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To practice dharma, one should understand that the so-called “I,” is in fact the physical and functional appearance of the body (the “self,” consisting of form, feeling, perception, mental formations and consciousness), and it is only an illusory projection of temporary causes and conditions (dualistic functioning between self and phenomena).
Tonglen is the practice of ‘giving’ or ‘sending’ (tong) happiness and wellbeing and ‘receiving’ or ‘taking’ (len) pain and suffering. It is part of the instructions on ‘mind training’ (Tib. lojong) brought to Tibet by Lord Atisha, and is specifically related to relative bodhichitta. Put very simply, the Tonglen practice […]
For the basic vehicle or Theravada, the main approach is to avoid them. When there are lots of emotions, reduce them by avoidance. When there are fewer disturbances, eliminate subtle emotions using mindfulness. In this way, there will be no chance for gross emotions to arise. The analogy is: if […]
A Tibetan proverb says, “On the rocky mountain of pride, the rainwater of merit will not be retained.” The mind filled with pride blocks the happiness of calmness and peace. When faced with someone filled with pride, people will find him or her difficult to get along with and thus […]