#his holiness the dalai lama

[raffaellopalandri]

Happy Birthday, His Holiness!

Today is the 14th Dalai Lama‘s birthday. A reason for joy and gratitude for the Tibetans, the Buddhists, and everyone who feels connected to the Dalai Lama. As a Buddhist Priest who decided to live as a lay person, my wishes for His Holiness are that he may continue bringing his teaching for a long time.

[selfdiscoverymedia]

IG24-17. Judith Orloff “The Genius of Empathy,”

Ignite Your Heart and Soul with Sara Troy and her guest Dr Judith Orloff, on air form April 23rd  In “The Genius of Empathy,” Dr. Judith Orloff offers practical advice on how to cultivate and enhance empathy. which I believe readers will find of great value.”     —His Holiness the Dalai Lama, from the foreword to The Genius of Empathy. The Transformative Power of Empathy How to use empathy…

[glitterygalaxyballoon]

LEIGH SALES: Since February, 2009 there've been more than 100 Tibetan self-immolations to oppose Chinese rule and policies. Does that mean that Tibetans are losing patience with non-violence?

DALAI LAMA: No. I think the self-burning itself on practice of non-violence. These people, you see, they easily use bomb explosive, more casualty people. But they didn't do that. Only sacrifice their own life. So this also is part of practice of non-violence.

[roboticchibitan]

@swords-n-spindles said I should post about the books I'm reading for my library's summer reading program, so I am (reluctantly) doing that. I'll be tagging these posts as "summer reading" and I have decided to have one fiction book and one nonfiction book going at a time!

Currently reading:

Fiction: Psalm for the Wild Built

Nonfiction: Love for Imperfect Things: how to accept yourself in a world striving for perfection (will start once it arrives in the mail today)

Finished:

Healing Anger: the power of patience from a Buddhist perspective (republished later as Perfecting Patience) by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

The Compassionate Life by H.H. the Dalai Lama

Reflections on Healing Anger and The Compassionate Life under the cut

Healing Anger/Perfecting Patience is the transcript of a talk the Dalai Lama gave in Arizona in 1993. The subject of the talk was chapter 6 of an 8th century Buddhist text called Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life by an Indian sage named Shantideva.

Chapter 6 of Shantideva's Guide is widely considered by Buddhists to be the ultimate work on patience. Chapter 6, verse 10 (Shantideva's work was originally an epic Sanskrit poem) is my "If there is a remedy, what is the use of frustration? If there is no remedy, then what is the use of frustration?" Litany against 3am anxiety.

It took me 4 months to finish this book because I am a slow reader but I enjoyed it and would like to read it again at some poimt and take notes/time to reflect on what I read, but the first read through the main things I took away from it were

1. Patience is preferable to anger for many reasons and is the antidote to the poison of anger

2. You can't grow your patience in a vaccuum; it takes people making you angry to give you an opportunity to practice/grow your patience and

3. If possible, you should acknowledge that the people who make you angry are giving you an opportunity to better yourself and you should therefore try to be grateful towards them.

Easier said than done but it gives me something to aspire to!

The Compassionate Life is a much shorter book. I read it in just under a week. It talks about the importance of compassion for others and how that compassion is integral to our own wellbeing. I did a lot of reflecting and journaling while I read this book, and I would agree with the general statement that having compassion for others increases your own wellbeing. I've experienced this first hand in my own life.

Before I developed psychosis, I wasn't a very compassionate person. And during my psychotic episode, I experienced a lot of suffering, and saw a lot of suffering around me, particularly during my time in and out of mental health facilities. I was very angry.

But in those mental health facilities, I met one of the most demonized marginalized groups: the homeless mentally ill. And I let go of my prejudices against this group and learned to have compassion for them. I also acknowledged that it was just a matter of luck that I wasn't also homeless and unmedicated. And that was the first step on my journey to becoming a more compassionate person.

I've found that there's no joy in being judgmental. Maybe there's satisfaction. But not joy. But when you choose to put down your judgmental first instincts and deliberately choose to be compassionate towarda others, there's much more room for joy. So I agree with His Holiness.

I really enjoyed chapter 6, which once again drew from Shantideva's work. It made me think more deeply and inspired me to order a used copy of Guide to the Bodhisattva Way of Life, which I am very excited for.

[diamondnokouzai]

HUH?!?!?!?!?!?

[trending09]

88th Birthday of the 14th Dalai Lama: A Celebration of Peace and Compassion

The 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is one of the most well-known and respected spiritual leaders in the world. He is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. On July 6, 2023, the Dalai Lama will celebrate his 88th birthday. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (Born:06 July 1935) The Dalai Lama was born in Taktser, Tibet, in 1935. At the age of two, he was…

[araekniarchive]

@sunsbleeding, 'Come lay with me and look at the sky' [words only] (full artwork)

Brian Selznick, The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Louise Miller (x)

Hiller Goodspeed, You Can't Waste Time

Nia Vardalos, Tiny Beautiful Things

@sioltach (x)

@asoftwrongness (via)

Dexter (2006-2013), 4x12: The Getaway

WHAT COLOR ARE YOU? by Sphenoid

His Holiness the Dalai Lama (via)

Gregory Orr, Selected Books of the Beloved

[radical-revolution]

“If one's life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness. Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. And finally, there is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation.”

