Discovering Buddhism - How To Meditate (10 November 2011)

0:09 Jessica, I do need to plug this in. I don't have a whole lot of power here. I've got about 23%. For questions, please. Okay. Report an error in the passage at 0:09 Highlight the passage at 0:09

0:29 I don't think it's going to work there, but I can try. I'll try to pull this over. Report an error in the passage at 0:29 Highlight the passage at 0:29

0:45 Okay. You get a little bit of time when it goes. Welcome, everyone. Welcome back. We have lights tonight, so that's a step in the right direction. Report an error in the passage at 0:45 Highlight the passage at 0:45

1:00 And I Report an error in the passage at 1:00 Highlight the passage at 1:00

1:05 hope you all had a reasonable time getting here. It seems like traffic was pretty horrendous everywhere tonight. Report an error in the passage at 1:05 Highlight the passage at 1:05

1:17 We're going to start. I'll take this out for a moment. I have a couple of announcements. So for those who are interested, Venerable Chucky mentioned that Geshe Dagpa is going to be Giving refuge for people who might be interested this, I think, November 13th. I have a feeling that's this Sunday, correct? And it's at 10 a.m. Report an error in the passage at 1:17 Highlight the passage at 1:17

1:42 And if you are interested, you may contact her. And Teresa, do you remember, is Chookie's email lchookie at gmail.com? If you want, email me and I can email you the information. And there's some... Report an error in the passage at 1:42 Highlight the passage at 1:42

2:02 Just general information that she supplied in terms of what the vows are, what's involved, you know, sort of sorting through the various vows. And it's just, you know, these opportunities arise from time to time, so it's nothing. If you're not ready, don't worry about it, but if you've been thinking about it. Report an error in the passage at 2:02 Highlight the passage at 2:02

2:23 Taking refuge is sort of like officially choosing to study, you know, to make Buddhism your path. It literally is called taking refuge and it involves making a commitment, taking a vow to take refuge in Buddha, Dharma and Saṅgha. Report an error in the passage at 2:23 Highlight the passage at 2:23

2:45 Part of the vows are remembering your refuge vows three times in the morning and three times in the evening. There are some other things in terms of just trying to live a good life, refraining from negative actions. Creating positive actions. Usually when you take refuge, it's with a qualified teacher who has received those vows and the permission to give those vows. Report an error in the passage at 2:45 Highlight the passage at 2:45

3:16 And as we mentioned before, I think briefly, because you're taking vows, that teacher becomes one of your teachers. So there's sort of a formal teacher. Report an error in the passage at 3:16 Highlight the passage at 3:16

3:34 Thank you, Jessica. Cool. Oh, no, no. It's great. No, no, no. We're fine. Report an error in the passage at 3:34 Highlight the passage at 3:34

3:47 Anybody have any questions or any comments on the last week? Did anybody try some analytical meditation? We're going to do some tonight. Report an error in the passage at 3:47 Highlight the passage at 3:47

3:59 But before we do that, let's just set our motivation with a little bit of stabilizing meditation now. So as usual, just... Find your comfortable position, your back straight but not stiff. Imagine your spine is like a row of coins, your shoulders back but relaxed again, your arms, your elbows out, either your right palm on top of your left with your thumbs touching or your palms resting on your knees. Report an error in the passage at 3:59 Highlight the passage at 3:59

4:32 You could be sitting in a chair, sitting cross-legged on the floor, on the cushion, whatever works best for you. Report an error in the passage at 4:32 Highlight the passage at 4:32

4:43 And if you can, it's good to keep your eyes slightly open, just looking at the floor about three feet in front of you, your tongue behind your upper teeth, your head tilted forward slightly, and Report an error in the passage at 4:43 Highlight the passage at 4:43

5:05 also breathe through your nose if you can, just at a comfortable pace, not too deeply, not too lightly. Report an error in the passage at 5:05 Highlight the passage at 5:05

5:17 Let's begin by focusing our attention on the breath. Report an error in the passage at 5:17 Highlight the passage at 5:17

· · · silence, 1 minute

6:48 And now just recalling that Report an error in the passage at 6:48 Highlight the passage at 6:48

6:54 motivation of bodhicitta. Wishing to benefit others, Report an error in the passage at 6:54 Highlight the passage at 6:54

7:09 putting aside the self-cherishing mind, developing the mind that cherishes others. Report an error in the passage at 7:09 Highlight the passage at 7:09

7:24 So generate this wish in your heart that all beings may be happy, Report an error in the passage at 7:24 Highlight the passage at 7:24

7:31 that they may be free of suffering, Report an error in the passage at 7:31 Highlight the passage at 7:31

7:48 and deciding to really take Report an error in the passage at 7:48 Highlight the passage at 7:48

7:56 an active part in this by working, studying, developing these meditation techniques, Report an error in the passage at 7:56 Highlight the passage at 7:56

8:10 taming our minds. Report an error in the passage at 8:10 Highlight the passage at 8:10

8:15 With the goal of attaining enlightenment for the sake of all beings. Report an error in the passage at 8:15 Highlight the passage at 8:15

8:39 So just keeping that motivation in your heart now Report an error in the passage at 8:39 Highlight the passage at 8:39

8:46 and at any moment when you think about it. Report an error in the passage at 8:46 Highlight the passage at 8:46

8:53 Making that your heart motivation for everything you do. Report an error in the passage at 8:53 Highlight the passage at 8:53

9:13 Thank you. Let's take a little review now of last week. We Report an error in the passage at 9:13 Highlight the passage at 9:13

9:24 talked about analytical meditation. Report an error in the passage at 9:24 Highlight the passage at 9:24

9:36 Jenna, do we have that little something to... sort of end, you know, we have that little chime. there's also actually that bowl back there out sorry things are a little tonight Report an error in the passage at 9:36 Highlight the passage at 9:36

9:57 you, Teresa. I don't see it here, but, you know, I can also use the bowl. I just can't get to it. I don't want to go. I'm afraid of it. You have your own bowl. Oh, thank you. Perfect. Report an error in the passage at 9:57 Highlight the passage at 9:57

10:18 So last Report an error in the passage at 10:18 Highlight the passage at 10:18

10:24 week we We took on the subject of analytical meditation and we said that it was a method of meditation that uses analysis. Report an error in the passage at 10:24 Highlight the passage at 10:24

10:36 The point of that was to really explore our conceptions, our thoughts, the things that we hold in our minds as what reality is. Report an error in the passage at 10:36 Highlight the passage at 10:36

10:51 We talked about ways to use this to deepen... Okay. And, um. Report an error in the passage at 10:51 Highlight the passage at 10:51

10:59 Our experience of these concepts. So we said that you could, you know, in terms of what do we analyze, we said that there were topics like the perfect human rebirth, death, impermanence, emptiness, could be love and compassion, could be anger. Report an error in the passage at 10:59 Highlight the passage at 10:59

11:20 But these topics are, they tend to be more abstract concepts, but they're concepts that we definitely have. We hold beliefs in our minds. We hold thoughts and just rationalizations of things. And so by doing this kind of analytical meditation, the purpose is to sort of examine those concepts that we hold and to essentially really look at them very critically and discover... Report an error in the passage at 11:20 Highlight the passage at 11:20

11:58 Sort of the weaknesses there and the faults and the mistakes that we have. Because we were talking about how oftentimes we know that someday we're going to die, that death comes to everyone, but we don't really live that way. We don't live our lives knowing that this could be our last day. Generally we go through life thinking that... Report an error in the passage at 11:58 Highlight the passage at 11:58

12:29 Yes, I'm going to die, but definitely not today. That's why it's always a surprise when it happens. So with this analytical meditation, we're sort of digging into things. We can explore anger. What makes me angry? You can kind of go through a very specific situation. Report an error in the passage at 12:29 Highlight the passage at 12:29

