservice of indulging her manipulative and controlling tendencies I gently smiled and silently lifted my r... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/96/How_Rude Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:23:00 -0000 The Myth of Attachment . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #193 from your Buddhism expert “Seek and Destroy” is a kick ass song by Metallica. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBJIfVDDKPI/AAAAAAAAAPU/NJZqKNVxGD4/s1600-h/Metallica_9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBJIfVDDKPI/AAAAAAAAAPU/NJZqKNVxGD4/s320/Metallica_9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193293023374682354" /></a> It’s also a hair brained attitude that many would-be Buddhists embrace. It comes from confusion and it leads to frustration. Mistake #1: Over simplification. Of course Buddha taught that grasping leads to suffering, but is that all he taught? In 84,000 discourses given over 40 years is that all Buddha taught? Of course not, only a moron would insist on that. And it is equally moronic to practice as if that was all he ever taught. Mistake #2: Judeo-Christian baggage. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBJJoVDDKQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/gpa4qIafm9g/s1600-h/sorting-baggage.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBJJoVDDKQI/AAAAAAAAAPc/gpa4qIafm9g/s320/sorting-baggage.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193294277505132802" /></a> Many folks are happy to be Jews, Christians or Muslims. And I say, “God Bless ‘em.” And if someone who was born into a Judeo-Christian family or culture wishes to later practice the Buddha’s teachings that’s fine as well. BUT to drag one’s Judeo-Christian views and practices into Buddhism and simply give them Dharma-sounding labels is a colossal error. Buddha warned us to relinquish our grasp ... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/95/The_Myth_of_Attachment Fri, 25 Apr 2008 21:07:00 -0000 The Pseudo-intellectual Side-step . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #193 from your Buddhism expert Hey kids, there’s a new dance step. It’s called the Pseudo-intellectual Side-step and with it you can avoid doing anything you fear or find distasteful, while appearing wise, sincere and spiritual, to the truly dim-witted. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBDMIVDDKKI/AAAAAAAAAOs/Ge4tK1QCOWE/s1600-h/Dance.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBDMIVDDKKI/AAAAAAAAAOs/Ge4tK1QCOWE/s320/Dance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192874813819136162" /></a> Of course this begs the question, “Hey, what more important to you: what you are or what you appear to be?” If you are more concerned with the opinion of the slack-jaw, gap-toothed, mouth-breathing, knuckle-dragers that we call the mass of humanity, then the Pseudo-intellectual Side-step could be for you. <a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBDNE1DDKLI/AAAAAAAAAO0/n5Q6cHSC9Og/s1600-h/Crowd-702052.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SBDNE1DDKLI/AAAAAAAAAO0/n5Q6cHSC9Og/s320/Crowd-702052.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192875853201221810" /></a> But how do you perform this tragic time-waster? Easy! FIRST: identify what it is that you don’t want to do. For instance, some folks dread the thought of abandoning their attachments. They sincerely feel that it would involve far too much effort, pain, fear and loss. SECOND: figure out how you wish to be perceived. Many feel it is more important to be perceived as wise, sincere and enth... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/94/The_Pseudo-intellectual_Side-step Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:04:00 -0000 Petty One-ups-manship . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #192 from your Buddhism expert George has a problem with petty one-ups-manship. He characteristically and habitually dis-empowers others in an effort to enhance his self esteem. Perhaps an example could help. George’s friend, John, is in a difficult relationship. The other night John had an epiphany about his partner, Marsha. It increased both his insight into her character as well as his compassion for her dilemma. When John tried to share this good news with his friend, George, it did not work out very well. In a fit of petty one-ups-manship George could not help but verbally cut-off John and exclaim “I could have told you that a year ago!” Why would George rudely cut his friend off? Because he is allowing himself to be a slave to his impulses. Why didn’t George congratulate John on his insight? Because George loves himself far more then his friend. And making himself feel good seemed much more important to George, than making his friend ... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/93/Petty_One-ups-manship Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:14:00 -0000 Dental Rapture . Tips on Meditation and the Spiritual path - idea #191 from your Buddhism expert Ah, the rapture of a dental appointment. Come, let us count the facets of this masochistic jewel. <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SAzpO3nR66I/AAAAAAAAAOM/m8YgA2p2VaA/s1600-h/Dentest1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SAzpO3nR66I/AAAAAAAAAOM/m8YgA2p2VaA/s320/Dentest1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191780912107482018" /></a> • There is the subtle annoyance of arriving early for an 8:15 appointment, only to be kept waiting until 9 O’clock; • the fear inspired by the mere sight of the syringes and drills as well as anticipating their use; • the discomfort of having a mouth full of fingers and their tools; • the pain that occurs when the duration of the procedure exceeds the potency of the anesthetic; • and the utter exhaustion that can result from simply weathering this smorgasbord of unpleasantness! <a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SAzp23nR67I/AAAAAAAAAOU/j4AO-KuoyaU/s1600-h/salid%2420bar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_cLKcx_4qLpo/SAzp23nR67I/AAAAAAAAAOU/j4AO-KuoyaU/s320/salid%2420bar.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191781599302249394" /></a> What could we do with all these unpleasant sensations? Bring them into Buddha’s path of Love and Letting-go. If we define compassion as “longing to take away another’s sufferings” then who, I ask you, who do we spontaneously feel compassion for? Ourselves! When we feel annoyance, fear, discomfort, pain and exhaustion do we crave more or le... http://lamajigme.multiply.com/journal/item/92/Dental_Rapture Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:20:00 -0000 Lama's Photos http://lamajigme.multiply.com/photos/album/1/Lamas_Photos Wed, 2 May 2007 18:18:29 -0000