~ His Holiness Dalai Lama

Tibetan Buddhism for World Peace🙏

[mahayanapilgrim]

"If one's life is simple, contentment has to come. Simplicity is extremely important for happiness.

Having few desires, feeling satisfied with what you have, is very vital: satisfaction with just enough food, clothing, and shelter to protect yourself from the elements. And finally, there is an intense delight in abandoning faulty states of mind and in cultivating helpful ones in meditation."

~ His Holiness Dalai Lama

[talonabraxas]

Manjushri Talon Abraxas Unveiling the Power of Manjushri

Manjushri: The Bodhisattva Of Wisdom

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom is a specific prominent bodhisattva who is especially revered in the Buddhist universe. Manjushree, blessed with an inspiring past and deep symbolic meaning, is a prominent figure in the spiritual life of Buddhists and a constant source of inspiration for those pursuing enlightenment.

The Origins of Manjushree

Manjushri is also known as "Gentle Glory" or "Sweet Splendor," a significant figure in Mahayana Buddhist traditions, rooted in the Prajnaparamita Sutras, which emphasize the pursuit of perfect wisdom. Manjushri's significance is emphasized in Buddhist scriptures, where Sutras promote perfect wisdom and encourage practitioners to overcome dualistic thinking.

He is portrayed as an emanation of the primordial Buddha, either Adi Buddha or Samantabhadra, symbolizing ultimate wisdom. His wisdom is considered timeless and all-encompassing, transcending temporal and spatial constraints.

The Role of Wisdom in Buddhism

Manjushri's definition as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom emphasizes the prominence of wisdom in Buddhism. Wisdom (prajna) is one of the perfections (paramitas) that Buddhist aspire for on their journey to enlightenment. Wisdom is the insight and judgment that leads to the revelation of reality's actual essence.

The practitioners aim to overcome ignorance and suffering by understanding the fragility, interconnectedness, and emptiness of all phenomena, with Manjushri serving as an inspiration for improving intellect and intuitive grasp of Dharma.

The Representation And Symbolism Of Manjushri

Manjushri is represented in Buddhist art and sculpture with distinguishing features that represent his status as the Bodhisattva of Wisdom.

Manjushri is represented with an orange or saffron-colored body, representing the radiance of wisdom's bright light.

Manjushri holds a sword and a scripture in each of his hands. The sword depicts his capacity to cut through ignorance and deception, while the book represents the scriptures' wisdom and knowledge.

He sits on a lotus seat which represents purity and enlightenment. This position symbolizes his ultimate waking.

Manjushri's crown is decorated with five gems that represent the five Buddha wisdoms.

Manjushri Mantra: "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih"

The Manjushri Mantra, also known as the "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih" mantra, is a powerful incantation to seek Manjushri's blessings and guidance.

"Om" represents the universal sound, the essence of reality. "Ah" indicates the immunity of wisdom. "Ra" represents the glowing illumination of wisdom. "Pa" represents the crowning glory of wisdom. "Ca" embodies the wisdom of discernment. "Na" indicates the ultimate reality's knowledge. "Dhih" desires insight from Manjushri's knowledge.

Manjushri in Different Traditions:

Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, is revered in Buddhist traditions as a symbol of enlightenment. His knowledge transcends boundaries, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey. This inquiry explores the various Buddhist traditions and the cultural tapestry of knowledge Manjushri weaves, highlighting his luminous presence.

Manjushri in Tibetan Buddhism: The Goddess of Wisdom and Leadership

In the mystery realm of Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri holds an essential role. He's the patron saint of intellectual pursuits. Monks, scholars, and students invoke him, chanting his mantra, "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih," as they seek clarity and insight on their academic journeys.

However, Manjushri's impact reaches beyond lecture halls and monastic libraries. The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is thought to be an emanation of Manjushri in Tibetan tradition. This relationship emphasizes the interrelated nature of knowledge and leadership.

Manjushri in Chinese Buddhism: A Holy Haven on Wutai Shan

As we venture into the vast landscape of Chinese Buddhism, we encounter Manjushri's presence in the majestic Wutai Shan (Five-Peak Mountain) of Shanxi province. Here, nature intertwines with spirituality in a profound way.

Wutai Shan is believed to be Manjushri's earthly residence, a holy mountain to which pilgrims go to seek his blessings and knowledge. The rough beauty of the region serves as an environment for an abundance of temples and monasteries that resonate with the knowledge and inspiration gained from

Manjushri's spiritual presence.

Manjushri in Japanese Buddhism: The Interpretations of Art

Japan, with its rich cultural tradition, has its own representation of Manjushri. Manjushri is cherished here not only through prayers but also through colorful strokes of creative expression.

Manjushri's beauty is portrayed in wonderful paintings, sculptures, and ceremonies. Japanese Buddhists embrace their faith's creative side, empowering Manjushri's wisdom to spread through every sector of their existence.