12:50 And what it enables us to do is take what we hold in kind of a rational place in our minds and really experience it. So this is what we're going to be trying to do. And last week I had planned to do a meditation. There's something called the nine-point death meditation. And we ran out of time. So we weren't able to do that meditation at all. Report an error in the passage at 12:50 Highlight the passage at 12:50

13:19 So I thought we could start with that one this week. And the point of this is not, you know, it's not to become obsessed with death or to create any kind of fear. Report an error in the passage at 13:19 Highlight the passage at 13:19

13:31 It's really to put aside those things and to understand more clearly what the death process will involve, what can help us at the time of death and what won't. And to sort of face death and prepare ourselves so that it isn't some sort of shock or surprise. The same thing happens when someone close to us dies. Report an error in the passage at 13:31 Highlight the passage at 13:31

13:59 It's very difficult because we're kind of conditioned to pretend that people don't die. We hear all this on the news, we hear a crash on the street and you think, oh my gosh, how can that be happening? But we live in the nature of this cyclic existence is such that impermanence is everywhere. Everything is in the nature of impermanence. Report an error in the passage at 13:59 Highlight the passage at 13:59

14:27 Including ourselves. So when we're doing this, as I mentioned, we're trying to get beyond sort of the intellectual level. And we're really trying to go deeper. So I'll be leading the meditation. And, you know, consider things sort of go along with the analysis. And if you come to a point, at any point, where something really strikes you inside. Report an error in the passage at 14:27 Highlight the passage at 14:27

14:57 That you feel like you have kind of that moment of, wow, it's like a new realization, just stay with it. And that's where you will apply the stabilizing meditation and just focus on that experience and just try to deepen it, just try to go with it. And then when that feeling starts to fade, then you can kind of come back and you can either rethink some of the analysis or, you know, listen again, it's perfectly fine to kind of tune out the meditation leader. Report an error in the passage at 14:57 Highlight the passage at 14:57

15:27 When you're experiencing that deeper understanding. Report an error in the passage at 15:27 Highlight the passage at 15:27

15:35 Anybody have any questions or anything? Report an error in the passage at 15:35 Highlight the passage at 15:35

15:46 So this one probably takes about maybe 20 minutes or so, maybe 30 minutes. If you need to adjust your position a little bit through this, it's perfectly fine. Just try to keep your mind light and let it go where it needs to go. Report an error in the passage at 15:46 Highlight the passage at 15:46

16:14 So again, just find that position that works for you and quiet the mind with a little bit of stabilizing meditation. Let's just focus on the breath, counting the breaths, seeing if you can reach a count of ten without the mind being distracted. Report an error in the passage at 16:14 Highlight the passage at 16:14

16:38 And just keep going to that count of ten. Mind wanders, just gently bring it back. Report an error in the passage at 16:38 Highlight the passage at 16:38

· · · silence, 1 minute

17:48 So the first point of this meditation is that everyone has to die. Report an error in the passage at 17:48 Highlight the passage at 17:48

17:55 We plan projects, activities, we plan for the coming days, months and years. Report an error in the passage at 17:55 Highlight the passage at 17:55

18:10 Death is the only event that's certain to occur, but we don't really count it among our plans. Report an error in the passage at 18:10 Highlight the passage at 18:10

18:31 So just think about people from the past, Report an error in the passage at 18:31 Highlight the passage at 18:31

18:44 presidents, Report an error in the passage at 18:44 Highlight the passage at 18:44

18:48 writers, musicians, Report an error in the passage at 18:48 Highlight the passage at 18:48

18:56 philosophers, Report an error in the passage at 18:56 Highlight the passage at 18:56

19:00 notorious people like criminals. Report an error in the passage at 19:00 Highlight the passage at 19:00

19:12 Maybe your grandparents, other family members. Report an error in the passage at 19:12 Highlight the passage at 19:12

19:23 So these people were all real. They were once alive. They worked. Report an error in the passage at 19:23 Highlight the passage at 19:23

19:34 They thought. They wrote. Report an error in the passage at 19:34 Highlight the passage at 19:34

19:41 They loved. They enjoyed life. And they suffered. Report an error in the passage at 19:41 Highlight the passage at 19:41

19:48 And finally they died. Report an error in the passage at 19:48 Highlight the passage at 19:48

20:07 And there's no one who ever lived who did not have to die. Even the Buddha. Report an error in the passage at 20:07 Highlight the passage at 20:07

20:18 The Buddha's life on this earth ended. No matter how wise. Wealthy, powerful or popular a person may be, Report an error in the passage at 20:18 Highlight the passage at 20:18

20:33 his or her life must come to an end. Report an error in the passage at 20:33 Highlight the passage at 20:33

20:39 This is the same for all living creatures. Report an error in the passage at 20:39 Highlight the passage at 20:39

20:46 Regardless of all Report an error in the passage at 20:46 Highlight the passage at 20:46

20:52 of the breakthroughs in medicine, there's no cure for death. Report an error in the passage at 20:52 Highlight the passage at 20:52

21:01 No one expects to be able to cure it, to eliminate it. Report an error in the passage at 21:01 Highlight the passage at 21:01

21:22 So just bring to your mind all the people you know, your friends, your family. Report an error in the passage at 21:22 Highlight the passage at 21:22

21:33 Just go through one by one and Report an error in the passage at 21:33 Highlight the passage at 21:33

21:39 realize that. Report an error in the passage at 21:39 Highlight the passage at 21:39

21:44 Each of them will die one day. If Report an error in the passage at 21:44 Highlight the passage at 21:44

22:08 you think of all the human beings alive on the earth right now, Report an error in the passage at 22:08 Highlight the passage at 22:08

22:24 a hundred years from now, only a handful of these billions of people will be alive. Report an error in the passage at 22:24 Highlight the passage at 22:24

22:35 We will all be dead. Report an error in the passage at 22:35 Highlight the passage at 22:35

22:40 Just think about this fact and try to experience it. Report an error in the passage at 22:40 Highlight the passage at 22:40

23:11 Each and every one of us will die. Report an error in the passage at 23:11 Highlight the passage at 23:11

23:23 In every moment, our lifespan is decreasing. Report an error in the passage at 23:23 Highlight the passage at 23:23

23:30 As we sit here, time is passing. Report an error in the passage at 23:30 Highlight the passage at 23:30

23:40 Seconds, minutes, hours go by. Days go by. Each day brings us closer and closer to death. Just Report an error in the passage at 23:40 Highlight the passage at 23:40

23:56 think about the fact that from the moment we were born, this is the point we've been rushing to. Just the end point of our lives, our deaths. Report an error in the passage at 23:56 Highlight the passage at 23:56

24:27 If you were to fall from an airplane without a parachute, you'd be fully aware of death's approach. Just imagine this is actually happening to you. Report an error in the passage at 24:27 Highlight the passage at 24:27

24:47 Just spend a moment with those feelings that arise. Just Report an error in the passage at 24:47 Highlight the passage at 24:47

25:16 how this brings to Report an error in the passage at 25:16 Highlight the passage at 25:16

25:25 It brings to the forefront the reality of death. Report an error in the passage at 25:25 Highlight the passage at 25:25

25:36 And in fact, our situation isn't really much different than the one we just imagined. Report an error in the passage at 25:36 Highlight the passage at 25:36

25:48 It's as though the Report an error in the passage at 25:48 Highlight the passage at 25:48

25:56 day we were born, we left that airplane. We're constantly moving towards death. There's nothing we can do to avoid it or postpone it. Report an error in the passage at 25:56 Highlight the passage at 25:56

26:32 And consider the amount of time spent during your life to develop your mind. Report an error in the passage at 26:32 Highlight the passage at 26:32

26:46 If we consider that mind alone continues after death, Report an error in the passage at 26:46 Highlight the passage at 26:46

