After a brief “Tashi News” update on the Coronavirus situation in India, Geshe Tashi launches into his commentary on Maitreya’s Prayer of Love.
He begins by giving context to the good habit we can develop of taking refuge at the beginning of any study or practice. It is a reminder, he says, not to spend all our time solving immediate problems at the expense of attending to our longer-term difficulties and goals. Part of refuge is enhancing bodhichitta, and this will take care of our long-term needs, close the door to unhealthy actions, and lead us on the path to higher rebirth and enlightenment.
Verses 5 and 6 cover offering, confessing, prostrations, rejoicing and dedication: five of the Seven Practices or seven limbs we know from the prayer of the same name.
As usual, Geshe Tashi translates for us directly from the original Tibetan text. In verse six he very helpfully explains the differences between yeshe and sherab, both of which can be translated as wisdom and can have the same meaning at a more general level, but at the same time have their own distinct qualities which are important to know.
In verse 7 Geshe la guides us through what it means to be a tenth level bodhisattva. In verse 8 we are introduced to the four demons. They had cultural significance in the time of Lord Buddha and, as we’re sure you’ll agree, “they” have very practical significance for us today.
Verses 7,8 and 9 show us how to request teachings, and the last two lines of verse 9 are a request to remain in cyclic existence, giving us a Seven Practices full house this week! Verse 9 is also, Geshe la adds, the verse that His Holiness the Dalai Lama often uses to request teachings (and to keep ceremony to a minimum, as is his way).
Another action-packed teaching from Geshe Tashi to help lift your spirits – and there’s more to come!
With best wishes as ever,
Your Admin Team
Maitreya’s Prayer of Love (Verses 5,6,7,8 & 9)
Jampai Monlam
I offer all that I have to the Buddhas
In their pure lands of the ten directions.
In the wisdom of all the Buddhas
And in my own virtues I rejoice.
In short, I confess all harmful actions,
I make prostrations to all the Buddhas.
I rejoice in all acts of virtue
And I myself wish to obtain supreme wisdom.
Bodhisattvas of the tenth level
In all the ten directions
Need no reminder
To work for enlightenment.
Obtaining Buddhahood, supreme enlightenment,
Joining those who have subdued the demon of self-cherishing,
He will turn the Dharma wheel
In order to benefit all sentient beings.
I pray that sentient beings without exception
May be liberated by the sound of the great Dharma drum.
Please stay to teach the path to enlightenment
For inconceivable millions of eons.
FPMT, translator unknown
https://foundationsofbuddhistthought.org/
Khen Rinpoche Geshe Tashi Tsering taught in London for over 25 years and is currently Abbot of Sera Mey Monastery in Karnataka State, India.
Dear Geshe’la
The Ganden Tri Rinpoche said something similar when giving a commentary at Jamyang which resonated with me. He said refuge comes before Bodhichetta without refuge one cannot develop Bodhichetta . Many things you have said I would dispute because I am not learned.
As I am going to join Basic Buddhism 5 year course I hope I will be in a position to counteract your arguments. So please great Guru please continue to give teachings so at the end of the day I can say ‘Ha Ha I’ve got it’ I understand the point you are making – particularly about the benefit or non benefit about politics. Thank you for your constant time and effort . Ros
Dear Geshe-la and admin team – thank you so much for making these special teachings so available.
Please live long so we can gain some understanding in this life time.
Not bored yet!
Sincerely Grace
Dear Geshe la
Many thanks – echoing others. Here in the UK we have big heat – waiting for the rains. Do hope all still well in the monastery and India not too badly affected. Love to all Jane
My I phone has a mind of its own I write Sherab and it insists on Sherman what to do !
Dear Geshela
Just as there are differences in the understandings in the two concepts of wisdom
Yeshe and Sherman.
Is it also true that loving kindness might be promoted first studying say Maitreya’s
Ornament of Clear Realisation whereas the Madhymaka Prasangika texts might cause
Compassion to develop first ? Just a thought Geshela trying to keep up.
Dear Geshela as usual your teachings are like receiving a precious message from a dear family member with a balance of light humour, incisive interpretation of various subtle points and clear definitions of terms.
Yes going on endless holiday with no need for any service providers would be wonderful. Thank you for including some personal descriptions of your Sera experience also. Certainly not bored…….please provide more teachings when you have the opportunity…
Thank you Geshe Tashi
Tashi delek
Once again I have received from you, my “home delivery” of spiritual food, and it is most welcome. Thank you.
Jeh-yong
Luvly analogy Shirley – home delivery –
Dear Geshela
Thank you very much for this gift of Dharma teaching from the Land of Buddha.
It helps a lot to focus us on the right direction and going the way of compassion and wisdom to enlightenment.
Also here in Bern nice sound of birds and nice weather.
Ruth
Dear Geshe-la,
thank you so much for your continuing support and teachings! Not bored yet…
Even having set some kind of longterm goal for myself but listening to you I realized that during the day my mind all the time deals with worldly affairs and trying to solve some daily difficulties. I think that doesn´t make much sense because I am sure by just turning my mind towards some longterm perspective that already will ease or reduce most of my “problems”.
Thank you and take care as well,
Volker