#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.

[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

[dalishthunder]

A Game of Go

Chapter 7: Helen of Troy

[AO3 Link]

"We must try to develop greater perspective, looking at situations from all angles. Usually when we face problems, we look at them from our own point of view. We even sometimes deliberately ignore other aspects of a situation. This often leads to negative consequences. However, it is very important for us to have a broader perspective. We must come to realize that others are also part of our society. We can think of our society as a body, with arms and legs as parts of it. Of course, the arm is different from the leg; however, if something happens to the foot, the hand should reach down to help. Similarly, when something is wrong within our society, we must help."

-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

You picked listlessly at the protein bar in your hand, face filled with an emotion Ramattra couldn’t quite place.

Despondence perhaps?

Eventually you put it down on the desk, only partially eaten, with a sigh.

“Is something the matter?” He asked after a moment, placing his tools on the work bench.

You gave him a small smile and shook your head, you had for the past several days worn a similar expression… and each time he asked if anything was wrong, you would shake your head with a downright doleful smile.

“I’m fine,” You said, though your voice betrayed you.

“Do not lie to me.” Perhaps his voice was a touch sterner than it needed to be, but he had grown tired of this game; He was not going to hem and haw around an issue he could see, but could not identify.

You immediately snapped to attention, a startled look on your face.

At least you were no longer downcast.

“It’s fine, really. It’s nothing you need to worry about,” You stammered, occupying your hands with the protein bar, picking and twisting.

“I am not worried, I am… concerned. I cannot remedy something if you do not articulate what troubles you.”

You gave him a sheepish smile, “I think the lack of sunlight is starting to affect me.”

He tilted his head, “I’m afraid I do not understand.”

“We actually need sunlight to synthesize certain vitamins in our body. Lack of sunlight can severely impact us, but I didn’t realize it would happen so quickly.”

“Humans truly are fragile,” He hadn’t intended for it to come out so callously, but as you winced, smile faltering for just a second, he felt a pang of guilt.

“Y-yeah. Just a bit.” There was more that you had to say, but you chewed on your words for a moment before continuing, “And you’re probably not going to like this, but there are certain micronutrients that human bodies need that aren’t present in protein bars. Not- not that I’m complaining, I knew going into this that I probably wouldn’t be eating the same sort of prepared foods that I was before, but I think the lack of vegetables or even a multivitamin might be fucking with my system.”

“Oh,” He hadn’t thought about that.

“Even if we can’t get any vegetables, a multivitamin and water-soluble fiber should be okay.” You quickly added.

Just another way for Talon to figure out that you were human.

Not that he wasn’t already positive that they figured it out already. They weren’t exactly known for being dullards.

“If that is what you need.” He stated simply, and you seemed to relax as though you had been preparing for some sort of battle. “Add it to our requisition forms. I’m sure it will be the easiest of the items on there to procure.”

“Thank you.” You swallowed before letting out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of your head. “I don’t know why I thought this was going to be a more difficult conversation.”

Something in him sank at your words, “I am a reasonable omnic.”

You seemed to bite your tongue at that remark, and he bristled a bit.

“I am.”

“I didn’t say you weren’t,” You raised your hands placatingly, brows furrowing. “It’s just… sometimes you don’t like my ideas, and I was worried that this would be another one of those times.”

He did not ask for your ideas.

He did not ask for your assistance.

He did not ask you to join him.

He could do this alone.

He had been doing this alone for a long time.

Ramattra stared at you for a moment, processor picking through each of your interactions, and he begrudgingly had to admit that… you weren’t completely incorrect. Since you had chosen to join his cause, he had been… less than charitable when you shared your ideas.

… Your words were not without some truth.

A pregnant pause filled the room, and you cleared your throat awkwardly, “So, um, thanks. For hearing me out this time.”

He mulled on his words, picking over them, sorting the wheat from the chaff, and after another long moment he sighed, “You said when you had first joined, ‘Follow the money. Target them, and the people will begin to rise up.’ Tell me which of those so-called ‘Hard Targets’ you deem most worthy of death and I shall bring them to their end.”

A small compromise.

Nothing that would delay his schedule, but a show of good faith.

He could see the way your hands quivered, eyes ablaze with a mixture of surprise and excitement.

“Are… are you sure?” There was a touch of horror in your voice as you spoke… you really were such a gentle creature, of course you would have your reservations, but there was steel in there as well. You could do this.

You just needed a push.

“Quite.”

You swallowed and he took a step towards you, tipping your chin up. It was a small compromise, but he still knew how difficult it must be for you. A wave of affection coursed through his processor, and found himself leaning down to touch his forehead to your own.

“Annihilation stirs at your command.”

It was impossible to miss the shiver that ran across your back, pupils dilating, blood and pulse racing under your skin. Your eyes fluttered closed after a few seconds, and you leaned into his touch, nose bumping against his faceplate.