26:54 the only thing that will be of any benefit when we die is any positive energy, any positive effect we've created during this life. Report an error in the passage at 26:54 Highlight the passage at 26:54

27:12 But how much time do we actually devote to understanding the mind, Report an error in the passage at 27:12 Highlight the passage at 27:12

27:18 to being kind to others, developing wisdom and compassion? Report an error in the passage at 27:18 Highlight the passage at 27:18

27:36 Think about how many hours we spend on sleep during the day, on an average day. The hours spent on work, Report an error in the passage at 27:36 Highlight the passage at 27:36

27:48 how many hours are spent eating, socializing, Report an error in the passage at 27:48 Highlight the passage at 27:48

27:59 even the time spent in negative emotions like being depressed, frustrated, bored, angry, resentful, jealous, lazy, Report an error in the passage at 27:59 Highlight the passage at 27:59

28:19 critical. Report an error in the passage at 28:19 Highlight the passage at 28:19

28:25 Compared to all this, how much time do we actually spend consciously trying to improve our state of mind? Report an error in the passage at 28:25 Highlight the passage at 28:25

28:37 Just take a moment to really think about this. Is Report an error in the passage at 28:37 Highlight the passage at 28:37

28:49 it 10%, 20 % of the day, Report an error in the passage at 28:49 Highlight the passage at 28:49

28:55 5 % of our time? Report an error in the passage at 28:55 Highlight the passage at 28:55

· · · silence, 1 minute

29:28 Just try to assess how much time you spend doing things that will bring positive results, Report an error in the passage at 29:28 Highlight the passage at 29:28

29:37 bring happiness for yourself and for others. Report an error in the passage at 29:37 Highlight the passage at 29:37

· · · silence, 1 minute

30:30 So just meditating on the inevitability of death like this helps us to develop the determination to use our life wisely, mindfully, to create this or develop mindfulness. Report an error in the passage at 30:30 Highlight the passage at 30:30

30:52 To just consider how we spend our time. So Report an error in the passage at 30:52 Highlight the passage at 30:52

· · · silence, 1 minute

31:36 understanding the inevitability of death. We also have to consider the uncertainty of the time of death. Report an error in the passage at 31:36 Highlight the passage at 31:36

31:50 So if as human beings we knew that we'd die at a specific age, say 88, whatever, we'd be able to have plenty of time to prepare, to know, just the certainty, to be ready. But we don't have that. Report an error in the passage at 31:50 Highlight the passage at 31:50

32:17 Most of the time death catches us by surprise. Life can end at any point, at birth, in childhood, in adolescence, basically at any age. Report an error in the passage at 32:17 Highlight the passage at 32:17

32:41 We can be young and healthy now, but there's still no guarantee that we will live much longer. Report an error in the passage at 32:41 Highlight the passage at 32:41

32:52 We can hope to live to 70 or 80, but we can't be certain we can do that. We can't even be certain that we will not die later today. Report an error in the passage at 32:52 Highlight the passage at 32:52

33:14 Hard to really experience this truth. Report an error in the passage at 33:14 Highlight the passage at 33:14

33:24 We tend to feel that since we've survived so far, our continuation is secure. Report an error in the passage at 33:24 Highlight the passage at 33:24

33:34 But people die every day and very few of them expect to. Report an error in the passage at 33:34 Highlight the passage at 33:34

33:41 So really think about this, about the uncertainty of the time of death. Report an error in the passage at 33:41 Highlight the passage at 33:41

33:48 So many things can happen, but there's really no, no guarantee at all. In Report an error in the passage at 33:48 Highlight the passage at 33:48

34:13 conjunction with this, there are just many causes of death. Report an error in the passage at 34:13 Highlight the passage at 34:13

34:22 We read about disasters in various parts of the world. We hear it on the news, we see it on the internet. Earthquakes, fires, floods, storms, terrorist acts. Report an error in the passage at 34:22 Highlight the passage at 34:22

34:39 All of these are just unexpected, unplanned for, but very final. Report an error in the passage at 34:39 Highlight the passage at 34:39

34:53 And even if we feel secure that where we are is not, we're not likely to be caught in some sort of disaster, there's still... Report an error in the passage at 34:53 Highlight the passage at 34:53

35:08 Heart attacks and various diseases, Report an error in the passage at 35:08 Highlight the passage at 35:08

35:23 car accidents, plane crashes. Report an error in the passage at 35:23 Highlight the passage at 35:23

35:34 People die in their sleep, in the womb, coming home from work, going to school, on the playing field. It happens anywhere at any time. We can die. Just contemplate this. Report an error in the passage at 35:34 Highlight the passage at 35:34

35:56 See that it's the nature of life on this planet, in this world, Report an error in the passage at 35:56 Highlight the passage at 35:56

36:05 that anyone of... Hundreds of causes can bring about death. Report an error in the passage at 36:05 Highlight the passage at 36:05

36:35 Another consideration is that the human body is so fragile. The body is extremely vulnerable. Report an error in the passage at 36:35 Highlight the passage at 36:35

36:46 It can be wounded and broken so easily. Report an error in the passage at 36:46 Highlight the passage at 36:46

36:54 It can be strong and active one moment and weak and full of pain the next. Report an error in the passage at 36:54 Highlight the passage at 36:54

37:16 You might feel healthy and energetic and secure right now, but something as small as a virus or as insignificant As a thorn, a bug bite, could just drain your strength and lead to your death. Report an error in the passage at 37:16 Highlight the passage at 37:16

37:44 Think about this, about the times you've hurt or injured your body and how easily this could happen again and even cause your death. Report an error in the passage at 37:44 Highlight the passage at 37:44

38:17 And even so, you know, your body won't last forever. Eventually the years will take their toll and your body will degenerate, lose its vitality, its beauty and finally die. Report an error in the passage at 38:17 Highlight the passage at 38:17

38:48 So just reflecting on this uncertainty in the time of death, that it could come at any time, Report an error in the passage at 38:48 Highlight the passage at 38:48

38:57 make the determination to really work on transforming the mind, Report an error in the passage at 38:57 Highlight the passage at 38:57

39:12 understanding that the future is so uncertain. Report an error in the passage at 39:12 Highlight the passage at 39:12

39:35 So then through this analysis coming to the realization that the only thing that really helps any of us at the time of death is our own spiritual insight. Report an error in the passage at 39:35 Highlight the passage at 39:35

39:51 So no matter what we've acquired or developed throughout life, Whether it's friends and family, wealth, power, Report an error in the passage at 39:51 Highlight the passage at 39:51

40:06 travel, none of it goes with us at death. Report an error in the passage at 40:06 Highlight the passage at 40:06

40:15 The only thing that continues is our stream of consciousness and that carries the imprints of all we have thought, felt, said and done. Report an error in the passage at 40:15 Highlight the passage at 40:15

40:39 The only things that will truly benefit us at the time of death are the imprints left by our development of love, of wisdom. Report an error in the passage at 40:39 Highlight the passage at 40:39

40:52 Patience, compassion, Report an error in the passage at 40:52 Highlight the passage at 40:52

40:58 kindness. Report an error in the passage at 40:58 Highlight the passage at 40:58

41:17 Think about how it would be if you died right now. Are you at peace with yourself, peace with others who are close to you? Report an error in the passage at 41:17 Highlight the passage at 41:17

41:31 Are there unresolved conflicts? Report an error in the passage at 41:31 Highlight the passage at 41:31

41:38 All these imprints go with us. Report an error in the passage at 41:38 Highlight the passage at 41:38

41:50 So realizing this, we develop the motivation to Report an error in the passage at 41:50 Highlight the passage at 41:50

41:58 live a meaningful life, to use this time that we do have to resolve issues. And to develop our minds to live with mindfulness. Report an error in the passage at 41:58 Highlight the passage at 41:58