Manjushri in Vajrayana Buddhism: The Thunderbolt of Divine Wisdom

Manjushri is recognized in Vajrayana Buddhism, also known as the "Diamond Vehicle," as a flaming embodiment of wisdom. In this position, he holds the "vajra," a symbolic thunderbolt that represents the unbreakable essence of knowledge.

Manjushri's vajra breaks through ignorance and delusion, allowing for clarity and enlightenment. Manjushri's energy and knowledge are transmitted for spiritual development in the obsessive rituals of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Manjushri as a Unifying Presence in Southeast Asian Buddhism

Manjushri's knowledge is a uniting attraction in Southeast Asian Buddhism. He overcomes regional and cultural differences by serving as a universal emblem of enlightenment. Manjushri's essence unifies disparate cultures in their search of wisdom and spiritual progress, whether in the jungles of Thailand or the temples of Cambodia.

[msfbgraves]

Terry and Daniel were the best part of the season. Johnny was so incredibly annoying and insufferable from the start. Holy shit what a character fail he is.

Johnny Lawrence as written by John Josh and Hayden paints a picture of what these men value and desire for themselves and it is... Not attractive.

And I'll never forgive them that they started out a story about a man who had somehow gotten to this point, but found some glimmer of light to make him crawl back up, into a celebration of all his vices.

You see I've seen people get lost to alcoholism in my life and I've read so many memoirs to get a sense of why and at the core often is an entitlement that they, personally, are above responsibility for their feelings. If something or someone makes them feel pain, they 'have' to use. They're 'allowed' to use. Other people use when they're in pain, besides, they shouldn't have to be in pain. Ever. And because they have a genetic disposition that makes them react extremely strongly to substances, which is NOT their fault indeed, all the havoc they wreak is also not their fault in their brain. And so they're eternal victims. Except that it IS their fault for feeling they do not hold any responsibility for reacting responsibly to their emotions. If I feel bad, and I know that societally normal coping mechanisms, of which alcohol is one, make me hurt people, and make me unable to function, I have a RESPONSIBILITY to find alternative ways of coping with pain. I have a right to support in that, but I have to make a conscious effort and keep it up. And Johnny displays this unwillingsness to take responsibility in almost every area of his life. And the narrative encourages him. He fails Carmen, he fails Daniel, he fails Robby!!! But he somehow finds the energy to show up for Kreese, the man who hurt him first, and has done nothing but hurt him since. And that is shown in a positive light?!

OK dudesbros. I know you want your ugliest selves to be loved unconditionally, but the only ones who will do that are people like the Dalai Lama and the next thing they will try to teach you is how NOT to be that way. People like Amanda would not indulge Johnny, they would kick him out on his ass the first time they disappointed them. Robby would have given up by now. Daniel is halfway towards sainthood anyway but people shouldn't have to be.

[raffaellopalandri]

Book of the Day - The Leader's Way

Today’s Book of the Day is The Leader’s Way, written by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Laurens van den Muyzenberg in 2011 and published by Nicholas Brealey Publishing. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibet and lives in exile as a refugee in India after the Chinese invasion of his motherland in 1959. He is also the leader and a monk of the Gelug…

[itseasierthanithought]

The Paradox of Our Age

We have bigger houses but smaller families;

more conveniences, but less time;

we have more degrees, but less sense;

more knowledge, but less judgement;

more experts, but more problems;

more medicines, but less healthiness.

We have been all the way to the moon and back,

But have trouble crossing the street to meet

the new neighbor.

We built more computers to hold more

Information to produce more copies than ever,

but have less communication.

We have become long on quantity,

But short on quality.

These are times of fast foods

but slow digestion;

tall man but short character;

steep profits but shallow relationships.

It is a time when there is much in the window,

But nothing in the room.

~ His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

[ksjanes]

Om Mani Padme Hum - "We have within us the seed of purity."

An english possible translation from a view from his holiness the Dalai Lama.

[roboticchibitan]

If you want to fight off the existential dread of capitalism, I highly recommend donating to your local food bank if you can afford to. I'm on SSI so I don't have a whole lot to give, so to maximize my impact and get the most good out of what little I can give I donate $5 to the food bank every month because the food bank can feed at LEAST 20 people with $5. They can buy food in bulk. As in, crates of food for a single dollar. Monetary donations go so much farther than your old cans of tomatoes or whatever.

And like! I can't change that I'm disabled and poor. I can't change the economic and political system I live under. But I can feed 20 people every month. So I do. Does it make a difference in the grand scheme of things? Maybe not. But it made a difference to those 20 people. That's a lot of people! That's a whole crowd!

And it's selfish because I do this specifically to make myself feel better. But those 20 people probably wouldn't call me selfish. His Holiness the Dalai Lama often says (paraphrasing) the way to be happy is to be kind and compassionate towards others, so if you want to be selfish be wisely selfish and help others. And he's not wrong! It helps! I feel better AND 20 people get an extra meal. Win win.

[diamondnokouzai]

his holiness the dalai lama said What about immigration to europe