Idly he couldn’t help but wonder what it would feel like to have your lips pressed against him.

Probably no different from your fingertips… though the texture would be different, wouldn’t it….

After all, the texture of your skin was different on your palms than on your cheeks.

How many different textures would he have discovered on your body should you let him explore it?

“You need only direct it.”

Annihilation stirs at your command.

You need only direct it.

You looked at the photos in front of you, people all smiling with shiny, perfect, white teeth.

Today you condemn someone to their death.

No trial.

No plea.

No jury.

You were the judge. The one who held the thread of fate between your fingers, scissors in hand…. Because even if you weren’t the one pulling the trigger, you were about to commit a murder. Blood would still be on your hands, blood you could never wash off no matter how necessary it was.

You swallowed, saliva thick in your throat, lead in your stomach.

You knew the atrocities these people committed regularly, you knew the world would be a better place without each and every one of them in it.

You supposed that made it easier….

Please don’t ask me to shoot anyone.

You really should have been more specific, but this had been your idea; Take out the wealthy and influential people who were actively oppressing humans and omnics alike.

You could do this.

You could do this.

You could do this.

No you couldn’t….

Yes.

You could.

Ramattra wouldn’t take any of your ideas seriously if you couldn’t follow through on even one of them.

You weren’t pulling the trigger.

You didn’t have to look your victim in the eyes as it happened.

But it would still happen.

You let out a shaky breath. You wondered if this would get any easier. If this was how Ramattra had felt when he had first decided how to help his people….

He had been born of war and violence… did he feel at home in it?

Did he feel any remorse for his actions?

… Did that even change the way you felt about him?

You knew that he wasn’t actively trying to hurt citizens, but so much of what he was doing was… crude. Like a bowie knife being used for surgery.

And you understood that that was how he thought people would listen; How he would be able to protect his people…. But you knew people. You knew how societies operated. It was kind of your whole thing.

… Okay, maybe not your whole thing considering it wasn’t what you did for a living, but still. It was something you understood intimately.

Ramattra would listen to you.

This was the first step in that.

Annihilation stirs at your command.

You need only direct it.

You could do this.

You would do this.

Today, you killed your first man.

… History would forgive you….

… Right?

Ramattra looked over the manifests you had devised, noting that you had added some food to it. Carefully worded and hidden, but food nonetheless.

Good.

He needed you alive and well… though he shifted uncomfortably at the thought of Talon discovering you. No matter how careful he was, there would always be that possibility….

He would need to train you in the art of self defense, devise some sort of weapon for you so that even when he was not by your side, you weren’t defenseless.

He wondered how you’d take to a gun….

Though his thoughts were disturbed as you were particularly loud when you threw open the door.

“Marcus Resnick.” The first words out of your mouth as you entered the room, pulling out a tablet and placing it on the table in front of him. “Inheritor of the Resnick fortune, and responsible for the merger between Nestle Co, and The Wonderful Company, and owner of millions of acres in plantations that exploit both impoverished children and the lack of omnic rights protections in many countries. Currently responsible for the civil unrest in both the Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon, and heavily linked to the assassination of omnic rights activists Maria Santiago and André Papillon, as well as prominent political figures in the Republic of Ecuador.”

There was steel in your voice, in your eyes, in your posture as you looked at him.

“That was… quicker than expected,” He admitted. You were a gentle creature… he thought it would have taken longer for you to deliberate on the misdeeds of others to decide who he should eliminate.

Good.

Decisiveness was a good look on you.

“Yes, well… I appreciate you taking my suggestions into consideration…. And if there is anyone other than prominent politicians who deserve death, it’s probably him. Even in nations like the United States, The Wonderful Company is allowed to use fracking waste water, as well as irradiated water, to water their produce which has led to increased birth defects and cancers in multiple areas. Operating globally, they also control Fiji water which has led to droughts on the island nation that their puppet politicians have done nothing to address for the past eighty years. Even if he gives millions to charities a year, he’s a trillionaire who would grind us all beneath his heel if given the chance.”

There was so much passion in your voice, fire in your eyes, the way the corners of your mouth turned down as you spat out this man’s sins. It was… intoxicating.

He glanced at the tablet in front of him, you’d written up a report for him. He almost wished he could smile.

How quaint.

As though your words alone were not enough of a reason for him to kill.

“Not to mention the amount of pollution his factories contribute to-”

He reached out, fingers brushing over your cheek, and you stuttered, trailing off. Your skin was so warm under his sensors.

Once upon a time, Ramattra had tried to understand the human condition… read their myths and legends and spiritual texts.

He hadn’t cared for much of them outside of their prose and poetic symbolism.

But looking at you now, hearing your voice, he… understood why Troy fell when they had taken Helen.

Why a war could be waged for one, singular person.

Ramattra did not take pleasure in killing.

Satisfaction perhaps… but not pleasure.

… But he had to admit that he would take great joy in pruning the world into something you deemed beautiful.

Life by life.