· · · silence, 1 minute

42:48 So then just imagine that you are actually dying. Just visualizing yourself on your deathbed. Your body growing weaker by the minute. Report an error in the passage at 42:48 Highlight the passage at 42:48

42:59 Where do your thoughts turn? Report an error in the passage at 42:59 Highlight the passage at 42:59

43:17 When we are unhappy or ill, often times we take refuge in material comforts. But now, on our deathbeds, can food, medicine, sleep, music? Report an error in the passage at 43:17 Highlight the passage at 43:17

43:36 Drugs, alcohol, can any of these help? Just think of your possessions, the things you've made such an effort to acquire. Report an error in the passage at 43:36 Highlight the passage at 43:36

43:48 What help are they now? Report an error in the passage at 43:48 Highlight the passage at 43:48

44:09 Do you still feel attachment to those things? Even though they're useless now, Report an error in the passage at 44:09 Highlight the passage at 44:09

44:23 just try to recognize your dependence on them, realizing that you can't take them with you, Report an error in the passage at 44:23 Highlight the passage at 44:23

44:38 that they're no help at death, Report an error in the passage at 44:38 Highlight the passage at 44:38

44:46 and that any attachment for them Only makes this death process more difficult. Report an error in the passage at 44:46 Highlight the passage at 44:46

44:55 Keeps us from dying peacefully and Report an error in the passage at 44:55 Highlight the passage at 44:55

45:04 freely. It's like something holding on to us. We're Report an error in the passage at 45:04 Highlight the passage at 45:04

45:14 trying to hold on to something tightly when it's being ripped out of your hand. Report an error in the passage at 45:14 Highlight the passage at 45:14

45:27 And then as you visualize yourself on your deathbed, just think of turning to those you love for help. Report an error in the passage at 45:27 Highlight the passage at 45:27

45:41 All those who've had much concern and affection for you. Giving you so much comfort and security. But now as your consciousness is slipping away, there's little they can do for you. Report an error in the passage at 45:41 Highlight the passage at 45:41

45:56 You are totally alone in your experience of death. Report an error in the passage at 45:56 Highlight the passage at 45:56

46:11 Just think about this and realize that clinging to loved ones and feeling grief at the thought of separating from them only creates turmoil in our minds. Report an error in the passage at 46:11 Highlight the passage at 46:11

46:23 Again, making a peaceful death very difficult. Report an error in the passage at 46:23 Highlight the passage at 46:23

46:35 So recognize these feelings as attachment. Report an error in the passage at 46:35 Highlight the passage at 46:35

46:43 And that they're just harmful Report an error in the passage at 46:43 Highlight the passage at 46:43

46:54 to us, harmful to our families and our friends, both Report an error in the passage at 46:54 Highlight the passage at 46:54

47:01 in life and at the time of death. Report an error in the passage at 47:01 Highlight the passage at 47:01

47:13 So as our consciousness is slowly fading away, Report an error in the passage at 47:13 Highlight the passage at 47:13

47:21 turn your thoughts to your body that's been your constant companion since birth. Report an error in the passage at 47:21 Highlight the passage at 47:21

47:32 You know it more intimately than anyone or anything. You've cared for it and protected it, worried about it, kept it comfortable and healthy, fed it. Cleaned it, experienced all kinds of pleasure and pain with it. It's been your most treasured possession. Report an error in the passage at 47:32 Highlight the passage at 47:32

47:57 But now you are dying and that means you will be separated from it. Report an error in the passage at 47:57 Highlight the passage at 47:57

48:05 It will become weak and eventually quite useless. Report an error in the passage at 48:05 Highlight the passage at 48:05

48:12 You will leave it and it is destined for the cemetery. What good can it possibly do you know? Report an error in the passage at 48:12 Highlight the passage at 48:12

48:26 Just experience this strong sense of dependence and attachment that you have to your body. And how it can't benefit you in any way at death. Fear of pain and regret about leaving it will only compound your suffering. Report an error in the passage at 48:26 Highlight the passage at 48:26

48:46 So just realizing this, Report an error in the passage at 48:46 Highlight the passage at 48:46

48:54 there's no help, there's no comfort, there's nothing we can do to keep this body. Report an error in the passage at 48:54 Highlight the passage at 48:54

49:04 When death comes, it's finished. Report an error in the passage at 49:04 Highlight the passage at 49:04

49:32 So reflecting on these last three points about how our possessions and enjoyments can help us. Our loved ones can't help us and even our bodies can't help us at the time of death. By remembering these, we lessen our attachment to these things in life. Report an error in the passage at 49:32 Highlight the passage at 49:32

50:02 We're able to develop this motivation, this wish to Report an error in the passage at 50:02 Highlight the passage at 50:02

50:11 turn our efforts to developing our minds, Report an error in the passage at 50:11 Highlight the passage at 50:11

50:20 turning our efforts to those things that can help us at the time of death, those positive imprints. And positive actions. Report an error in the passage at 50:20 Highlight the passage at 50:20

50:52 So if you're feeling depressed at this point or upset, just remember that death is a natural and inevitable aspect of life. Report an error in the passage at 50:52 Highlight the passage at 50:52

51:07 And the only thing that makes it difficult is our inability to accept it. And that we have this Report an error in the passage at 51:07 Highlight the passage at 51:07

51:22 incredible opportunity that we've found in this life to do something to prepare ourselves. To be ready for death this time. To not have to go through it as we have in so many lifetimes without control, with a great deal of fear, with attachment, with a lot of suffering. Report an error in the passage at 51:22 Highlight the passage at 51:22

52:03 Fear and regret arise because of unrealistic clinging to a permanent self. Report an error in the passage at 52:03 Highlight the passage at 52:03

52:15 So if we remember death Report an error in the passage at 52:15 Highlight the passage at 52:15

52:22 as just a natural ending in this life, Keeping it in mind, then this clinging will loosen, allowing us to be mindful and to make every action positive and beneficial for ourselves and others. Report an error in the passage at 52:22 Highlight the passage at 52:22

52:50 This mindfulness also encourages and enables us to take advantage of this life and to not waste our time. Report an error in the passage at 52:50 Highlight the passage at 52:50

53:03 So consider this and consider just the benefits that we're able to realize from this kind of contemplation. Developing this mindfulness, we Report an error in the passage at 53:03 Highlight the passage at 53:03

53:35 can make our lives meaningful and positive and thus enable ourselves to die with a peaceful mind. Report an error in the passage at 53:35 Highlight the passage at 53:35

· · · silence, 1 minute

54:29 Let's take a short break. Report an error in the passage at 54:29 Highlight the passage at 54:29

· · · silence, 3 minutes

57:25 know what? I was so into it. I was in the kitchen. Report an error in the passage at 57:25 Highlight the passage at 57:25

57:32 such a magical magic. Report an error in the passage at 57:32 Highlight the passage at 57:32

57:41 It's because everybody's going to wait for me. Report an error in the passage at 57:41 Highlight the passage at 57:41

57:51 Thank you. Report an error in the passage at 57:51 Highlight the passage at 57:51

58:15 like it when people are coming in and I'm sorry. Report an error in the passage at 58:15 Highlight the passage at 58:15

· · · silence, 1 minute

59:14 I Report an error in the passage at 59:14 Highlight the passage at 59:14

59:19 think it just goes to sleep. Report an error in the passage at 59:19 Highlight the passage at 59:19

59:36 I just want to make sure it's not pointed too much in your direction. Report an error in the passage at 59:36 Highlight the passage at 59:36

59:45 That was Report an error in the passage at 59:45 Highlight the passage at 59:45

59:54 ironic Report an error in the passage at 59:54 Highlight the passage at 59:54

1:00:23 because I think that was Janet. Oh really? I thought I had it on mute. Oh really? Report an error in the passage at 1:00:23 Highlight the passage at 1:00:23

