(Acho Rinpoche visited Tsurphu Monastery in Tibet in Aug 2014)
1.
See Karmapa Through One’s Mind-eye
Some of the audience who attended
a teaching by H.H Karmapa recently fought over their seats in order to be able
to “see” Karmapa more clearly without having their views being blocked. Karmapa fell
silent for quite a while after hearing such incident. Later, he broke his
silence and said that he did a lot of preparations in order to bring the
precious teachings to the students and he hoped that the audience would see him
through their mind-eyes but not their naked eyes.
2.
What is a Buddhist?
Gampopa ever explained the
meaning of being a Buddhist and the reason for practising the teachings of the
Buddha. He said, “Being a Buddhist means being prepared to face death at any moment. Not only that, one must face death without any regrets.” When we
ponder upon death frequently, we will not be carried away by other trivial issues in life related
to money, career, family etc., for the rest will be just meaningless when we die.
A Kadampa master
said, “When we hear a teaching, apply it immediately.”
In the past, there was a
westerner who was confronted by a serious illness and felt depressed.
However, a Buthanese friend of his advised him to not take his illness
seriously. Actually, the Buthanese people spend 5 minutes each day in the morning
to ponder upon death. So, they cherish the present and do not worry about what
will happen tomorrow. This is the secret of Buthanese’s Happiness Index. However, the
westerners lack such oriental philosophy in their cultures.
3.
Three Key Teachings
H.H Karmapa said, “Do not pick on
the fault of others.” Acho Rinpoche said, a practitioner should just admire the
strengths of others but not pick on their weaknesses, if he wants to break free of the cyclic existence of birth and death. In this world, the
practice of the following three key teachings is far more superior then the
recitation of mantras. They are:
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s my fault.”
“Please forgive me.”
A practitioner who practises these
three key teachings frequently will reach the shore of enlightenment swiftly.
So, we should learn to listen to the views of others and try to understand
the views of others; we should not always insist on our own views.
Reported by Sun Moon KFS on 11-7-2015
