Category: Artifact

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Surely

There are those who suffer the torments of war, famine, plague. 
Surely we are in the realm of hells.
There are those who suffer from greed and can never consume enough. 
Surely we are in the realm of hungry ghosts.
There are those who suffer from being hunted, preyed upon, enslaved. 
Surely we are in the realm of beasts.
There are those who suffer the heartaches of humanity and practice compassion. 
Surely we are in the realm of humans.
There are those who fly in the air, ride in horseless iron chariots. 
Surely we are in the realm of the Demi-gods.
There are those who can annihilate millions with grave weapons of war. 
Surely we are in the realm of the Gods.

If I do not practice compassion diligently, if I do not guard my mind, surely I will suffer in Samsara.
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Samsara Mapped

Dhamma wheel
Samsara Thanka

Illustrations: Samsara Thanka (shown), Rings key, Rings C &  D key, Full circle detail, Top circle detail, Bottom circle detail.

(P) Perimeter:

Shakyamuni Buddha (top left), The Mantra OM MA-NI PAD-ME HUM (top center), Avalokiteśvara (top right). “Monster holding the wheel” signifies that the entire process of cyclic existence is caught within transience/impermanence. 

(A) Hub

The Three Poisons: Desire; Hatred, Root Ignorance
Depicted respectively as: Rooster, Pig, Snake

(B) Half Circles Surrounding Hub

Indicate virtuous (white, ascending) and non-virtuous (black descending) actions

(C) Six Transmigrations (Realms of Existence)

(C1) Gods
(C2) Demigods (Devas)
(C3) Humans
(C4) Animals
(C5) Hungry ghosts  (Pretas)
(C6) Hell beings

(D) Twelve Links of Dependent Origination: indicated by…

(D1) ignorance: … an old, blind person hobbling with a cane
(D2) compositional action: a potter making a wheel
(D3) consciousness: a monkey
—— cause-consciousness
—— effect-consciousness
(D4) name and form: person(s) in a boat
(D5) sense spheres: an empty house with six windows
(D6) contact: a man and women touching, kissing
(D7) feeling: an arrow in person’s eye
(D8) attachment: persons partying
(D9) grasping: a person grabbing at fruit in a tree
(D10) existence: a couple copulating or pregnant woman
(D11) birth: a women giving birth
(D12) aging and death:  person with burdens

Reference: “The Meaning of Life: Buddhist Perspectives on Cause and Effect by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

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Promethean Quest

In quest to find that perfect,

It wise that intellect reflect,

How self for self defines perfect,

And rest in reflection of perfection.   

“The mind is the sole generator of good and bad. There are many occasions when the thoughts which arise in the mind, even if they are not translated into speech or action, have a very strong positive or negative effect. So always examine your mind.” – Words of My Perfect Teacher.

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The Guru’s Precepts

Dhamma wheel

From “Lady of the Lotus Born” chapter 5 “Practice” herein an excerpt wherein Guru Rinpoche  and Yeshe Tsogyal address the  practice of austerity.

“This precious human form is a stream of gold. If you have gained it and are wise to use it, You will find continuous sustenance.”

Pledge to Practice austerity in…

  • Nourishment
  • Clothing
  • Speech
  • Body
  • Mind
  • Doctrine
  • Selfless Kindness
  • Compassion

“Thus [practice the eight great teachings that are hard to practice] holding others dearer than self without thought for life, for body, for worldly power and you will embody all the Buddha’s Teaching.”

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4 Truth

4 reflection on  a multifaceted jewel so as I may understand:

The first truth, the nature of existence understood, exemplified succinctly by the three characteristics of existence.

The second truth, abandonment of illusion, exemplified  succinctly by the 12 links of dependent origination.

The third truth, realization, exemplified  succinctly by the three aspects of the path: determination to be free; arousing Bodhicitta (awakening mind); Prajnaparamita (perfected wisdom). 

The fourth truth, the way of the Conqueror, it is simply the Eightfold Path of developing morality, concentration, and wisdom, in which the first step therein is itself “Right View” established on these same Four Noble Truths.

All (practice, realization itself) are dependent on causation wherein what is to be realized is not.