1:00:35 It's like church bells. Report an error in the passage at 1:00:35 Highlight the passage at 1:00:35

1:00:42 Right? Report an error in the passage at 1:00:42 Highlight the passage at 1:00:42

1:01:02 Is it? Report an error in the passage at 1:01:02 Highlight the passage at 1:01:02

1:01:06 Sometimes it takes, the bulb isn't coming on, right? I know, right? Yeah. It was on before. Report an error in the passage at 1:01:06 Highlight the passage at 1:01:06

1:01:24 If anybody, Report an error in the passage at 1:01:24 Highlight the passage at 1:01:24

1:01:30 oh, Report an error in the passage at 1:01:30 Highlight the passage at 1:01:30

1:01:42 I was going to say that meditation is in How to Meditate and it'll Report an error in the passage at 1:01:42 Highlight the passage at 1:01:42

1:01:52 be, I guess, in the course, we're recording the courses too, so if you want to play back. Report an error in the passage at 1:01:52 Highlight the passage at 1:01:52

1:02:07 I tell you, we've been having some challenges lately with lights. Last week we... I heard that the lights were... I think it's warming up. Okay. Report an error in the passage at 1:02:07 Highlight the passage at 1:02:07

1:02:22 The course recording is... So if you go to the website, you know, teaching.org, so there's a little link that says online teaching, and at the top you just click that and it'll take you to archives.org. which is a repository that we put all up on each unit. And so then, when you go to archives.org, it'll navigate you automatically to the station spot. Report an error in the passage at 1:02:22 Highlight the passage at 1:02:22

1:02:47 And then, you know, you can search for any number of classes. Right, it can be a little overwhelming. I found the easiest way to do it is to choose the teacher name and then all the lectures will come up and then you can choose on the date. Report an error in the passage at 1:02:47 Highlight the passage at 1:02:47

1:03:05 Right. Are there different ways to Report an error in the passage at 1:03:05 Highlight the passage at 1:03:05

1:03:06 Yes, there are a couple of options. I think that there's an option to download as an MP3 file and I'm going to choose that one. But if you have any questions, let me know. Maybe I can pull it up. Yeah, but I'll look at it. I'll see if I can find it on my computer. Okay. And then maybe at the end if the internet's working. Report an error in the passage at 1:03:06 Highlight the passage at 1:03:06

1:03:30 Is this in your... Nope, that's fine. Report an error in the passage at 1:03:30 Highlight the passage at 1:03:30

1:03:35 So we were talking... Oh, no, it's okay. Thanks. I think we've been leaving them on, right? I mean, unless people want, is that too much light? Are you guys okay? So this whole thing about, you know, visualization and we've been talking, this idea of purification has been coming up and we might think, okay, so why? Report an error in the passage at 1:03:35 Highlight the passage at 1:03:35

1:04:00 Why do we need to do this? But it comes back to just wanting to be happy and this whole karmic result of having positive actions. Report an error in the passage at 1:04:00 Highlight the passage at 1:04:00

1:04:11 Create the positive results. And in that case, if that's the result we want, we have to strive for pure ethics. And in addition to be able to create those pure ethics, to live that way, to make a change in our lives, as we'll see here, we need to purify our karma and change our habits. Report an error in the passage at 1:04:11 Highlight the passage at 1:04:11

1:04:32 The root of our negative actions is ignorance. This causes our self-cherishing to arise. And it causes us to be grasping at things as well. You know, when we did that meditation, things arise, you know, just out of here, you know, you think about dying and suddenly you're thinking about, you know, your grandmother's wheelbarrow or something or some special, you know, your mother's ring and it's like, oh gosh, you know, all these things. Report an error in the passage at 1:04:32 Highlight the passage at 1:04:32

1:05:04 And they're, you know, it's that ignorance that... Basically gives us this mistaken view, thinking that our happiness arises from these things. And that's what we have to work on overcoming. So when we mistake permanence for impermanence, grasping and craving arises. By the way, I was going to say I can send you the PDF of these files if you want. Report an error in the passage at 1:05:04 Highlight the passage at 1:05:04

1:05:37 I'm sorry I didn't get to do that today. Next week I'll try. Well, actually, I was going to say we won't have class next week or the week after. But when we come back after that, I'll get the slides out to you sooner. And that way, if you want to take notes, you can do it there. But these I'll send along later. So we have this mistaken view. Report an error in the passage at 1:05:37 Highlight the passage at 1:05:37

1:06:03 And what actually happens is that what we see is not... It's untrustworthy that our view is very conditioned by our karmic imprints. Report an error in the passage at 1:06:03 Highlight the passage at 1:06:03

1:06:20 So we don't really see things objectively. And there's a sūtra that says, you know, as long as you're not free of the veil of karma and obscurations, even if the Buddhists all appeared before you, you couldn't see them. And there are lots of stories where, you know, situate these. In some of the teachings, Geshe-la will tell stories about this person going there or some person having great faith saw one thing and a person having little faith sees something else. Report an error in the passage at 1:06:20 Highlight the passage at 1:06:20

1:06:56 It always comes back to this state of mind. And the essence of nectar in the lamrim says you're fortunate enough to see what appears to you at present. So that at present tells us that... Things are based on causes and conditions. And the good part is the way our minds are right now, there's nothing permanent about it. Report an error in the passage at 1:06:56 Highlight the passage at 1:06:56

1:07:25 We can change this. And the way to change this is to do this purification. And there's an actual method for this called the four opponent powers. Report an error in the passage at 1:07:25 Highlight the passage at 1:07:25

1:07:35 So we're going to go through each of these. Report an error in the passage at 1:07:35 Highlight the passage at 1:07:35

1:07:40 a A little more detail, but we call it just the four opponent powers. Sometimes there are nifty little ways of remembering these, but this is a more classical presentation. And this, by the way, is from Liberation in the Palm of Your Hands by Pabanka Rinpoche. There are a few different, I think there's a later version of that that was done in volumes. Report an error in the passage at 1:07:40 Highlight the passage at 1:07:40

1:08:06 There was a version that came out, I think, in the... 80s or 90s that was a very thick book. There's a later version that was done in like three volumes and it's called Liberation in Our Hands. Still same text to basis. So the first opponent power is the power of the basis. So this has to do with recognizing who to make amends to. Report an error in the passage at 1:08:06 Highlight the passage at 1:08:06

1:08:34 If our negative actions are in relation to the Buddhas. Or the Dharma, then the basis is taking refuge in the Three Jewels. If the negative actions are in relation to other sentient beings, then it might be on the basis of developing bodhicitta. Pabanka Rinpoche says that, you know, it's like when you fall on the ground, you rely on the ground to get up again. So it has the power of the basis goes back to sort of the nature and the relation of the action. Report an error in the passage at 1:08:34 Highlight the passage at 1:08:34

1:09:10 And then the power of repudiation is actually regret. And if you think about this, you know, if we regret something, then we don't want to repeat that action. It's something that's unpleasant to us that we really do make a conscious wish not to repeat. The power of refraining from misdeeds. This is about restraint. So making that determination. Report an error in the passage at 1:09:10 Highlight the passage at 1:09:10

1:09:39 First generating the regret and then making the determination not to repeat the action. Report an error in the passage at 1:09:39 Highlight the passage at 1:09:39

1:09:48 And then the actual purification action itself is relying on, like reciting mantra, which can be done in relation to the names of the Buddhas, reciting sutras, meditating on emptiness, making offerings, anything done in relation to images of the Buddha. So these are positive actions because they're in relation to enlightened beings. It repairs and replaces the negative actions and it creates merit. Report an error in the passage at 1:09:48 Highlight the passage at 1:09:48

1:10:21 So in that respect, we're making a change to our mental imprints. In our death meditation, we talked about the only thing that can help us at the time of death is what we've done with our life, the positive actions, the imprints we've created. So in this way, when we apply these antidotes, we're making an active change on our minds. Report an error in the passage at 1:10:21 Highlight the passage at 1:10:21

1:10:58 And then Tsongkhapa says that when the mind is feeble, that is we study, but we can't retain the words, we contemplate, we don't understand, we meditate, nothing happens. You know, at that point, we're instructed to rely on the power of the merit field. So the merit field, well, we'll talk about that in a minute, but one of the things that happens here is that oftentimes we don't connect the power of our karma and delusion with now. Report an error in the passage at 1:10:58 Highlight the passage at 1:10:58

1:11:32 It seems like we've spent lifetimes creating karma. It's sort of something that's in the back of our minds or it's sort of the baggage we carry, but what we don't realize is that the effects of those actions and of that past is what's creating... The effects we're experiencing right now, all those things, the results of those are ripening and conditioning the efforts, you know, what we can do in this life, basically. Report an error in the passage at 1:11:32 Highlight the passage at 1:11:32

1:12:00 So we need to take an active role to make changes there. And so we talk about creating the causes to accumulate merit, to purify, and Pabalka Rinpoche says, to do this, petition the merit field. Report an error in the passage at 1:12:00 Highlight the passage at 1:12:00

1:12:18 And I'm looking for a tanka. Oh good, it's been moved. So, do we have a merit field? You know, I thought it was, but now I'm not seeing it up there. Report an error in the passage at 1:12:18 Highlight the passage at 1:12:18

1:12:33 Or is it there? Oh, it is back, of course. Well, you know what, next week or something, you know, or maybe after class we'll turn this away. But the merit field is essentially a visualization of the lineage lamas. And it begins with Shakyamuni Buddha. And then there's the essence of method, which is Maitreya Buddha, and wisdom, who is Manjushri. Report an error in the passage at 1:12:33 Highlight the passage at 1:12:33

1:13:00 These are deities who are essentially the embodiment of this method and wisdom, which then branch off to the lineage gurus who studied. And that's one of the neat things about Tibetan Buddhism, is that you have an unbroken lineage. So this goes on and you can visualize, you know, these are... Like when we talk about Pabanka Rinpoche or Lama Tsongkhapa, they're part of this lineage all the way down to your own teachers. You can kind of do this visualization and then you see various, you know, all of the enlightened, the Buddhas and the Bodhisattvas. Report an error in the passage at 1:13:00 Highlight the passage at 1:13:00

1:13:34 And you'll see if you look at that tanka, if you get a chance sometime, it's quite involved. Just mentally for our minds, it's like knowing and recognizing that there is this very clear path, this path laid out by the Buddha, this method and wisdom path or branches that came from that path. And all of these beings who actually practice this, it's a validated path. So we can essentially request the help of these beings. Report an error in the passage at 1:13:34 Highlight the passage at 1:13:34

1:14:12 And that's why we're petitioning the merit field. Because enlightened beings work solely to benefit others. So if we have this lineage behind us, we have this potential and this great source of help. And also a source of accumulating merit. So Pabanka Rinpoche says, you know, building up your accumulation of merit and purifying yourself of obscurations will ripen your mental stream. Report an error in the passage at 1:14:12 Highlight the passage at 1:14:12

1:14:38 We've heard about that with things like... You know, preparing stories of the monk who's unable to, you know, is in the monastery, unable to remember anything, you know, terrible at memorizing, terrible at anything. So he's given the job of, you know, just sweeping the meditation room. And in his, what he uses, visualization to say, ah, as I'm sweeping up, you know, I'm sweeping up the dirt and eliminating the obscurations in my mind. Report an error in the passage at 1:14:38 Highlight the passage at 1:14:38

1:15:10 Okay. And just doing that kind of thing, as the story goes, he attained great realizations. And at the end of just his cleaning, he begins to just, when exposed or he hears the sutras, he memorizes them like that. So it's sort of creating the causes here by purifying this accumulation of karma and also generating merit. Report an error in the passage at 1:15:10 Highlight the passage at 1:15:10

1:15:45 So Dalpa Rinpoche says, Building up your collections of merit, purify yourself of obscurations and petition your gurus and deities, you'll develop realizations that you felt you never would develop even after hundreds of years of trying. This is so for all conditioned phenomena. They do not remain static. So when he mentions conditioned phenomena here, he's talking about the fact that things are impermanent and they're interdependent. Report an error in the passage at 1:15:45 Highlight the passage at 1:15:45

1:16:21 So they depend on causes and conditions. They don't exist singly or of their own accord. So everything around us, including ourselves, we are conditioned phenomena. And we have this potential here to change the view, this mistaken view that we have as a result of lifetimes of karmic obscurations. Report an error in the passage at 1:16:21 Highlight the passage at 1:16:21

1:16:51 So again, in terms of creating the causes, Pabanka Rinpoche says you are like a seed without moisture when you do not build up a stock of merit. So without creating merit, without effort, even this perfect human rebirth that we have right now just becomes the causes for exhausting merit. It's like, yes, the fact that we have this perfect human rebirth says that there were some really great actions created in the past, and this is the result. Report an error in the passage at 1:16:51 Highlight the passage at 1:16:51

1:17:22 But if we don't take advantage of this, if we don't continue to create merit and continue to purify, then basically we exhaust the positive results and other negative karma ripens and we've lost our opportunity in this perfect human rebirth. Report an error in the passage at 1:17:22 Highlight the passage at 1:17:22

1:17:44 So along with this, the whole point of all this was purifying so that we can now use this technique of visualization. We can use this technique of analytical meditation we talked about last week and stabilizing meditation, which we talked about in the earlier weeks, and mindfulness, all these things coming together. Report an error in the passage at 1:17:44 Highlight the passage at 1:17:44

1:18:05 So this purification kind of enhances our efforts. It kind of assures that we can have fruitful results. If we're just going in in a very conventional way, then without... preparing without Report an error in the passage at 1:18:05 Highlight the passage at 1:18:05

1:18:26 When we talk about method and wisdom, this is part of this lineage. So we have the benefit of this lineage of teachings. And if we just ignore them, we're kind of doomed to be at the mercy of whatever karma is ripening in our lives. Report an error in the passage at 1:18:26 Highlight the passage at 1:18:26

1:18:54 This potential for purification and for creating merit is very powerful. So using that and then turning to this power of visualization, which helps us transform the ordinary view, and we can use this to deepen our meditation experience. Report an error in the passage at 1:18:54 Highlight the passage at 1:18:54

1:19:15 If you think about it, even in conventional applications, if we talk about some courses on healing, You'll be given visualizations to do, to see your body as healing. You know, people who are suffering from serious diseases. It's like really transforming the mind to realize, to see the end result that you desire. So, you know, non-smoking, that whole thing, you know, see yourself as a non-smoker, losing weight, see yourself, you know, see your body thin and healthy, all these things. Report an error in the passage at 1:19:15 Highlight the passage at 1:19:15

1:19:54 Here it's basically the same kind of application with that visualization. Now in Tatric practice, it's even more specific because we see the ordinary as beyond the ordinary. We transform the environment, just the natural environment, into a pure land, and we see all beings as enlightened. This is a very powerful practice. And this is really... Report an error in the passage at 1:19:54 Highlight the passage at 1:19:54

1:20:25 A practice that we can also use, we can use an analogous practice to, you know, enhance our bodhicitta. We can be on the street, you can see the environment again as, you know, sort of a pure realm and you can see all the beings, seeing them as your brothers and sisters. You can visualize the planet as, you know, as our shared home, if you will. Report an error in the passage at 1:20:25 Highlight the passage at 1:20:25

1:20:52 So all these... All these things we can do with our minds help us see beyond just the limited view that we have right now. Report an error in the passage at 1:20:52 Highlight the passage at 1:20:52

1:21:05 So by seeing the environment and the beings therein as enlightened, we open ourselves to this possibility of seeing more than the ordinary view. We raise our own consciousness. And this is just a brief glimpse of the methods that are used in... The Vajrayana or the Tantric practice. The real practice requires having instruction and permission. Report an error in the passage at 1:21:05 Highlight the passage at 1:21:05

1:21:33 And you get these through an initiation or an empowerment. And you do that with a qualified teacher who has received those instructions and who holds that lineage. And as I think I've probably said before, Tantra without a solid base in the Sūtra teachings is Pretty much the fast track to the lower realm. So it's not something we want to just sort of go out and experiment with or take upon ourselves. Report an error in the passage at 1:21:33 Highlight the passage at 1:21:33

1:22:04 But it's just part of looking at the power of visualization is recognizing that potential there and that there is a method for applying that to the path. Report an error in the passage at 1:22:04 Highlight the passage at 1:22:04

1:22:20 So in a visualization meditation, again, we're holding an object, but we're holding it. As usual, we're holding the object with the mind. We're not looking at something. The eyes don't really enter into this technique at all. And it's a method that uses both the analytical and the stabilizing techniques. And all these three kind of go together. Kathleen McDonald says in her book that the visualization can be helpful in an analytical meditation. Report an error in the passage at 1:22:20 Highlight the passage at 1:22:20

1:22:58 When we did the death meditation, visualizing ourselves dying, visualizing ourselves going through this process, it makes it more vivid, more real. And again, we're trying to use all these techniques to have a deeper experience. We're trying to get past the intellectual. And then the stabilizing meditation comes into play with the visualization strongly because, again, we're trying to Create an image and stay with it. And that's where that stabilizing meditation really grows with our practice. Ultimately, the goal is having that clear mental image. Report an error in the passage at 1:22:58 Highlight the passage at 1:22:58

1:23:43 And I think next week we'll be talking more about the particular objects to visualize the nature of the meditation itself. But this week we're just going to talk about sort of the general technique. Report an error in the passage at 1:23:43 Highlight the passage at 1:23:43

1:24:03 Problems that we run into is just trying too hard, holding the object too tightly, having expectations arise which lead to frustrations, lead to stress. Meditation shouldn't be stressful. It should be effortful, but not stressful. It should be an enjoyable experience. But it's also just like exercising the body. We have to work at it. And there is some... Report an error in the passage at 1:24:03 Highlight the passage at 1:24:03

1:24:32 You know, there's some discomfort at times. So there are times when, you know, there are days, as we've talked about before, where, you know, the mind is everywhere and it just, it's downright hard to keep it focused. But those are the times, too, that we just have to, you know, keep with it and work hard. And, again, not to go to extremes where it's always the middle way. Report an error in the passage at 1:24:32 Highlight the passage at 1:24:32

1:24:54 So if it's, you know, if you try and it is just not working, then it's, you know, you've tried. At least you haven't. You haven't created this habit of saying, oh, I think I won't meditate today. You're trying, you do it. Sometimes it's a really fruitful experience and sometimes it's not. Report an error in the passage at 1:24:54 Highlight the passage at 1:24:54

1:25:17 And then if we don't put enough effort in, it's easy, you know, distractions arise. We lose the object and we have lots of nice meditational naps. And then over time we really, you know, we don't realize much from that kind of practice. So balancing those two. Report an error in the passage at 1:25:17 Highlight the passage at 1:25:17

1:25:38 So that's about, let's see, is that about all I've got? Oh, comes down, yes. Again, going back to practice. We always talk about practice. Report an error in the passage at 1:25:38 Highlight the passage at 1:25:38

1:25:49 And Sanghi Kadro says, just accept what comes and stay with it. So that's part of letting go of those, the expectations. Report an error in the passage at 1:25:49 Highlight the passage at 1:25:49

1:26:02 You know, letting go of the demands and the requirements. Just open the mind. And enjoy the experience. And then that practice of the visualization that I mentioned before about seeing the environment as pure and the beings as enlightened, you can do that between sessions. It can alter your view of so much. When we talk about karma and our view of the world, there's, like I said, many stories of how two beings can have... Report an error in the passage at 1:26:02 Highlight the passage at 1:26:02

1:26:34 Very different experiences in the same place. And I'm sure you've experienced this as well. Sometimes you're with someone and they're having a very different experience altogether of where you are and what's happening. So just taking an active role in that, recognizing that we have this ripening karma that by virtue of our actions and our thoughts and mindfulness. Report an error in the passage at 1:26:34 Highlight the passage at 1:26:34

1:27:02 We can apply purification techniques. We can apply the four opponent powers and purify that karma. We can also create positive actions and generate merit. And all those things are going to enhance our practice. And whatever we do, when we practice in between sessions, we're cultivating more mindfulness. Report an error in the passage at 1:27:02 Highlight the passage at 1:27:02

1:27:28 So that's also very powerful and goes back to supporting the... Meditation session practice. That's about all I've had for tonight. Does anybody have any questions or anything? Report an error in the passage at 1:27:28 Highlight the passage at 1:27:28

1:27:42 Oh, the microphone. Sorry, I always forget. Report an error in the passage at 1:27:42 Highlight the passage at 1:27:42

1:27:59 You mentioned the visualization and meditation. A few weeks back we did the meditation on the mind, visualizing a blue sky. Is it part of that family of meditation or is it more like a stabilization? Yeah, that's a good question. I think some of it is that all of these three kind of begin to intertwine because there's certainly, whenever we're, you know, I think the heart of that meditation was a stabilization, but we use a visualization so that we can get an experience of the expansiveness of the mind in that particular meditation. Report an error in the passage at 1:27:59 Highlight the passage at 1:27:59

1:28:37 I think, you know, there was a, they, the idea was to look at the clarity. And sort of infinite nature of mind, the unlimited nature. And those are pretty abstract concepts. So by visualizing a clear blue sky and just lying on your back and sort of on a hilltop and having all of that sort of envelope yourself, it's just a method with that visualization, I think, to experience that sort of mental... Report an error in the passage at 1:28:37 Highlight the passage at 1:28:37

1:29:15 Mental thought, that concept. So yeah, in that respect it is a visualization meditation. Another type of visualization meditation we'll talk about more next week. You might do a visualization of Tara or a visualization of Shakyamuni Buddha where what you're actually doing is trying to visualize in your mind in detail the appearance of that being. Report an error in the passage at 1:29:15 Highlight the passage at 1:29:15

1:29:42 And when we do that, Oftentimes we're thinking of, we might use a tonka or a statue or something as a guide. But in our actual practice, the ideal is to see that being as living and breathing and not as a stationary object per se. So we'll be working with those things. Visualization comes in and sometimes it's good just to be mindful of it. Report an error in the passage at 1:29:42 Highlight the passage at 1:29:42

1:30:13 Where it's arising. I think it's a very powerful, powerful tool. And I think we find if we start looking for it, it shows up in lots of places. Okay, Report an error in the passage at 1:30:13 Highlight the passage at 1:30:13

1:30:28 well let's do a little dedication. We also talked about how dedication really puts that, the sort of guarantees that the results of our positive actions are not lost as Say this perfect human rebirth would be without the effort. It kind of dedicating those merits so that they are already applied to a particular goal, a particular end. Report an error in the passage at 1:30:28 Highlight the passage at 1:30:28

1:31:10 So Report an error in the passage at 1:31:10 Highlight the passage at 1:31:10

1:31:22 just reflecting on the time we've spent doing these meditations, Report an error in the passage at 1:31:22 Highlight the passage at 1:31:22

1:31:37 learning these meditation techniques, Report an error in the passage at 1:31:37 Highlight the passage at 1:31:37

1:31:45 recalling our motivation at the beginning of this class. This bodhicitta mind of wishing to benefit others so Report an error in the passage at 1:31:45 Highlight the passage at 1:31:45

1:31:59 that as we progress in this practice to transform and tame our minds, to develop mindfulness, that ultimately we Report an error in the passage at 1:31:59 Highlight the passage at 1:31:59

1:32:18 walk this path handed down by all of these lineage Lamas, these enlightened beings, and Report an error in the passage at 1:32:18 Highlight the passage at 1:32:18

1:32:32 seek the goal of enlightenment ourselves for the sake of all sentient beings. Report an error in the passage at 1:32:32 Highlight the passage at 1:32:32

1:32:56 Thank you. You are very welcome. I apologize, I realize I had wanted to do a little purification meditation, and I think we'll just start next time, because we're running a little bit late again tonight. Report an error in the passage at 1:32:56 Highlight the passage at 1:32:56

1:33:12 Sure, please. Report an error in the passage at 1:33:12 Highlight the passage at 1:33:12

1:33:22 a well-seasoned nun, and she wasn't a nun a long time ago, I won't say that long. Report an error in the passage at 1:33:22 Highlight the passage at 1:33:22

1:33:31 I can see she's, for me, you're living proof of how the Dharma changes our life. you've just been transforming and transforming. She's done all the reading for us, all the practices for us, but we have a wonderful resource. We're all fortunate to be in the class right now. There will not be class for two Thursdays. Next Thursday and the following one, just a reminder. And Gishitashi, who will be coming from Changyang Center in London, and he'll be giving a talk on compassion. Report an error in the passage at 1:33:31 Highlight the passage at 1:33:31

1:34:08 Probably at the entry level since it's a general talk. It's on Tuesday the 22nd here at Seton Lane. Put that on your calendar. I think it would be lovely to hear him. Report an error in the passage at 1:34:08 Highlight the passage at 1:34:08

1:34:22 Someone you'd really meet. He's also the leader of the education program that you can sign on. I think foundational. He teaches foundational Buddhism, I think. Foundational Buddhism. So he's a great resource. Report an error in the passage at 1:34:22 Highlight the passage at 1:34:22

1:34:39 Also, people who feel they're ready to take refuge this Sunday, Shantideva will be also ready to feel that they want to follow the path of the Buddha and themselves to achieving enlightenment by Report an error in the passage at 1:34:39 Highlight the passage at 1:34:39

1:35:03 emailing us or emailing Carol for that. Sange Kadro, who's the author of this fabulous book that Carol has referred to. How to meditate. Sange Kadro, a rare visitor, also will be here on January 6th, 7th and 8th. Report an error in the passage at 1:35:03 Highlight the passage at 1:35:03

1:35:23 That's another weekend not to miss here. We Report an error in the passage at 1:35:23 Highlight the passage at 1:35:23

1:35:32 do not own this beautiful building. We actually rent it. and it's way beyond means. we appreciate any donations. Report an error in the passage at 1:35:32 Highlight the passage at 1:35:32

1:35:57 class, in two weeks, after two months, in the days. I think I know we're we don't have class on the 17th and the 24th so we'll have two more classes and a practice day so I don't know how many people plan to attend the retreat day I know that if you December 1st. Okay. Yeah, December 1st. Report an error in the passage at 1:35:57 Highlight the passage at 1:35:57

1:36:21 I'll email you the slides and then email me if you have any questions or any requests regarding the refuge. Continue in your readings and we'll focus on those a little bit more when we come back. So you'll have a good amount of time now to practice various meditations and do some readings. Report an error in the passage at 1:36:21 Highlight the passage at 1:36:21

· · · silence, 1 minute

1:37:29 basically, you go to the website, if anybody wants to see this, and there's the online Report an error in the passage at 1:37:29 Highlight the passage at 1:37:29

1:37:40 for the audience reporting right here. Report an error in the passage at 1:37:40 Highlight the passage at 1:37:40

1:37:50 then it takes you here, which is a little bit confusing. I think the best way is to be across like this. Because even if you should just Oh, you can just put them in the butler pantry. Yes, actually. If you go, take the right, just past the... No, no, you want to go back into the bookstore and then there's like a swinging door and you'll see a little sink there and you can just put them in there. Report an error in the passage at 1:37:50 Highlight the passage at 1:37:50

· · · silence, 1 minute

1:38:58 other option is Report an error in the passage at 1:38:58 Highlight the passage at 1:38:58

1:39:09 I have a question. Do you know when the slide says visualize sentient beings as a mite? Do they mean all sentient beings? Report an error in the passage at 1:39:09 Highlight the passage at 1:39:09

1:39:37 Thank you. Report an error in the passage at 1:39:37 Highlight the passage at 1:39:37

1:40:07 I'm sorry, what's that? Barry! Yeah! Oh my goodness! Mary! Mary Smith, who used to be our house do everything person, just became a nun, like right now. Report an error in the passage at 1:40:07 Highlight the passage at 1:40:07

1:40:44 Oh, wow! Why would you not? It's like not taking advantage of precious opportunities. Thank you. That's T-U-S-H-I-T-A. Out of Germany. Report an error in the passage at 1:40:44 Highlight the passage at 1:40:44

1:41:05 You know, in Chinese, you're not Chinese, but in Chinese, a lot of restaurants are called like the Golden Sun. It's just a name that a lot of buildings have. But then there's a center in Dharamsala where His Holiness is. That's what you have called Tushita. Oh, it's a Buddha heaven. Report an error in the passage at 1:41:05 Highlight the passage at 1:41:05

1:41:15 Okay, I understand. Report an error in the passage at 1:41:15 Highlight the passage at 1:41:15

1:41:27 it. And when it comes to open centers. And he's there now in our nation. Get on a plane. Not now. I don't need a plane. That's right. Who needs a plane? Report an error in the passage at 1:41:27 Highlight the passage at 1:41:27

1:41:51 Alright, next Thursday there's a Pooja and you're welcome to Pooja. I'm ready. I'm ready. Report an error in the passage at 1:41:51 Highlight the passage at 1:41:51

1:41:55 oh, the American, yes, it is. Report an error in the passage at 1:41:55 Highlight the passage at 1:41:55

1:42:03 don't have to, all up to you. going to bring that, try We're going to have the nations over here, and then, uh, operating, Report an error in the passage at 1:42:03 Highlight the passage at 1:42:03

1:42:15 know what I'm just laughing at when people bring either fruit or crackers that are packaged or or just bring your milk for donation. Yeah, donations are good. You can bring a donation. Report an error in the passage at 1:42:15 Highlight the passage at 1:42:15

1:42:46 Thank you. And I'm so glad you came from us to be able to do it. Is it audio? Yes! You totally clicked today. Awesome, thank you guys. I kind of just mind being late and stuck in traffic, you know, jumped right in and had to take over. Report an error in the passage at 1:42:46 Highlight the passage at 1:42:46

1:43:11 Right? It wasn't just me, right? No, no, no, no. It took me two hours to get here. I planned to be here like this. It's so crazy. What a day. What was it? There were some evening accidents. No, there were football games. That's one. And I guess there are events now. Do you guys like the holidays approach? It gets more and more difficult. Report an error in the passage at 1:43:11 Highlight the passage at 1:43:11

1:43:35 People go shopping. The Christmas shopping is starting already. Report an error in the passage at 1:43:35 Highlight the passage at 1:43:35

1:43:43 Good night, Carol. Thank you. Put me on your email list. buddy. I'm bringing a trip. I'm bringing a square. Really? Report an error in the passage at 1:43:43 Highlight the passage at 1:43:43

1:43:57 I almost want to go back, but I didn't want to. You're already looking at me. Report an error in the passage at 1:43:57 Highlight the passage at 1:43:57